Bard College
Location: Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (rural, small town)
Size: 1,954 students
Avg percent need-met: 86%
Acceptance rate: 65%
Middle 50% ACT: 27-31 **Test Optional**
Middle 50% SAT: 1240-1410 **Test Optional**
Bard is a quirky liberal arts school that values education for the sake of self-growth. Academics are rigorous, but fully customizable, and classes truly make the experience. Professors truly care about teaching and contributing to the community. Though the town is very small, there's a lot to do on campus including a thriving theatre scene and lots of hiking trails. Bard boasts a creative, free spirited, and intellectually engaged student body.
Popular majors / known for: Africana Studies, English Literature, Film/Electronic Arts, Visual/Performing Arts, Social Sciences
Academic approach: Liberal arts. Bard views learning as a "continuous process of growth and effort" and students are encouraged to take an interdisciplinary approach to subjects.
Students may choose a concentration alongside their major, which allows them to explore a specific topic such as human rights, medieval studies, and science, technology, and society.
First year students have the option to begin their college journey at Bard's campus in Berlin!
All students complete a senior capstone project: for example, a photographic essay for a social studies major, or original research for a STEM major.
Fun fact: Every summer, the campus hosts the Bard Music Festival, which explores the life and work of a single composer through music, discussion panels, and a published book of essays. The festival links music to literature, visual art, politics, philosophy, and more to bring classical music to the contemporary audience.
Check out campus photos here!
Quirky Aspects
Lively performing arts scene: students can put on concerts through SMOG, a student-run venue; Thursday Night Live features a range of performers or open mic nights
There are a range of clubs for every interest! Unusual options include the unicycle club; regency era ball dance club; meme lab; fake orchestra; puppetry union; surrealist circus; and blacksmithing club. See the full list here!
The language department hosts weekly ‘language tables,’ where students can eat lunch while practicing their language skills
The Montgomery Place Campus next to the main campus has a mansion, farm, and many smaller buildings, and plays host to exhibitions, concerts, and performances throughout the year
Application Details
Test optional
RD deadline: January 1st
Early Action deadline: November 1st
Supplemental essays: Yes
Application fee: $0
On Common App: Yes
CSS profile: Required
EA/ED due December 1st
RD due February 1st
Interviews: Considered
Extra Notes: Bard requires separate applications for internal scholarships, which are due the same days as application deadlines.
School also featured in: None