First-Year Applicants 
Photo by Pete Mauney ’93 MFA ’00

First-Year Applicants 

First-Year Applicants 
What Do We Look for in an Applicant?
Photo by Pete Mauney '93 MFA '00

What Do We Look for in an Applicant?

Typically, Bard students have prepared for college by taking honors or advanced placement courses in a curriculum that includes four years of English, social studies, mathematics, laboratory science, and a foreign language. Yet admission to Bard takes into account your whole story. We welcome ambitious, independent thinkers and look closely at each part of your application. Bard presents extraordinary opportunities for students to thrive and achieve, and seeks students who will take full advantage of all that the Bard community has to offer. 

Application Methods

Using the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir candidates may apply to Bard through: Early Action · Early Decision I · Early Decision II  · Regular Decision · The Immediate Decision Plan. You may also apply using an alternative application method called the Bard Entrance Exam. More information can be found here. 

Dates and Deadlines for January 1 Applicants

Regular Decision and Early Decision II
Jan. 1 Early Decision II and Regular Decision Applications Due
Jan. 1 Bard College Scholarship Applications Due
(optional and if applicable) For more information see Bard Financial Aid Programs
Jan. 1 Equity and Inclusion Scholarship Applications* Due 
(optional and if applicable) Click here to register for the Equity and Inclusion Scholarship
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* This scholarship form is to be completed if a student qualifies for one of the following: Bard's High School Early College Opportunity (ECO) program; the New York State Higher Education Opportunity (HEOP) program; or Bard's Opportunity (BOP) program. More information about these programs can be found within the scholarship form or on the Office of Equity and Inclusion website.

Bard allows students admitted via the Early Decision binding process to take one gap year. Students may make this selection by responding to their offer of admission on their Bard portal. Students must still withdraw their applications from other institutions should they be admitted to Bard via the ED application.

Please note that if you are 24 years or older, or will be turning 24 during your first year at Bard, you are not eligible to apply to the College as a first-year applicant. You may apply as a transfer candidate through our Returning to College Program; this requires that students have at least one semester's worth of college credits (12 or more credits) from a previous higher education program that can be transferred to Bard College.

NOTE: 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.
Jan. 1 Financial Aid Application Deadline for International students applying via Early Decision II and Regular Decision
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The Bard International Student Financial Aid Application Form (BISFAA) must be filed by this date in order for eligible students to receive a financial aid package alongside their admission decision.
Feb. 1 Financial Aid Application Deadline for US Citizens applying via Early Decision II and Regular Decision
Financial Aid Applications: FAFSA and CSS Profile
Feb. Decision Notification for Early Decision II
Mar. (late) Decision Notification for Regular Decision
Flex. Deposit Due for Early Decision II
Within a month after receipt of decision and/or financial aid package
May 1 Deposit Due for Regular Decision

Dates and Deadlines for November Applicants

Early Action, Early Decision I, Immediate Decision Plan, Bard Entrance Exam
Nov. 1 Early Applications Due
Early Action, Early Decision I, Immediate Decision Plan, Bard Entrance Exam
  • Early Action is for highly qualified candidates for whom Bard is a top choice may opt to use the non-binding Early Action process. 
  • Early Decision I is for highly qualified candidates for whom Bard is the top choice may opt to use this binding Early Decision process.
  • The Immediate Decision Plan (IDP) is for the accomplished student with Bard as their top choice. Students receive an admission decision 48 hours after participating.
  • The Bard Entrance Examination is an online essay exam open only to high school juniors and seniors and does not require the submission of the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir.
Nov. 1 Scholarship Applications
Bard College Scholarship Applications Due (optional and if applicable)
Nov. 1 Financial Aid Application Due for Immediate Decision Plan (IDP) Applicants
Requirements for IDP Financial Aid
  • The College Board's College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) must be filed by this date 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 in December, and no later than February 1, 2024. 
  • International students applying via the Immediate Decision Plan must submit the Bard International Student Financial Aid Application (BISFAA)
Nov. 1 Financial Aid for International Early Applicants
International students applying for Financial Aid via Early Applications
The Bard International Student Financial Aid Application Form (BISFAA) must be filed by this date in order for eligible students to receive a financial aid package alongside their admission decision.
Dec. 1 Financial Aid for U.S. Early Application
Instructions for U.S Citizens Applying for Financial Aid via Early Applications
The College Board's College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) must be filed by this date 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 in December, and no later than February 1, 2024.
Mid Dec. Early Application Decisions
Instructions for Early Application Decision Notifications
Decision Notification for Students applying via one of the Early Action, Early Decision I, or the Bard Exam will receive their decision notifications in mid-December. Student who apply via IDP will receive their decision notification on the next business day after IDP date in November. Early Decision II Students should see the Regular Decision notification date.
Flex Deposit Due
Early Decision I /Early I IDP
Students applying Early Decision I and Early Decision I IDP deposits are due within a month after receipt of decision and/or financial aid package
May 1 Deposits for Early Action and Bard Exam
Students applying Early Action, early Action IDP, or Bard Entrance Exam

Application Checklist

Required Materials

Required Materials

  • Application using the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir.
  • Two Teacher Recommendations (We prefer that one recommendation come from an English or humanities instructor and one from a math or science instructor).
  • One Additional Recommendation (From a higher education counselor or other advisor*)
  • School Report
  • High School transcript (Include mid-year senior grades if available at the time you apply).
Optional Materials

Optional Materials

  • SAT or ACT Scores: Bard College has been test-optional for over 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. 
  • Portfolios and Awards Supplemental materials are not required for admission to Bard. Click below to learn more about how to submit materials. 

