Vassar College

Perhaps it’s all the marijuana on campus, but Vassar students, for the most part, seem happy. As a matter of fact, Vassar students were ranked the second happiest student body in the country in 2002. And what’s not to be happy about? Vassar students are spoiled with brilliant professors who spend most waking hours teaching and mentoring their students. Among breathtaking campus facilities and endless acres of greenery to play on, you’ll find academic freedom and a highly-intellectual and interesting student body. There are an infinite number of activities with which to busy yourself, and a social environment as open as a Colorado sky.

Probably the biggest complaint among students is the small size and “bubble-like” quality of Vassar living, which at times can be limiting. But few schools have a community this small and as liberating and far from the social hierarchies of high school as Vassar’s. At Vassar, it’s not about fitting in; it’s not even about fitting. The school is full of independent-minded individuals, some of whom are athletes, performers, comedians, musicians, artists, tree-hugging hippies, political and social activists, and some whom are all or none of the above. You won’t be pigeonholed into a particular identity; you can be a flip-flopper at Vassar. Vassar is not necessarily “real life,” but it is a place that affords the opportunity for students to develop close relationships with their professors and each other, to try things they have never done before, and to create a large impact on a small community. You will learn a lot at Vassar, as academics are demanding and spill over into every facet of student life. You will bounce around ideas with other students and your professors all day and night long. You will be supported, while at the same time, be given a great deal of freedom. After four years at Vassar, you will be ready to go, while at the same time, never wanting to leave.