International Applicants

Any Questions?

• What are the English proficiency requirements (TOEFL and IELTS)?
  Because we do not have a full-scale English as a Second Language program at Bard, it is critical that all students, domestic and international, have the appropriate level of English fluency before they arrive on campus. We read every application in full, placing particular stock in the writing, and recommendations and grades from English teachers.
  
  We require all international students to take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System exam (IELTS). We look for students who have a TOEFL score of 100 or higher, or an IELTS score of seven or higher.
• How do I apply early as non-U.S. citizen?
  If you are a non-U.S. citizen and you plan to cover the full cost of attendance to Bard College for four years, without financial aid assistance, you may apply under any of the Early Application options. You must submit your early application, along with a fully completed Certification of Finances form reflecting your financial ability to cover the full cost of attendance to Bard College for four years, by November 1. For full cost of attendance, please click here.
• What if I am both an international student and a transfer student?
  Due to the comprehensive nature of our first-year curriculum, we do not accept mid-year first-year transfer students. Applicants who have completed one semester of college work may apply for admission in the fall as first-year students with the potential for advanced standing. Transfer students are expected to be familiar with Bard's distinctive curricular components, particularly Moderation and the Senior Project.
  
  Although a personal interview is not required for incoming first-year students, it is strongly recommended for transfer candidates. Candidates should demonstrate their understanding of Bard's curriculum in their interview.
  
  For general information and deadlines for transfer students, please click here. 
  Bard accepts international transfer students with the understanding that they will spend a minimum of two years at the College. Bard accepts transfer students for the fall and spring semesters.
• 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 (IB), French Baccalaureate, Swiss Maturity, and German Abitur. Students who have earned A-level passes may enter with advanced standing. 
  
  Students may receive 4 credits for each IB and A-level subject—as well as other international high school programs, as determined by the registrar—to a maximum of one year of credit. 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. AP students must score a 5 on their AP exams 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 (gadsby@bard.edu).
• What does it mean to be deferred to Regular Admission or waitlisted?
  Deferred to Regular Admission?
  
  If you have applied through one of the Early Application Options: Early Action, Early Decision, or through Bard's Immediate Decision Plan (IDP), the Admission Committee has three options: accept, deny, or defer to Regular Admission. If you are deferred to Regular Admission, your early application has been shifted to our Regular Admission pool of candidates (i.e., those who apply by January 1) and you will receive an admission decision at the end of March. In most cases, applicants are deferred to Regular Admission because the Admission Committee wants to see midyear senior grades (first semester, or first and/or second trimester) before making a decision. Being deferred to Regular Admission is not an acceptance or denial decision; the Committee is postponing making a decision until it receives senior year data.
  
  
  Waitlisted? 
  
  It means that you are in a holding pattern in terms of an admission decision. Because the final outcome of your waitlisted status cannot be predicted, you should ensure that you have a place for yourself in the fall by meeting the deposit deadline at another institution. If you are offered admission, you will be notified by e-mail to check your Applicant Portal. You should be prepared to accept or decline our offer within two weeks. If you applied for financial aid, you will receive a financial aid package within 10 days after notification.
   
  Typically, admission from Bard’s active waitlist is offered beginning early May through mid-July. We do not rank our waitlist and the number of students admitted varies from year to year. By August 1, however, admission from the waitlist will be concluded and we will notify all remaining students.
• What is the Bard Entrance Examination?
  
  This application option is available only to international first-year applicants who are NOT seeking financial aid. Transfer students may not apply under this option. The Bard Entrance Examination is an online essay test open to high school juniors and seniors. Completion of the test is equivalent to an application for admission. Applicants receive notification by the end of December.
  Learn more

  Application Checklist

  Required materials, once you have completed and passed the Bard Entrance Examination (B+ or higher):

  • Official High School Transcript
  • General reference letter from appropriate school official
  • TOEFL or IELTS exam
  • Completed Certification of Finances form

   

  Bard Entrance Exam Information
• Do I have to resubmit an application if I've already applied in the past and would like to be considered for another application year?
  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 admission@bard.edu 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