Vassar College

Date: Oct 13 2003
Major: Psychology (This Major's Salary over time)
Compared to my peers coming from larger universities (whether ivy or quasi-ivy league), i feel that i have receieved a FAR better education. I feel that vassar has given me the kind of traditional liberal arts education that people went to college for back in the days when people went to college because it was enriching and helped them to actualize their fullest potential as human beings. I would attribute this experience to the faculty and student body, who, for the most part, were more interested in extending in-class discussions in the hallways, in the campus dining center, in the college center, etc. This is where i learned the most, rather than from readings or coursework. The academics at vassar were tough at first, but by senior year its all very easy, making graduate school a piece of cake.

The social scene was definitely lacking, and in fact, contributed to my misery at vassar more than once. I dont say this because the students were lame (the opposite is more true), but i say this because of what happened when they got together in groups. Very ugly sight in my opinion. I feel that i have grown tremendously, however, as a result of it. It gave me so much more time for self-reflection! On a related note, Poughkeepsie sucks, and NYC is a long and expensive train-ride away, so it forces you to make the most of what is available on campus. For me this was a great learning experience.

While I was not exactly happy during my tenure at vassar, i can honestly say that i entered a boy and left a man. The experience at vassar is not a practical one; you do not leave vassar with anything that you can put on a resume that will win you a job. However, the experience you take with you will percolate into your being and stay with you for the rest of your life. You will come out a bigger and better person as a result of your experiences at Vassar. Now, how many colleges can you say that about?