Vassar welcomes the record class of 2005 as Newsweek/Kaplan names the school one of the nation’s ‘hottest’

Vassar welcomes the record class of 2005 as Newsweek/Kaplan names the school one of the nation's "hottest"

When Vassar College students start classes on Monday, September 3, they'll be joined by a freshman class selected from the largest applicant pool in the school's 140-year history.

Vassar received 5,690 applications for the Class of 2005. Only 33.8 percent of the applicants — a record low — were admitted, and 698 are expected to enroll. The school's total approximate enrollment is expected to be 2,380.

The recent increase in applications to Vassar – over 40% in the past five years – is a major reason the school is one of nine colleges and universities named among the nation's "hottest" schools in the recent Newsweek/Kaplan "How to Get Into College Guide 2002″ (August 13, 2001).

"These days, most students look for diversity, innovative and flexible curriculums, and exciting urban locations. While there are many qualities that make up a "Hot School," one thing is clear – it's more than just the name that counts," according to the Newsweek/Kaplan guide. "An interdisciplinary learning environment and a location close to New York City make Vassar an increasingly popular school."

Among Vassar's outstanding freshmen are a student who has performed professionally at Carnegie Hall, another who has worked as an oyster farmer, several karate black belts, the founder and publisher of "VENT" magazine for teens, and members of the San Francisco Ballet, the National Ballet of Canada, and the Joffrey Ballet. The class also includes a state gymnastics champion, professional actors, and a fifth-generation Vassar legacy.

The class of 2005 comes to Poughkeepsie from 525 high schools in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and 14 foreign countries. Thirty-two freshmen are citizens of other countries and another 18 are dual citizens of both the United States and a foreign country, making over seven percent of the incoming freshmen international students. Fifty-three of the new students are either bilingual or speak English as a second language. At home, the freshman class speaks 23 different first languages.

In descending order, the top feeder states were: New York (184), New Jersey (58), California (55), Massachusetts (54), Pennsylvania (46), Connecticut (39), Maryland (20), New Hampshire (18), Maine (16), Illinois (15), Texas (14), and Florida (12).

Sixty-two percent of those with high school rank come from the top 10 percent of their classes and 88 percent are from the top 20 percent. The mean combined (verbal and math) SAT scores of this year's freshmen equal 1345, the highest in Vassar's history.

For additional information, call the Office of College Relations at (845) 437-7404.

Vassar College is a highly selective, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Monday, August 27th, 2001.