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Applying to Bard

What are the application options? 
Choose only one! Using the Common Application, candidates may apply to Bard through Regular Decision, Early Action, Early Decision, or through the Immediate Decision Plan. An alternative method of application is the Bard Entrance Examination, an online essay application.

Interviews are optional, except for the Immediate Decision Plan (IDP) where interviews are part of the IDP process and day. 

NOTE: There is NO application fee to apply to Bard College!
 

Early Application Options

Apply by November 1

Early application options are open to all domestic students. International students who are not applying for financial aid are also eligible. Apply using the Common Application, except for the Bard Entrance Exam, which is an online essay application. Notification of admission occurs by the end of December, and earlier for IDP candidates, on your Bard Applicant Portal. The following are Bard's Early Application Options (choose only one):

  • Immediate Decision Plan
    IDP accelerates the admission process during a daylong session on campus.
  • Early Decision
    Highly-qualified candidates for whom Bard is the top choice may opt to use the binding Early Decision process.
  • Early Action
    Highly-qualified candidates for whom Bard is a top choice may opt to use the non-binding Early Action process. 
The Bard Entrance Examination

The Bard Entrance Examination

The Bard Entrance Examination is an online essay test open only to high school juniors and seniors. The exam must be finished and submitted by November 1. Completion of the test is equivalent to an application for admission. Applicants receive pass/fail notification of exam results by the end of December. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and The College Board's College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) must be filed by December 1.

Learn More

Regular Decision Option

Apply by January 1

Apply by January 1

Regular decision is open to domestic and international students. Decisions will be posted to your Bard Applicant Portal by the end of March. Candidates who are placed on the wait list are invited to submit supplemental information. Those who are not offered admission are usually required to wait a full academic year before reapplying. Apply for Regular Decision using the Common Application. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and The College Board's College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) must be filed by February 1.

Apply with the Common App

How Will You Apply?

There is important information that is particular to you.
Photo by Karl Rabe

There is important information that is particular to you.

To apply to the Bard Conservatory, you must first apply to Bard College.

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