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Applying as a Transfer Student

• Which application should I use?
• What are the application deadlines?
• What makes up a complete application?
• Is there financial aid available?

Requirements

• Who is considered a transfer student?
• Are L&T and First Year Seminar required for transfers?
• Are interviews required for transfer students?

Additional Questions

• What about the transfer of credit?
• Is housing available?

Q: Which application do I use?

A: Transfer students may use the Bard Application , Common Application , or Universal College Application.

Q: What are the application deadlines?

A: The deadlines for application are March 15 for the fall and November 1 for the spring. Please note that transfer applicants may not apply Early Action or Immediate Decision.

Q: What makes up a complete application?

A: A complete transfer application file includes the following:

• Bard Application , Common Application , or Universal College Application *
• College transcript(s)
• High School transcript(s) **
• Academic Reference (two are required) ***
• Transfer Candidate Questionnaire
• Transfer Candidate School Report/Dean's Evaluation ****
• Essays (two are required)
• Application fee ($50.00)

Q: Is there financial aid available?

A: Financial aid is available for accepted transfer students; both the FAFSA and Financial Aid PROFILE forms must be submitted. The deadlines for submission of both forms are February 15 for the fall (a month in advance of the March 15 deadline for the application itself) and November 1 for the spring.

Q: Who is considered a transfer student?

A: A "transfer student" is defined as one who has officially matriculated into a degree program (Associates or Bachelors) at an accredited junior college, college, or university, and completed at least one semester at that institution. Candidates who have simply taken college classes without having been admitted into that institution's degree program are considered incoming first-year students, not transfer students. Transfer students who are 25 years or older should apply directly to Bard's Returning to College Program (RCP).

Q: Are L&T and First Year Seminar required for transfers?

Transfer students are expected to be familiar with Bard's distinctive curricular components, particularly Moderation and the Senior Project, and should anticipate spending three years at the College. In practical terms, transfer students coming in with 60 credits and junior-class standing may not be prepared to moderate into the Upper College by the end of their first semester at Bard, thus requiring an additional semester or two.

Q: Are interviews required for transfer students?

A: Although a personal interview is not required for incoming first-year students, it is recommended for transfer candidates (and is referenced on the Transfer Candidate Questionnaire). Of primary importance is the candidate's understanding of Bard's common curriculum (Moderation, Senior Project, Distribution Requirements), learning environment (seminar/discussion, emphasis on close textual reading and writing), and academic concentrations (majors) in order to avoid any misunderstandings.

Q: What about the transfer of credit?

A: A student transferring from an accredited junior college, college, or university usually receives full credit for work completed with a grade of C or better in courses appropriate to the Bard curriculum. Specifically, no transfer credit will be given for courses that are not like those taught at Bard. For example, "journalism" per se is not offered at Bard, therefore no transfer credit would be granted for a journalism class. Determination of transfer credit is made by the Registrar's Office. Regardless of course credit eligibility, a maximum of 60 transfer credits will be granted. Transfer students must complete the final 64 credits at Bard, for a total of 124, in order to receive a Bard degree.

Q: Is housing available for transfer students?

A: Bard guarantees housing for first- and second-year students only. First-year students are required to live on campus. Transfer students who enter Bard as second semester or "advanced status" first-year students (as determined by the Registrar) are required to live on campus (note: students who live with their families within a 50-mile radius of Bard or who have achieved legal emancipation status are exempt). Although Bard does not guarantee on-campus housing for all juniors and seniors, 80% of our student population lives on campus. Accepted transfer students may complete and return the on-campus housing forms or contact the Residence Life office in order to learn more about housing availability on and off campus. more