Bard Portal Information: Must Read!

Once we receive your application (24–48 hours after submission), you will receive an email with credentials to your Bard Portal. 
All application materials should be submitted through the Bard Admission Portal and by the deadlines indicated. Do not mail or email any materials directly to the Admission Office unless instructed to do so. Please read the following instructions on using the Bard portal thoroughly and completely.

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 application to Bard College.
Visit the Financial Aid Website →

Interviews (in-person and virtual)

Interviews for First-Year Students Are Optional at Bard

Interview Options and Requirements

  • Who is required to Interview?
    • Interviews are not required for any first-year or transfer applicant.
    • Interviews are only required for Return to College applicants. 
    • Interviews are recommended for transfer and homeschooled students.
    Only students who fit the below criteria should consider interviewing with Bard:
  • Interview Options
    Interview slots are available from early September through early November, with additional slots offered in January for Regular Decision candidates only. On-campus interviews are hosted by Undergraduate Admission Fellows, while virtual interviews are hosted by Admission Counselors. Students are welcome to reach out to the Admission Representative for their region about on-the-road interview possibilities.
  • 2024 Interview Dates
    Weekdays only.
    • Early Action, Early Decision I, and Bard Entrance Exam:
      September 9 – October 21
    • Regular Decision and Early Decision II:
      September 9 – January 31
    • Spring Transfer and Return to College:
      September 9 – October 21
    • Fall Transfer and Return to College:
      February of 2025 
    Interview Request Form

Any Questions?

Please click the questions below for answers to the most common questions asked about applying to Bard.

  • What is Bard's policy on advanced standing and college AP credits?
    Advanced standing or college credit for College Board Advanced Placement (AP) courses will be given for a grade of 5. Students who wish to request credit or advanced standing must submit the appropriate record of their grade to the Office of the Registrar.

    The following international diplomas may be accepted for advanced standing: International Baccalaureate, French Baccalaureate, Swiss Maturity, and German Abitur. A student may be allowed to accelerate for up to 32 credits (a normal full year) at the time of Moderation if the Moderation Board so recommends. Students who have earned A-level passes may enter with advanced standing. To be eligible for credit, IB students must score 5 or above in individual subjects. A-level students must have an A or A* to receive credit. 

    Any questions regarding exact transfer of advanced credit should be made after you have received an admission decision and directed to Peter Gadsby, the registrar ([email protected]).
  • If I'm currently in a dual-enrollment program, how do I apply?
    Credits from college classes taken during high school will transfer to Bard if the college/university provides a transcript and if the student earns a grade of C or higher in classes similar to ones offered at Bard. Students participating in dual enrollment programs who expect to complete their associate’s degrees at the time of high school graduation should apply to Bard as transfer candidates. However, some colleges and universities do not accept these college credits and expect these students to apply as first-years. Since students can only submit one Common Application (either first-year or transfer), if they choose to apply to Bard as first-years, we will shift their applications to transfer status. 
  • What are the Equity and Inclusion Programs?
    The Office of Equity and Inclusion is the administrative home to the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and the Bard Opportunity Program (BOP), among others, and offers scholarships to high-achieving, low-income scholars from all 50 states. These scholarships provide support to students who have experienced educational and financial inequalities and who possess the desire, potential, and work ethic necessary to succeed in a liberal arts college environment. 

    The HEOP Scholarship is for New York State residents only while the BOP Scholarship is a nationwide initiative—students from all 50 states are encouraged to apply.

    To be considered for any of these scholarships, you must apply to Bard College and also submit the Equity and Inclusion     supplemental form.

    Equity and Inclusion Website
  • How do I apply if I was homeschooled?
    Bard regularly receives applications from students who have been homeschooled for some or all of their education. Since their experiences and curriculum vary tremendously, our requirements for homeschooled applicants differ somewhat from our requirements for more traditional high school students.

    It is hard to standardize these requirements, and we are willing to work with you to tailor the admission process. We recommend homeschooled students provide the following:

    • The full curriculum and documentation as to how the curriculum was met.
    • Names of textbooks or other books used and the content covered.
    • Indication of other experiences used to cover the curriculum and how the student was evaluated.
    • Results of any educational testing.
    • Grades from any courses taken.
    • Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT, optional SAT II).
    • An analytic paper.
    • Academic recommendations from non-parent adults who have worked with you: two required; English, science, or mathematics preferred.
    • An essay explaining why you chose homeschooling and your experience with your choice.
    • We strongly recommend a personal interview. Skype interviews available.
  • Do I have to resubmit an application if I've already applied in the past?
    All applicants must submit an application for the current application year, including students who have previously applied to the College. Students who have applied within the past 2 years may request to have previously submitted recommendations, transcripts, or supplemental materials transferred to their new application by submitting this request form to the Office of Admission when they re-apply. Email [email protected] if you no longer have your applicant portal login information; this is what you will use to submit your request form.

    Note: If you already have a Common Application account, you may want to use account rollover to re-submit your application. See Common Application Rollover

Discover More

Language and Thinking

All first year students participate in a common curriculum: the Language and Thinking Program, First-Year Seminar, and Citizen Science. The first year at Bard begins with Language and Thinking, a three week intensive introduction to the liberal arts and sciences with a particular focus on writing.

Academics at Bard
Campus Life