Vassar College

A liberal arts college in the Hudson Valley with a distinctive arts tradition, a highly open academic structure, and a beautiful arboretum-style campus.

Poughkeepsie, NYLiberal Arts College
2026-2027 cycle
Next deadline
Nov 15, 2026
Early Decision
Essays
1
Prompt
Supplement
Required
2026-2027 cycle
Platform
Common App
Accepted platform
Selectivity
19%
Selective
Enrollment
2,456
Small undergrad

Build your Vassar College application plan

Track the deadline, review every supplemental essay prompt, and shape each response around one clear admissions story.

Application deadlines

RoundDeadlineStatus
Early DecisionNovember 15, 2026116 days away
Early Decision IIJanuary 1, 2027163 days away
Regular DecisionJanuary 1, 2027163 days away

Supplemental essay prompts

  1. Supplement300 words2026-2027

    At Vassar, we value a culture that is based on trust, respect, and inclusivity. We want to build a diverse community where everyone is welcomed, valued, and heard. Please share a value that you hold and describe how that value has shaped who you are.

How to approach Vassar College's supplemental essays

Prompt 1 · 300 words

Choose a role before you draft

Decide what this essay should add to the application: evidence, range, bridge, or a new window into your life. Avoid repeating the Common App essay in miniature.

Example essay shell

Use this as a blank structure for a Vassar College supplement response, then replace every bracket with your own specifics.

  1. Open on [specific scene, object, problem, or conversation].
  2. Show what [choice/action/constraint] reveals about how you think.
  3. Connect that trait to [school program, community, lab, class, or value].
  4. End with the contribution you want to make at Vassar College, not a compliment.

Need more help with this application?

Use our guides to plan your supplement, sharpen your Why Us research, and review your draft before you submit.

Frequently asked questions

How many supplemental essays does Vassar College require?

Vassar College has 1 supplemental essay listed for the 2026-2027 application cycle, in addition to the shared application essay.

Does Vassar College accept the Common Application?

Yes — Vassar College accepts the Common Application.

What is Vassar College's acceptance rate?

Vassar College's most recently reported acceptance rate is 19.0%.

When is Vassar College's next application deadline?

Vassar College's next listed application deadline is the Early Decision round on November 15, 2026.

What does Vassar College's supplement essay prompt ask (300 words)?

At Vassar, we value a culture that is based on trust, respect, and inclusivity. We want to build a diverse community where everyone is welcomed, valued, and heard. Please share a value that you hold and describe how that value has shaped who you are.

Sources and verification

We prioritize Vassar College's official admissions pages for school-specific prompts and deadlines, then use application-platform and federal sources as cross-checks. This record is labeled for the 2026-2027 cycle but still needs a fresh verification pass.

Review official source →