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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I arrange a campus visit?
A: The best time to visit campus is during the summer when our session is in progress. We also hold some information sessions during the fall on campus and in nearby cities. To visit Bard at another time, contact our office at 845-758-7481 or email mfa@bard.edu.
Q: Do you accept transfer credits?
A: No. Applicants who transfer from another MFA program must complete all program requirements.
Q: Do you require the GRE?
A: No. Applicants who have taken a GRE test may submit their scores if they wish.
Q: How competitive is the admissions process?
A: The admissions process is quite competitive; in 2008 we received over 425 applications. Of those 425, 80 were invited to interview, and 29 have been offered admission to the program. Each discipline accepts about 5 students each year.
Q: How do I apply for financial aid?
A: Applicants who are invited for an interview must submit the 2008-09 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by March 14, 2008. You can complete the FAFSA online after January 1, 2008 at www.fafsa.ed.gov. International applicants must submit a copy of the International Student Financial Aid form. You will also need to submit a copy of your 2007 tax return to Bard as proof of income.
Q: How is the program structured?
A: Students in Bard's MFA program are in residence for three summers (8 weeks each, in June and July). During the rest of the year (August-May), you complete an independent study project, which you come back and present the following summer. If you start the program in Summer 2008, you can complete the program at the end of the 2010 Summer session.
Q: I am reapplying to the program; what do I need to submit?
A: Applicants from 2007 or 2008 still have their previous applications on file and may re-use transcripts and letters of recommendation; all other application materials will need to be resubmitted. Applicants from prior years will need to submit an entirely new application.
Q: I don't know what discipline my work falls into: what should I do?
A: For logistical reasons it is necessary to separate our program into 6 disciplines: Film/Video, Music/Sound, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, and Writing. Students are "housed" in one of these disciplines, but are free to explore and work in forms outside of their discipline. If your portfolio work falls into more than one discipline, you have three options. 1. Consider which discipline you would like to focus your attentions on during your graduate study, and/or which area you identify with more closely. (For instance, if you work in both photography and sculpture, but create your photographs from a three-dimensional angle, you should probably apply to sculpture.) 2. Mark your application as undecided for discipline. Our director will review your application, determine which discipline it is best suited for, and send it to the appropriate admissions committee. 3. Submit two entirely separate applications to two different disciplines, following the portfolio requirements for each. You would need to submit two copies of everything and pay twice the application fee.
Q: Is financial aid available for foreign students?
A: Yes. Foreign students are eligible to apply for fellowships and scholarships. Most foreign students are not eligible for government loans, but you may be able to apply for a loan from your home country.
Q: May I pay my application fee by credit card?
A: Starting with the 2009 admissions cycle applicants may pay the application fee of $75 by credit card or electronic debit of a bank account directly from our online application system. The fee may also be paid by money order or a cashier's check (no personal checks).
Q: My college can't send my transcript by the application deadline. Can I send an unofficial transcript?
A: We do not accept unofficial (copied or opened) transcripts. Official transcripts postmarked after the deadline are accepted; any transcripts received by January 22 will definitely be reviewed. We cannot guarantee that transcripts received after that date will make it into your file in time to be reviewed by the admissions comittee.
Q: My recommender cannot mail his/her recommendation letter by the deadline. What should I do?
A: Starting with the 2009 admissions cycle you will be able to have our online application system contact your recommenders via email; the recommenders will then be able to submit their recommendation letters online. We will also still accept mailed recommendation letters. We cannot accept letters emailed to our office. Recommendations that arrive late will still be considered, but they must arrive within one week of the deadline to guarantee their review.
Q: What are the requirements for foreign applicants?
A: Foreign applicants are required to submit the same application materials and fee as US applicants. In addition, applicants for whom English is not a first language must demonstrate English speaking proficiency. There are three ways to meet this requirement: 1. Show proof of a college degree earned at an English-speaking institution, 2. Score at least 100 on the internet (iBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), 3. Score at least 250 on the computerized (CBT) TOEFL or at least 600 on the paper (PBT) test and show English-speaking proficiency.
Q: What is the total cost of the program?
A: The estimated tuition for 3 years (starting in 2008) is $40,535. Fees for 3 years are approximately $1,300. On-campus housing (optional) for 3 summer sessions is estimated at $4,000.
Q: What should I include in my portfolio?
A: Specific portfolio requirements for each discipline can be found on the website below. Visual artists should send images of a variety of works. You may include multiple works from a particular series, but it is recommended that your portfolio not consist entirely of one series of work. Sculptors and those with large installation pieces may include more than one image of a particular piece and/or detail shots. Music/Sound and Film/Video applicants should limit their overall length to 30 minutes, but can include segments from a number of longer works. Writers may submit 15-20 pages from one longer work or multiple examples of shorter work.
More Information: http://www.bard.edu/mfa/admission/applying
Q: When will I be notified about an interview?
A: If you apply for summer 2008, you will receive a letter from our office indicating whether or not you are being invited for an interview. Notification will be sent around the third week of February. Interviews will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2008. If you cannot attend your interview in person, you may schedule a phone interview instead.
Q: Will I be notified when my application is received?
A: With our new online admissions process you will be able to log into your account and see what materials have been received. All applicants will be able to submit their application form, fee, personal statement, and history of work in the arts via our online system. Applicants in Painting, Photography, Sculpture, and Writing will also be able to submit portfolio materials online.
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