Bard is a small liberal arts school along the Hudson River about two hours north of New York City by train. Bard has 1800 undergraduate students and is known for strong arts programs, globally respected intellectual and artistic forums, and a creative approach to a liberal arts education. The school is also known for having an alternative model that puts students in control of their academic experience. As a student at Bard, you’ll work with a faculty member at the top of their field to create your own individualized educational program geared specifically to your areas of interest. Because of the alternative approach at Bard that requires students to be self-starters in control of their academic experience, the school is known to be quite self-selecting. The acceptance rate is about 60%.
Bard is deeply engaged in social justice issues, and encourages tough conversations on their campuses in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York City, Boston, California, and Germany, offering students a geographically diverse educational experience. The combination of an interest in social justice and a willingness to think outside the box led Bard to create alternative paths to admission for students, including the Immediate Decision Plan, which invites students to campus (or a Zoom room) for a full-day seminar-style “try out.” At the end, they decide if you’re in. There is also the Bard Entrance Examination, a series of three 2,500-word essays you can complete online in lieu of a traditional application. Score a B+ or higher, and you’re in. Both are ideal for homeschooled or alternatively-schooled students.
If you’ve attended a traditional high school, using the Common App to apply to Bard is certainly the easiest, or at least the least labor intensive, way of applying to Bard. There is only one supplement, and it’s only 250 words — which is a lot less writing than three 2,500-word essays! You’ll also want to know that Bard has been test-optional for more than 50 years, and do not require the SAT or ACT from students. They recommend that students submit their scores only if they feel the score fully represents their academic abilities. If you don’t submit, it won’t be held against you.
If the idea of Bard is exciting to you but you aren’t sure what application approach to take, send us an email. We help students find their perfect fit.
As we said, Bard has only one supplement — and it’s a super simple one (it’s literally two words). You’ll have to say a lot in your response to those two words, though, as Bard is keenly aware that what they offer isn’t for everyone. Just like you, they are trying to find a perfect match, and how you respond to the supplement prompt is the best way of showing them that you’re it.
Why Bard? (250 words)
Yep, that’s it. “Why Bard?” and 250 words. Not too difficult, right? Well, not so fast. A simple question does not mean answering it is simple, and that’s certainly the case here. And, before you even think of drafting, there is some work to be done.
You need to know Bard really well to answer this prompt properly, so set a timer and spend an hour exploring the college website. Find the department page for your prospective major, and dig into what Bard has to offer in the subject(s) you’re passionate about. Identify at least two classes you want to take, and at least one professor you want to study under — and why.
Then, zoom out. What is it about the ‘big picture’ of Bard that you are attracted to? What about the program resonates with you? And, while you’re at it, what are a few clubs, traditions, or social groups you may want to get involved with?
The key here is that you’re not going to write about how pretty the campus is, so you need something to write about that doesn’t mention shrub landscaping.
After research, it’s time to write — and we always advocate for starting with a story. Many students assume that means writing about visiting Bard or the aforementioned banned shrubbery. We understand why students do that, but it’s also completely the wrong impulse.
Instead, you need to write a story that is about you, but that connects to Bard in spirit. Your intro will draw a clear connection between you and Bard, highlighting that you are a perfect match before you even have to mention what you want to major in. For example, if you are hoping to study Written Arts, you could start the supplement with a story from your experiences as a writer, and then use that as the jumping off point to talk about why you want to be part of the Bard program in particular.
This is where your research will come in handy, as you need to share your prospective major, classes you’re interested in taking, and at least one professor you’d like to study under — and why. End the supplement by circling back to the story you started with, or zoom out for a sentence or two about where you see a Bard diploma taking you in the future.
Bard is a truly unique small liberal arts school that challenges students to take control of their educational experience. If you’re a self-motivated and creative student, it may be your perfect fit.
If Bard sounds like a dream, send us an email. We are experts at navigating their admissions process.