Applying to Bard

How will you apply?

Click on how you will be entering Bard by choosing one of the links below. There is more information, including deadlines. Or scroll down for an overview of application methods.

Photo by Karl Rabe

Did You Know?

Bard College has been test optional for nearly 50 years.
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 admission@bard.edu 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.

See below for more details on each of these ways to apply to Bard!

Early Application Options

Apply by November 1

Early application options: Apply using the Common Application, except for the Bard Entrance Exam, which is an online essay application. Decisions will be posted by the end of December, and earlier for IDP candidates, on your Bard applicant portal. In addition to receiving an admission decision of either accept or deny, a candidate can also receive the decision: defer to Regular Decision. Being deferred to Regular Decision is not an acceptance or denial decision; the Committee is postponing making a decision until it receives senior year data. Those who are not offered admission are usually required to wait a full academic year before reapplying. The following are Bard's Early Application Options (choose only one):

Apply with the Common App

Immediate Decision Plan

IDP accelerates the admission process during a daylong session. We will be offering virtual and in-person versions this year.

Immediate Decision Plan

IDP accelerates the admission process during a daylong session. We will be offering virtual and in-person versions this year.

In order to accommodate students from different timezones, for the Virtual IDP sessions, there will be Eastern Time (ET) Morning Start IDP Sessions and Eastern Time (ET) Afternoon Start IDP Sessions. Registration is Required for all IDP Sessions.

The Immediate Decision Plan (IDP) is recommended for the accomplished student for whom Bard is the top choice. Applicants may choose for this process to be binding or non-binding. IDP candidates participate in a seminar with Bard faculty and then interview with admission counselors. Decisions are posted to applicant portals the next business-day evening (notification sent via email). For domestic students, 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. For International students, the International Student Financial Aid application, which can be found here, must be submitted by November 1.

Click here to register and for more information!
Early Decision

Highly qualified candidates for whom Bard is the top choice may opt to use the binding Early Decision process.

Early Decision

Highly qualified candidates for whom Bard is the top choice may opt to use the binding Early Decision process.

Please complete the Early Decision Agreement form, available on the Common Application website. Decisions will be posted to your Bard Applicant Portal by the end of December. For domestic students, 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. For international students, the International Student Financial Aid application, which can be found here, must be submitted by November 1.
Early Action

Highly qualified candidates for whom Bard is a top choice may opt to use the non-binding Early Action process.

Early Action

Highly qualified candidates for whom Bard is a top choice may opt to use the non-binding Early Action process.

Please clearly indicate your intent to apply Early Action on the application. Decisions will be posted to your Bard Applicant Portal by the end of December. For domestic students, 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. For International students, the International Student Financial Aid application, which can be found here, must be submitted by November 1.

Photo by Pete Mauney ’93 MFA ’00

The Bard Entrance Examination

The Bard Entrance Examination is an online essay exam open only to high school juniors and seniors. The exam must be finished and submitted by November 1. Completion of the exam is equivalent to an application for admission. Applicants receive pass/fail notification of exam results by the end of December.

Learn More about the Bard Exam

Regular Decision Option

Photo by China Jorrin ’86

Apply by January 1

Regular decision option: Apply using the Common Application. 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 with the Common App

Applying for Financial Aid?

Required Financial Aid Forms for Bard College

Financial aid and scholarships based on need are available. Both the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE forms are required by Bard for domestic students. For international students, the Bard International Student Application for Financial Aid is required.

Deadlines for Submitting Financial Aid Forms
International students for early application options: November 1
Domestic students for early application options: December 1

International students for regular decision option: January 1
Domestic students for regular decision option: February 1

Financial Aid Website

Interviews

Interview Options and Requirements

Interview Deadlines and Options
Only students applying in the current admission cycle are eligible for an interview.

Please register for a time and date that works for you.

Interview Deadlines:
- Early Action, Early Decision, and Bard Entrance Exam interviews: by October 22, 2021
- Regular Decision interviews: by November 11, 2021
Interview Options:
There are both in-person and virtual interview options on interview days.
In-Person Interview Requirements
All requirements MUST be adhered to:
- You must wear a mask when entering the Admissions building.
- You must provide proof of COVID-19 Vaccination.
- If you do not feel well, please stay at home and alert the Admission Office about your change in plans.
- Please follow New York State Health and Safety Guidelines found here, during your visit.
Acceptable Proof of Vaccination:
- Official vaccination card with the last shot being at least two weeks prior to your visit
- NY Excelsior Pass App with vaccination record
Register for an Interview

Discover More

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 jtyler@bard.edu.

The Bridge Program

An enrichment program for high school juniors and seniors

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.
Learn More

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