Applying to Bard

How will you apply?

Choose the path that fits you.

Each page has the deadlines and details for that path. Scroll down for an overview of application methods.

First-YearTransferInternationalHomeschooledReturn to CollegeBard Early CollegeBard Conservatory

Choose your application platform

Use one application, either the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir, not both. Then choose when to apply below.

Common Application

Apply here for Early Action, Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Regular Decision or the Immediate Decision Plan. If you apply here, don't also submit Coalition with Scoir.
Apply Now with Common App
Coalition with Scoir

Apply here for Early Action, Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Regular Decision or the Immediate Decision Plan. If you apply here, don't also submit the Common Application.
Apply Now with Scoir

Questions about applying?

Find quick answers, or reach out to the Admission team.

Application Process FAQs

Early Application Options

Deadline: November 1

Choose one of these three options.

Immediate Decision Plan

Binding or non-binding. Take a class, interview with a counselor, and get your decision 48 hours after participating.

Immediate Decision Plan
Binding or non-binding. Take a class, interview with a counselor, and get your decision 48 hours after participating.

The Immediate Decision Plan (IDP) is for the accomplished student with Bard as their top choice. You can choose to make it binding or non-binding. To use it, register for an IDP date, then submit your application in the Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED) round.
On your IDP date, you will take a class with Bard faculty and then interview with an admission counselor. Your decision will be posted to your applicant portal 48 hours after you participate.
U.S. citizens: the College Board's College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) must be filed by November 1 in order for eligible students to receive a financial aid package alongside their admission decision. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed as soon as it becomes available, and no later than February 1.
International students: the Bard International Student Financial Aid Application (BISFAA), which you can find on our Financial Aid for International Students page, must be submitted by November 1.
Learn more on the Immediate Decision Plan page
Early Decision

Binding. For highly qualified students whose top choice is Bard. Decisions arrive by the end of December.

Early Decision
Binding. For highly qualified students whose top choice is Bard. Decisions arrive by the end of December.

Submit your application by November 1.
Complete the Early Decision Agreement form, available on the Common Application and Coalition with Scoir. Decisions will be posted to your Bard Applicant Portal by the end of December. If you are admitted through Early Decision, you must accept Bard's offer of admission and make your deposit within 4 weeks of receiving your admission decision.
U.S. citizens: the College Board's College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) must be filed by December 1 in order for eligible students to receive a financial aid package alongside their admission decision. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed as soon as it becomes available, and no later than February 1.
International students: the Bard International Student Financial Aid Application (BISFAA), which you can find on our Financial Aid for International Students page, must be submitted by November 1.
This round is labeled Early Decision (ED) on the Common Application and Coalition with Scoir.
Early Action

Non-binding. For highly qualified students for whom Bard is a top choice. Decisions arrive by the end of December.

Early Action
Non-binding. For highly qualified students for whom Bard is a top choice. Decisions arrive by the end of December.

Submit your application by November 1.
Decisions will be posted to your Bard Applicant Portal by the end of December.
U.S. citizens: the College Board's College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) must be filed by December 1 in order for eligible students to receive a financial aid package alongside their admission decision. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed as soon as it becomes available, and no later than February 1.
International students: the Bard International Student Financial Aid Application (BISFAA), which you can find on our Financial Aid for International Students page, must be submitted by November 1.

Why apply early?

Every student admitted in an early round has their full demonstrated need met.

At Bard, the ability to pay should never decide who gets a world-class education. For students admitted in an early round, we meet full demonstrated need, covering tuition, food and housing, required fees, and first-year academic programming (if applicable). We work closely with families to make Bard affordable, without compromising the academic and creative freedom that defines us.

Explore Financial Aid

Photo by Pete Mauney ’93 MFA ’00

The Bard Entrance Examination

An alternative application option that does not require the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir.
Apply by November 1, 2026.

The Bard Entrance Examination is a free, online essay exam open only to high school juniors and seniors. Write three essays, each answering a question from a different subject area, and submit the exam by November 1. Completing the exam is equivalent to an application for admission. Applicants receive their results by mid-December.

Learn More About the Bard Exam

Regular Application Options

Deadline: January 15

Choose one of these three options.

Regular Decision

Non-binding. The standard application round. Decisions arrive in late March.

Regular Decision
Non-binding. The standard application round. Decisions arrive in late March.

Submit your application by January 15.
Decisions will be posted to your Bard Applicant Portal by the end of March. If you are admitted, your deposit is due by May 1.
U.S. citizens: the College Board's College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed by February 1 in order for eligible students to receive a financial aid package alongside their admission decision.
International students: the Bard International Student Financial Aid Application (BISFAA), which you can find on our Financial Aid for International Students page, must be submitted by January 15.
Early Decision II

Binding. For highly qualified students whose top choice is Bard. Decisions arrive by the end of January.

