Undergraduate Admission

Early Applicants: Apply to Bard via the Immediate Decision Plan (IDP)!

If you are a rising senior, you might think about applying to Bard through our Immediate Decision Plan (IDP). IDP Applicants will also experience a class during this process, and parents/families will also enjoy a Q&A with the President of Bard and Deans of the College.

Students can register now for an IDP date in November but must submit their Common Application by November 1.

Here is what makes IDP a different way of applying:

• Applicants receive an admission decision two days after their IDP event day.
• Applicants experience a Bard College class taught by world-renowned faculty (virtually this year).
• Applicants interview with an admission counselor who has already read their application (virtually this year).

Why We Don't Give 'Merit Aid'

Bard College is devoted to expanding access to high calibre liberal arts education and has made significant efforts to develop innovative programs with this goal in mind. Historically, Bard has stood up to inequities in the traditional college application process that perpetuate inequality, and is a leader in reimagining college access. 

Notably, the College has maintained its test optional policy for almost 50 years and does not require applicants to take or submit SAT or ACT test scores in order to apply. Bard understands the inequity built into the standardized testing industry, and has for decades been able to identify successful candidates without them. Applications are read in their entirety by multiple staff members before being reviewed by committee. Bard also does not participate in the widespread purchasing of names, most often based on standardized test scores, which many institutions use to boost their selectivity figures. Each application to Bard is given a thorough, personal review, adhering to the College’s belief that a student's achievements and potential cannot be summarized by a test score.