Applying to Bard

Each year the Admission Office at Bard receives 10 times the number of applicants it can accept. So yes, competition is tough. Bard expects applicants to be proven, motivated students with an average GPA of 3.5 or above, who have taken Honors or AP courses where appropriate in a curriculum that includes four years of English, social studies, mathematics, 3 (preferably 4) years of laboratory science, and 3-4 years of a foreign language.

While evidence of high achievement and motivation is essential, admission to Bard is not just about numbers. The College welcomes independent thinkers and looks closely at each applicant, carefully weighing all facets of the high school experience. Bard presents extraordinary opportunities for its students to thrive and achieve, and seeks students who will take full advantage of these opportunities.

Choosing the right college is a major commitment and should be based on informed consideration, not on media rankings, myths, or vague impressions picked up from friends. Look closely at all that Bard has to offer and make a decision based on our strengths, and on yours.

As for the admission process itself, there are many options. Candidates may apply to Bard's undergraduate program using the Common Application through the following plans:

Method of Application	Deadlines
Regular Admission	January 1, 2012, notification by April 1
Early Action	November 11, 2011, notification by January 1
Transfer Students	fall semester, March 15, 2012; spring semester, November 1, 2011
Immediate Decision Plan (IDP)	November 2012 dates:  2 & 3; 9 & 10; 16 & 17     (Registration form will become available in August 2012.)
Bard College Conservatory of Music	January 1, 2012, Regular Admission
Graduate Programs	see individual program dates

In addition, the following application options are available to qualified applicants: Bard Education Opportunity Programs (BEOP and BOP); Early Admission; Advanced Standing; Special Requirements for Homeschooled Students.

Reply date to an offer of admission:

Whether you apply through the Immediate Decision Plan (IDP), Early Action, or Regular Admission, an offer of admission through any of these processes is nonbinding; all accepted candidates have until the standard candidate’s reply date of May 1 to respond to an offer of admission by submitting a $500 non-refundable deposit (postmarked no later than May 1).

Transfer students accepted for spring term, must deposit by January 1. Accepted transfers for the fall term must deposit by the standard reply date, May 1, unless otherwise notified. Please note that transfer applicants for the fall term cannot apply through IDP or Early Action.

Interviews:

Interviews are not required for admission but they are available. All interviews are conducted by admission counselors either on campus or via Skype. To request an in-person interview at Bard or a Skype interview, contact the admission office at (845) 758-7472 or email admission@bard.edu. Counselors may offer interviews in your area, if time permits.  Please refer to Bard on the Road for travel schedules and contact the counselor directly with your request. Phone and alumni/ae interviews are not available. Interviews must be completed by the application deadline chosen.

Candidates must submit the Common Application form (essay, transcript and recommendations are not due until the time of chosen deadline) along with the application fee, or approved fee waiver, prior to or at the time of the interview.

• Early Action interviews are available through October 28.
• Regular admission interviews are available through December 16
• Transfer interviews are available through October 28 (spring semester) and February 28 (fall semester).

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