Applying to Vassar College? This prestigious institution has released its supplemental essay prompts for the 2024-2025 application cycle. These essays provide a unique opportunity for you to showcase who you are and how you aspire to contribute to Vassar’s vibrant community. This year, Vassar offers two engaging prompts. You will need to respond to one of the following prompts within a 300-word limit:
At Vassar, we aim to foster an inclusive community through our philosophy of engaged pluralism. Engaged pluralism is rooted in “the conviction that collaborating across differences is necessary for social transformation and critical for the well-being of any community and its members.” In short, we believe it's our differences that make us stronger. Tell us a little bit about an important part of your identity and how it has shaped your life and/or interactions with others.
Vassar is a diverse community that inspires positive change through open inquiry, deep dives into society’s most difficult challenges, and collaborative problem solving. We care deeply about one another, the communities that have forged us, and the community we build together on campus. Tell us about the community (or communities) you come from and how it has shaped your lived experiences and identity.
Now, let’s explore how to effectively approach these prompts:
Understanding the Prompts
Both of Vassar’s prompts delve into your identity and community. The first prompt revolves around engaged pluralism, emphasizing how your unique attributes bring strength to collaborative environments. The second prompt invites you to reflect on your community influences and their role in shaping your experiences and identity. Answering these prompts requires deep introspection and honesty about your background and individuality.
Approaching Prompt 1: Engaged Pluralism
For the first prompt, consider what makes your background or personal attributes unique. Reflect on the following:
What is an essential part of your identity? Think about aspects like your race, ethnicity, socio-economic background, gender, religion, or even personal interests.
How has this element of your identity influenced your life and interactions with others? Provide specific examples of times you collaborated across differences.
Why do you believe that your unique background would enhance the Vassar community? How can you contribute to fostering an inclusive community at Vassar?
Use Sups AI to brainstorm unique aspects of your identity that could resonate with the idea of engaged pluralism. Their one-on-one chats with current students can offer invaluable insights and feedback on your draft.
Approaching Prompt 2: Your Community
The second prompt focuses on the community or communities you belong to. Start by identifying a community that has significantly impacted you. Consider the following questions:
What community do you feel most connected to? This could be based on geography, shared interests, cultural background, or a group you’ve been actively involved in.
How has this community shaped your values, beliefs, and identity? Provide specific anecdotes or experiences that highlight this influence.
How have these experiences prepared you to contribute to Vassar’s diverse and inclusive community?
If you need inspiration or feedback, Sups AI offers tools to help frame your story effectively. You can also connect with current Vassar students to understand how your experiences align with the college’s values.
Final Tips for Writing Vassar’s Supplemental Essays
Remember, Vassar is looking for genuine and thoughtful responses that reflect your true self. Here are some additional tips:
Be Specific: Use concrete examples to illustrate your points. Vague statements won’t have the same impact.
Be Reflective: Show how your experiences have shaped you and how you’ll contribute to Vassar’s community.
Be Concise: You only have 300 words, so make every word count.
Get Feedback: Platforms like Sups AI can provide valuable advice and constructive critiques to refine your essay.
Good luck with your Vassar College application! Remember, each word is a chance to share your unique story and your potential contribution to this esteemed institution.
