Bard College
Annandale On Hudson, NY, USA

Reviews

Bard College

Briana from Alpharetta, GA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Bard College is not only a beautiful college, but is also on a beautiful mission to help college student learn and cultivate their ambitions and talents. Bard College has just the right balance of peace on campus to study and adventure in the city just two hours away. Bard College is just the right place for me to discover, create, and morph into the artist, woman, and student that I am destined to be.
Tips for prospective students
To prospective students who are coming to Bard College from out of town- remember to keep an open mind about things. For people coming from the city, country, suburbs, or rural areas, Bard College is a completely different atomosphere and campus culture. It is a land of it's own, so have an open mind when you come. Come ready to explore it.
Academic Rigor
Bard College holds its students to high academic standards because the administration and staff know that Bardians can soar above and beyond these standards. Bard even has a Learning and Training Program for three weeks during the summer for its in-coming freshman to get acclamated to the caliber of Bard classes as well as campus life in a less hectic environment before the first day of class.
Dorm Life
Bard has a variety of dorm styles, for all different rankings and grades. Each of Bard's dorms, however, are absolutely beautiful, complete with kitchens, lounging rooms, and comfortable spaces to make the transition from home to dorm as comfortable as possible.
What to do for fun
While Bard College is a peaceful learning environment, it is also 600 acres of bursting excitement. There are events, performances, competitions, games, and dinner parties happening every day at Bard. The fabulous New York City is only a train ride away as well. Students often go to the city to experience the many different islands and cultures within the big apple, and then come back after the weekend ends to share their experiences.

Alexandra from Sherman Oaks, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Bard College is fantastic. There is always something going on, but there is no pressure to do anythingâ??introversion is blatantly accepted. This is such a great atmosphere with the strangest, most interesting, nicest, most academically stimulated group of people you will ever meet.
Tips for prospective students
Show genuine interest in learning in your essay.
Academic Rigor
Definitely not an easy school and definitely not a light workload. You will find yourself so filled with knowledge as a resultâ??not just memorized facts, but a true understanding.
Dorm Life
Very accommodating. It's fun to live in a dorm and they are pretty spacious with a lot of dorm activities.
Food and Dining
Definitely could improve, but they are accommodating toward dietary needs.
What to do for fun
SMOG, house parties, bars, dorm parties, Manor, go into the city, TONS of school-sponsored activities. You will never be bored.
Bang for the buck
Expensive, but great with financial aid and definitely worth every penny. They really want to help their students with all their endeavors, so if you have an idea and need funding, you will likely be in luck.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Hard to say (I'm a Freshman) but I know there is something called Spring Fling. It sounds like just a dance, but I think it's more. I asked an upperclassman about it and she responded with, just follow the glitter. Parliament of Reality is a great place to hang out, stargaze, or just contemplate. Bodyfest: A festival celebrating your body in a variety of cool ways.
Great for these types of students
Introverts and extroverts will be happy here. For people who have a genuine interest in learning and enjoy sitting in a dorm, drinking red wine, and discussing philosophy, gender politics, theoretical physics, etc. Everyone will find a place in this truly magical school.
Clubs and Activities
SO much happening on campus! I'm always torn between activities. There are fascinating lectures, workshops, clubs, activities all the time. We receive a daily email highlighting what's going on that day. There are so many options! I'm never bored.
Greek Life
Nonexistent, but unnecessary here.
Campus Safety
Excellent. Everyone knows Ken Cooper, head of security. He teaches Psychology, which means security will never do something like pepper spray students. Security is truly on the students' side and Bard is a truly safe campus, plus it's very good about posting statistics about any problems, which is important. If they seem high (which they don't), it's only because nothing is fudged.