Did You Know?
You do not need to take the SAT or ACT to apply to Bard.
SAT and ACT scores should only be submitted if a student feels that their scores are an accurate reflection of their academic abilities. Submitted SAT and ACT scores are only used to inform our review process in a very small fraction of applications that include SAT or ACT scores. Students who do not submit their SAT or ACT scores are not penalized in any way during the application review process.
For more information about our test optional policy, please reach out to the Office of Admission at [email protected] or 845-758-7472.
There is NO application fee to apply to Bard College!
What are the application options?
Choose only one!
Using the Common Application, candidates may apply to Bard through:
Regular Decision · Early Action · Early Decision · The Immediate Decision Plan*
*Interviews are optional, except for the Immediate Decision Plan (IDP) where interviews are part of the IDP process and day.
An alternative method of application is the Bard Entrance Examination, an online essay application.
Bard Application Process FAQs
See below for more details on each of these ways to apply to Bard!
Early Application Options
Apply by November 1
The following are Bard's Early Application Options (choose only one):
Regular Decision Option
Apply by January 1
Regular decision option: Apply using the Common Application. Decisions will be posted to your Bard portal by the end of March. Candidates who are placed on the waitlist are invited to submit supplemental information. Those who are not offered admission are usually required to wait a full academic year before reapplying.
Applying for Financial Aid?
Required Financial Aid Forms for Bard College
Financial aid and scholarships based on need are available. (For some financial aid scholarships, students will need to fill out a form and submit that form at the same time their application to the College is submitted.) Both the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE forms are required by Bard for domestic students and are found online. For international students, the Bard International Student Application for Financial Aid is required and is to be completed and uploaded to their Bard portal with their application. All students receive access to their Bard Portal via email after submitting their Common Application to Bard College.
Deadlines for Submitting Financial Aid Forms
- Non-U.S citizens who are applying through early application options: November 1
- NOTE for Immediate Decision Plan (IDP) Applicants: November 1 is the deadline for financial aid forms for all IDP applicants (U.S. and Non-U.S. citizens) to receive early notification of the financial aid estimate.
- U.S. citizens applying through all other early application options (Bard Entrance Exam, Early Action, Early Decision): December 1
- Non-U.S. citizens who are applying through the regular decision option: January 1
- U.S. citizens who are applying through the regular decision option: February 1
Interviews
Interview Options and Requirements
Attention Parents/Families of Bard Applicants!
Once your student submits their Common Application, it may take 24-48 hours for us to confirm receipt of their application. Once we receive their application, they will be emailed a confirmation which includes the credentials to access their Bard portal. Students should login to their Bard portals regularly to view their application and, if applicable, financial aid checklists to make sure we have received all of their required materials and to see important messages we post there.
If your student submits their Common Application on the deadline date but still has required materials to submit, please note that they will have time to upload those application materials after that deadline date as long as their Common Application has been submitted. It is important, however, that they submit those final materials as soon as possible after the deadline has passed as the admission committee cannot read incomplete applications.
If your student applied via the Bard Entrance Exam (BEE) they will also receive a confirmation email from us noting receipt of their BEE application within 48 hours of submitting their application essays. That email will also provide them with access to their Bard portal, which they should view regularly.
We ask students not to mail or email any materials directly to the Admission Office unless instructed to do so. Your student is to use their Bard portal and go to their Application Tab to upload and view submitted materials.
Your student should make a habit of visiting their Bard portal frequently to view their application and financial aid checklists and confirm that we have received all of the materials required to complete their application. We will also be posting information on their portal throughout the admission cycle so it is important for them to check their portal regularly.
Discover More
Bard College is a Partner of Golden Door Scholars
Bard College is a partner of Golden Door Scholars, an organization supporting access to college for undocumented students. Golden Door Scholars selects their student scholars through a rigorous selection process that takes place before students apply to college. Golden Door Scholars who apply and are admitted to Bard receive financial and wrap-around support from both Golden Door Scholars and Bard College. Students who have not already been selected as Golden Door Scholars before applying to Bard are not eligible for this scholarship. To learn more about Golden Door Scholars please visit their website.
Yellow Ribbon Program
Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, colleges and universities enter into a voluntary agreement with the Veterans Administration to cover the cost of tuition and fees in excess of the amounts payable under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. The Yellow Ribbon Program financially aids veterans, and those eligible for veterans benefits, to make a Bard education more accessible regardless of a student's socio-economic circumstances.
For more information about the Yellow Ribbon Program, please contact Josh Tyler at [email protected].
The Bridge Program
High school juniors and seniors who have met or are currently fulfilling their high school requirements and would like the opportunity to participate in a higher-level educational experience are invited to participate in up to two 100- or 200-level classes at Bard to broaden their educational development.
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report