Marist, *Updates for Vassar and Swarthmore*
Beth Cassie
Marist
Located along the shores of the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie, NY, Marist is a mid-sized liberal arts college (approximately 4,700 undergrads) with a strong career-oriented focus. Marist has been growing in popularity over the past five years – applications have increased by 54% since 2006 leading to increased admission selectivity. Marist is test optional and offers a variety of merit scholarships based on academic performance and athletic and artistic talent.
Updates
Vassar
Feb. 2012- I visited Vassar earlier this fall and had a similar overall impression of the college. We arrived early to campus and were waiting in the student center/cafeteria. There was very little activity at 8:30 am on a Friday morning but when a youngish looking professor walked through seeking his morning coffee, he stopped at our table and asked us where we were visiting from.
Swarthmore
Feb. 2012 – I, too, spent a week at Swarthmore, but as a student in the IECA Summer Institute program. During the week I became very familiar with the Science Center, the dining hall and my dorm room at the edge of campus. Most of the students on campus were attending a variety of high school sports camps; Swarthmore does not hold any classes over the summer. As part of my week I did get attend an info session and get a tour of the campus from a student. I did not fully appreciate Swarthmore until I revisited the campus in the fall when it was filled with students.