Early Decision II
Binding. For highly qualified students whose top choice is Bard. Decisions arrive by the end of January.

Submit your application by January 15.
Complete the Early Decision II Agreement form, available on the Common Application. Decisions will be posted to your Bard Applicant Portal by the end of January. If you are admitted through Early Decision II, you must accept Bard's offer of admission and make your deposit within a month of receiving your admission decision and/or financial aid package.
U.S. citizens: the College Board's College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed by February 1 in order for eligible students to receive a financial aid package alongside their admission decision.
International students: the Bard International Student Financial Aid Application (BISFAA), which you can find on our Financial Aid for International Students page, must be submitted by January 15.
Immediate Decision Plan II

Binding. Join a daylong virtual session with a class and an interview, and get your decision 48 hours later.

Immediate Decision Plan II
Binding. Join a daylong virtual session with a class and an interview, and get your decision 48 hours later.

The Immediate Decision Plan II (IDP II) is for the accomplished student with Bard as their top choice. IDP II is binding: to use it, register for an IDP date and submit your application through the Early Decision II round.
On your IDP date, you will take a class with Bard faculty and then interview with an admission counselor. Your decision will be posted to your applicant portal 48 hours after you participate, and you will also receive an email notification.
U.S. citizens: the College Board's College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed by February 1 in order for eligible students to receive a financial aid package alongside their admission decision.
International students: the Bard International Student Financial Aid Application (BISFAA), which you can find on our Financial Aid for International Students page, must be submitted by January 15.
Learn more on the Immediate Decision Plan page

Did You Know?

Bard College has been test-optional for over 50 years

You do not need to take the SAT or ACT to apply to Bard

Submit SAT or ACT scores only if you feel they accurately reflect your academic abilities. They inform our review in only a very small fraction of applications that include them, and not submitting scores is never held against you.

There is no application fee to apply to Bard College

Applying is free, so cost never stands in the way. Apply through the Common Application, Coalition with Scoir, or the Bard Entrance Exam.

Why Bard?

We'd love to hear what's drawing you to Bard. This question now lives in your Bard applicant portal, which you'll get access to about 48 hours after you submit your application. Look for the supplemental materials section on your checklist and upload your response there (up to 250 words, any format). In your own words, tell us why Bard is on your list!

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Applying for Financial Aid?

Need-based aid is available to eligible students.

Bard offers financial aid and scholarships based on need. For some scholarships, you will also need to complete a short form and submit it at the same time as your application to the College.

Domestic students: Bard requires both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile, which you complete online.

International students: Bard requires the Bard International Student Application for Financial Aid (BISFAA). Complete it and upload it to your Bard portal with your application.

After you submit your application, you will receive an email with access to your Bard portal.

Explore Financial Aid Types of Financial Aid

Financial Aid Forms & Deadlines

File on time to receive your aid package with your admission decision.

U.S. Citizens

Immediate Decision Plan
CSS Profile due November 1

Bard Entrance Exam, Early Action and Early Decision
CSS Profile due December 1

Regular Decision and Early Decision II
CSS Profile and FAFSA due February 1

For all early rounds and the Immediate Decision Plan, complete the FAFSA as soon as it opens in December, and no later than February 1.

Bard school codes: FAFSA 002671 · CSS Profile 2037

Start the FAFSA Start the CSS Profile
International Students

Immediate Decision Plan, Bard Entrance Exam, Early Action and Early Decision
BISFAA due November 1

Regular Decision and Early Decision II
BISFAA due January 15

International Financial Aid

Conversations & Interviews

Talk with someone in Admission.

First-Year Conversation

Optional. A relaxed 20–30 minute chat with Admission. Skipping one never counts against you.

First-Year Conversation

Optional. A relaxed 20–30 minute chat with Admission. Skipping one never counts against you.

An optional, informal conversation (about 20–30 minutes) with an Admission representative. It’s a chance to learn more about life at Bard, including academics, community and resources, and, if you wish, to share brief context you’d like us to keep in mind when we review your application, such as course changes, family responsibilities, grade trends or time away from school.
There’s nothing to prepare, so just bring your questions. Choosing not to schedule a conversation will not disadvantage your application. For homeschooled applicants, we recommend one.
Note: In-person conversations are led by trained Student Ambassadors. If you prefer to speak with an Admission Counselor, please select a virtual conversation.
Interview Dates
Early Action, Early Decision and Bard Entrance Exam: September 8 – October 24.
Regular Decision and Early Decision II: September 8 – January 30.
Sign up for a Conversation
Transfer Interview

Recommended. A 25–30 minute virtual interview about your academic history and goals at Bard.

Transfer Interview

Recommended. A 25–30 minute virtual interview about your academic history and goals at Bard.

