Armory College Prep Students Explore Life at Vassar College

On Friday, July 17, students from the Armory College Prep Summer Program, joined by incoming eighth graders from the Great Minds Summer Program, visited Vassar College for an exciting look at life on a college campus. During a guided tour, students explored Vassar’s beautiful grounds while learning about the admissions process, academic programs, campus life, research opportunities, and the many clubs and activities available to students.

Following the visit, students reflected thoughtfully on what they had experienced. One student shared that the trip “helped me learn more about what I want to look for in a college,” while others were drawn to Vassar’s small class sizes, close-knit community, open curriculum, and balance of STEM and the arts. Another student appreciated that the admissions process considers “who their students are as people” and how they might contribute to the campus community.

The reflections also showed that students were beginning to evaluate colleges based on their own goals, interests, and comfort levels. Some could picture themselves applying to Vassar, while others recognized that a different institution might be a better fit for their preferred major. That kind of thoughtful decision-making is exactly why college visits are so valuable: they help young people imagine new possibilities, ask informed questions, and develop a clearer vision for their futures.