By Julia Kemp
Home to only 2500 students and 355 faculty members, little Vassar College is New York’s most hidden gem. Vassar was originally founded as a women’s only college in 1861, however it officially admitted men in 1969. In fact, Vassar was originally the sister college to Yale University, and even considered a merger before becoming coeducational. Sitting on a beautiful and historic campus in the heart of New York, Vassar is a wonderful residential liberal arts college that values educational equity and lively dialogue.
Considered a “little ivy” alongside schools like Amherst, Bowdoin, and Colby, Vassar has amazing academics, with 30 majors to choose from and an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. In fact, it’s possible to major in an Independent Program, meaning that students can “build their own major” through interdisciplinary research. With a 24.5% acceptance rate, Vassar offers competitive academic programs with qualified faculty members.
One of the great things about Vassar is the athletic programs—specifically the golf team. The Vassar Golf Course is a scenic, nine hole golf course located on the Vassar College campus in Dutchess County, New York. The course offers a scenic 2,500 yard layout with beautiful mature trees, and was founded in 1930. One of the greatest additions to the golf course will be in the fall of 2023, when golf-pro and Westmont senior, Olivia Pocat, struts along the green fields as a committed athlete.
Overall, Vassar College is a beautiful and historic little-ivy, with innumerable opportunities and activities available.