Vassar College FAQ
QuestBridge is a non-profit organization that connects high-achieving, motivated low-income students with educational and scholarship opportunities at some of the nation's best colleges and universities. QuestBridge is the provider of the National College Match Program and the College Prep Scholars Program. Vassar College has been a proud QuestBridge college partner since 2007.
Information for QuestBridge National College Match Finalists
I have been named a Finalist. What materials do I need to submit to Vassar College?
A complete list of application requirements to Vassar College can be found on Vassar's Application Requirements page, including information about applying through the Match, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision.
What is the latest test date Vassar College will accept?
Vassar is test optional. You must select that you wish to be test optional on your Vassar Applicant Status Portal. For Finalists who would like to submit testing in time for the Match process, the October sitting for the SAT and September sitting for the ACT are the latest exams that will be considered. If you intend to submit testing from one of those dates, please clearly indicate that you are scheduled to take the test on your QuestBridge application.
Will I be interviewed as part of the Match process?
No. Vassar does not offer interviews as a part of the Match review.
Is the Match at Vassar College binding?
Yes. If you match with Vassar College, it is a binding offer of admission, and Vassar expects you will withdraw any applications at other colleges or universities. If you match with any QuestBridge partner school, QuestBridge will also notify the partner institutions of your Match outcome.
I am an international student. Will Vassar College consider my QuestBridge College Match application?
No. At this time Vassar is only able to offer the Match to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and undocumented students (students who live in the U.S. but do not have a current visa). International students are encouraged to apply to Vassar College using the Common Application or Coalition Application through Vassar's Early Decision I, II, or Regular Decision programs.
If I match with Vassar College and become a QuestBridge Scholar, what will my financial aid look like?
All applicants to Vassar College are reviewed in a need-blind admission process. All of Vassar's financial aid is need-based, and they meet 100% of demonstrated need. QuestBridge Scholars can anticipate receiving the financial aid outlined in Vassar's Match Scholarship Profile.
Information for Non-Match Finalists and Non-Finalists
If I ranked Vassar and I’m not Matched, what are my options at Vassar College?
If you ranked Vassar College on your match list through QuestBridge, your application will automatically be moved to the Regular Decision applicant pool. You will need to complete the Vassar QuestBridge Writing Supplement.
If you wish to apply for Early Decision II using your QuestBridge application, you must submit a signed and completed Early Decision Agreement Form along with the Vassar QuestBridge Writing Supplement.
If you no longer wish to be considered for admission to Vassar College, you may withdraw through your Vassar Applicant Status Portal or by emailing admappmaterials@vassar.edu.
If I did not rank Vassar and I’m not Matched, or if I am a Non-Finalist, what are my options at Vassar College?
Select Vassar on the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form on your Application Management page between November 3 and December 10. Only check the box if you fully intend to submit a complete application to Vassar.
You will need to complete the Vassar Selection Form for QuestBridge Applicants and the Vassar QuestBridge Writing Supplement.
If you wish to apply for Early Decision II using your QuestBridge application, you must submit a signed and completed Early Decision Agreement Form along with the Vassar Selection Form for QuestBridge Applicants and Vassar QuestBridge Writing Supplement confirming your intention to apply EDII.
What is Early Decision?
Early Decision is intended for those candidates who have decided that Vassar College is their clear first choice. If admitted, it is binding, and students will be expected to attend Vassar. Students may only apply to one Early Decision college. In order to be considered for Early Decision admission, candidates must submit a completed Early Decision Agreement Form. Your fall term first quarter grades or a progress grade report are required.
If I choose to forward my QuestBridge application, what additional items do I need to submit?
A complete list of application requirements for Vassar College can be found on the Application Requirements page.
May I submit the full Common Application or the Coalition Application in addition to my QuestBridge application?
Yes. Students may apply to Vassar College using either the QuestBridge Application, the Common Application, or the Coalition Application. It is not necessary to submit multiple applications. Vassar College does not prefer one application over another.
How do I request a fee waiver on the Common Application or Coalition Application?
All QuestBridge Finalists automatically qualify for a fee waiver. If you apply via the Common Application, under the Vassar College Member-Specific section you will be asked “Do you intend to use one of these school-specific fee waivers?” Please select “Yes, I will be using a Vassar fee waiver". If you apply via the Coalition Application, use the fee waiver code "Vassar Fee Waiver".
If you were not named a QuestBridge Finalist and are requesting a fee waiver for your application to Vassar College through the general process, please follow the same instructions listed above for Finalists.
When do I need to get all my materials into the Vassar College Admission Office?
The application deadline for both Early Decision II and Regular Decision admission at Vassar College is January 1.
If I already listed Vassar College on my rankings list, do I need to resubmit my financial aid forms?
No. For more information, please visit Vassar's Financial Aid website.
Is financial aid available for non-matched QuestBridge students?
Yes. Vassar College has an excellent financial aid program. Vassar has a need-based financial aid policy and are committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated need for accepted students who apply for aid. Check out the MyinTuition quick cost estimator or the Net Price Calculator to get an estimate of what a financial aid package at Vassar College might look like for you.
For more information regarding the Financial Aid program at Vassar College, please visit the Financial Aid profile at QuestBridge.
When do I need to submit my mid-year grade report?
You should submit your mid-year grade report with first-term grades as soon as they are available, typically by February 1. If you apply to Vassar College using your QuestBridge Application, please use the QuestBridge Midyear Report. Your school counselor can send your mid-year grade report by either:
- Fax to: (845) 437-7063
- Email to:
- Mail to:
Office of Admission, Vassar College
124 Raymond Avenue, Box 10
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604-0010 - Email: questbridge@vassar.edu
If you apply to Vassar College using the Common Application or the Coalition Application, use their Midyear Report form.
I forwarded my application to you, how do I know you received it?
Within 10 days of submitting your application, you will receive an email with a Vassar ID and directions on how to access an online checklist (aka your Vassar College Applicant Status Portal) for your application.
Due to the volume of applications received, especially around the January 1 deadline, please allow a few weeks for supporting documents to be received and acknowledged. If there are items missing from your application, you will be notified via email by the beginning of February.
How do I contact QuestBridge?
Contact information for QuestBridge can be found on this page. Questions about the status of your QuestBridge application and the Match process should be directed to QuestBridge.
How do I contact Vassar with additional questions?
Please contact Vassar College at questbridge@vassar.edu.