A 25–30 minute virtual interview with an Admission Counselor. It’s an opportunity to discuss your academic path so far, why you’re considering a transfer, and what you’re looking for at Bard. You can also ask detailed questions about majors, credit evaluation and timelines.
Interview Dates
Spring Transfer: September 8 – October 20
Register for a Transfer Interview
Return to College Interview

Required. A 25–30 minute virtual interview. We can’t review your application without it.

Return to College Interview

Required. A 25–30 minute virtual interview. We can’t review your application without it.

A required 25–30 minute virtual interview with an Admission Counselor. We’ll talk about your educational background, professional and personal commitments, your goals at Bard, and the support you may need to thrive as a returning student. Your application cannot be reviewed without this interview.
Interview Dates
Spring Return to College: September 8 – October 20
Register for an RCP Interview

CampusConnect

Explore Bard Your Way

Every Bard student’s path is unique, and their visit should be too. Through CampusConnect, admitted and prospective students can design a personalized visit around their interests. Want to sit in on a class, meet a professor, or explore a specific facility? We’ll build an itinerary just for you.

Please submit your request at least five business days before your visit.

Request a Visit

Discover More

Programs for veterans, high school students and non-degree learners.

Non-Matriculated Students

For non-degree students. Take a Bard course without enrolling in a degree program. Open to high school graduates.

Non-Matriculated Students

For non-degree students. Take a Bard course without enrolling in a degree program. Open to high school graduates.

Bard College offers several options for taking classes as a non-matriculated student. Students who have graduated from high school may choose to audit a course or take a course for credit. See the current course list.
Fees
Course for credit: $2,152 per credit (classes are often 4 credits each)
Auditing a course (age 65 and over only): $100
Registration fee: $175
How to apply
1. Apply. Submit the online application to the Admission Office at least three weeks before registration day (November 30 for spring, July 31 for fall).
2. Interview. Schedule an interview with Josh Tyler in the Admission Office, no later than three weeks before registration day.
3. Review. Recommended applications are forwarded to Craig Jude in the Registrar’s Office.
4. Register. Get approval from the course professor, then contact Craig Jude to register.
5. Payment. Contact Student Accounts to pay your registration and course fees.
6. Set up. After you register and pay, contact the Help Desk to set up your Bard account and email.
Bard students have priority registration.
Not a non-degree student? High school juniors and seniors should see the Bridge Program. Current college students looking to spend a semester or year at Bard should see Visiting + Exchange Students.
Start the Online Application
The Bridge Program

For high school juniors and seniors. Take up to two 100 or 200 level classes at Bard.

The Bridge Program

For high school juniors and seniors. Take up to two 100 or 200 level classes at Bard.

An enrichment program for high school juniors and seniors
Are you a high school junior or senior who has met, or is currently fulfilling, your high school requirements and would like a higher-level educational experience? You’re invited to take up to two 100- or 200-level classes at Bard to broaden your educational development.
Learn More About the Bridge Program
Yellow Ribbon Program

For veterans. Bard helps cover tuition and fees beyond what Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits pay.

Yellow Ribbon Program

For veterans. Bard helps cover tuition and fees beyond what Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits pay.

For veterans and those eligible for veterans benefits.
Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, colleges and universities enter a voluntary agreement with the Veterans Administration to cover tuition and fees in excess of the amounts payable under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.
The program financially aids veterans, and those eligible for veterans benefits, so a Bard education is accessible regardless of a student’s socio-economic circumstances.
For more information about the Yellow Ribbon Program, please contact Josh Tyler at [email protected].

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Video on Accessing the Bard Portal for Students

For Parents & Families

Important Information About Accessing Your Student's Bard Portal

1. Your student applies. We confirm receipt within 24–48 hours.

2. They get portal access. We email them a confirmation with their login.

3. They check it regularly. Their application and financial aid checklists, plus our messages, all live in the portal.

Fire and Safety Report

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

Bard College is committed to assisting all members of the community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available on the Office of Safety and Security website.

If you would like to receive a hard copy of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains this information, you can stop by the Office of Safety and Security Office in Memorial Hall, 30 Campus Road, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504, or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling 845-758-7460.

The report contains information regarding campus security and personal safety including topics such as: crime prevention, public safety authority, crime reporting policies, fire safety, disciplinary procedures and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about fire statistics in Bard residential facilities and crime statistics for the three previous calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the College; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

This information is required by law and is provided by the Office of Safety and Security.

Applying to Bard

How will you apply?

Choose your application platform

Questions about applying?

Early Application Options

Immediate Decision Plan

Early Decision

Early Action

Why apply early?

The Bard Entrance Examination

Regular Application Options

Regular Decision

Early Decision II

Immediate Decision Plan II

Did You Know?

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Applying for Financial Aid?

Financial Aid Forms & Deadlines

Conversations & Interviews

First-Year Conversation

Transfer Interview

Return to College Interview

CampusConnect

Discover More

Non-Matriculated Students

The Bridge Program

Yellow Ribbon Program

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For Parents & Families

For Parents & Families