Enjoy reading these profiles of our tour guides and learning why they chose Bard, and about the Bard experience. If you’d like to contact one of our guides, visit Chat with Bard.
Ahmed Shafay
Hometown: Islamabad, Pakistan High School: Roots IVY International School Major: Economics
I chose Bard because of the Levy Institute of Economics and it's close proximity to New York City- just a 2-hour train ride! When starting your college search, don't be afraid! Research your options and prioritize your dream schools. Trust yourself!
Ahmed Shafay
My favorite places are Resnick Village (which is a collection of dorms), the Avery film Building, Ferrari soccer field, and the Campus Center (which has an amazing cafe)
Aleksandar Vitanov
Hometown: Kavadarci, North Macedonia High School: Interlochen Arts Academy Major: Conservatory of Music, Political Studies
I came to Bard because of the double degree for Conservatory students. Not only do you spend 5 years performing in an incredible place, but you also get a whole separate degree. It really makes for well-rounded musicians and scholars. When picking the right college, go with your gut. Do you like the campus? The vibe? If you trust your intuition, it will all work out.
Aleksandar Vitanov
I love Blithewood and Montgomery Place. There is such beautiful scenery and nature around Bard and these two estates are great places to soak it all in.
Az Almodovar
Hometown: Dominican Republic High School: Bronx School for Law Government and Justice Major: Philosophy
I wanted to go to a small school where I would not be just a number in the classroom and could create meaningful connections with my peers as well as professors. Bard provides that, along with many more opportunities. Some of those opportunities include clubs and student activities.
Az Almodovar
Despite being such a small school, student life has a big presence here at Bard.
When picking a college, don’t feel obligated to make a quick decision, and also, although money is important, make sure you pick a school you really like instead of just choosing based on price- you can always explore financial aid!
My favorite place here at Bard is the gym. It is a space where you can work out and forget about everything else that is happening in the world for a couple of hours.
Chase Wayne-Duffy
Hometown: Avon, Connecticut High School: Watkinson School Major: Written Arts
After visiting once, I realized it was the only school where I would really be able to make my home. When picking a college, trust your heart just as much as your head.
Chase Wayne-Duffy
The gardens at Blithewood are really beautiful year-round and my favorite place to go.
Claire Bartholomew
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York High School: Stuyvesant High School Major: French
I chose to come to Bard because I was excited by the strong art program and the emphasis on critical thinking, writing+reading, language, and small class sizes. I really wanted to go to a school where I could take many different kinds of classes all at once and combine the areas I'm interested in.
Claire Bartholomew
When you are starting your college search, try very hard to avoid thinking about how "prestigious" a college is/avoid pressure to go to what other people deem a good school; think about location, size, and especially class size; think about a school's network and communication
My favorite spots at Bard are behind the farm, Tiv Bays trails, and the Field Station by the Hudson river.
Danika Dortch
Hometown: Lindenhurst, Illinois High School: Lakes Community High School Major: French Horn Performance and Written Arts
I chose to come to Bard because of its supportive and immersive dual degree program within the conservatory and how strongly the college embraces new opportunities and experiences in all different aspects of education.
Danika Dortch
When you start looking at colleges, I would start by narrowing down what type of environment you are in search of in terms of size, location, student experiences, etc. It is a lot easier to narrow it down and find the right school from there!
The Parliament of Reality is a stellar place on campus to do homework, meditate, or eat pizza with friends.
Daniyal Zafar
Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan High School: Aitchison College Major: Economics
The Levy 3+2 MS program was a significant reason for me choosing Bard. This program is quite unique, focusing on heterodox Economics. I believe Bard is creating immense value through its various programs, like the Prison Initiative. It's great to be associated with a school that values the public good.
Daniyal Zafar
Sometimes, when students start their college search, they sometimes fail to understand how colleges differentiate themselves. It is important to research more - find your true best fit.
Blithewood is one of my favorite spots on campus. You will often find Bardians there having picnics, playing frisbee, or enjoying a good book.
Darrion Thornburgh
Hometown: Topeka, IN High School: Westview Jr-Sr High School Major: Mathematics & Computer Science
I chose Bard because I was on the search for a smaller institution that held similar goals to my own. What I love about Bard is how malleable our environment is; when Bard students come together, they start to enact real change.
Darrion Thornburgh
When you are looking for schools, go to a school where you want to go, not where somebody else wants you to go.
My absolute favorite place on campus is Montgomery Place. Since Montgomery Place is farther from the central campus, there is less traffic. So every time I'm there, I find myself captivated by my surroundings.
Elene Shamanadze
Hometown: Tbilisi, Georgia High School: European School - American High School Major: Psychology
Bard provided me with a unique outlook on how academics work. With its fantastic psychology program and amazing faculty, I knew that coming here would give me the best foundation for my future career as a clinical psychologist.
Elene Shamanadze
For the first step in your college search, I would suggest looking at the college's faculty and how strong the school's academics are. Bard had one of the best and strongest academics that I had looked at during my college search.
I personally love Blithewood. During warmer months, I usually do my homework there and relax.
Grace Brody
Hometown: Albany, NY High School: Columbia High School Major: Political studies with a concentration in theology
Honestly, Bard wasn't my first choice. My mom went here, it felt too close, and I really wasn't sure! I came because I thought it might work out, and then so quickly fell in love with Bard during L&T. I love the community, the class sizes, and the professors are so welcoming. I am glad that it worked out how it did.
Grace Brody
When applying to colleges, apply to many different types of schools—don’t get your heart set on one thing because you have no idea what will end up happening.
Did you know that Bard's Campus has a waterfall on it? Zabriskie's Waterfall is located in the south part of campus and is such a great spot to cool off on hot summer days. Not to mention- it's super cool to have a waterfall on campus.
Bella Bergen
Hometown: Broomfield, Colorado High School: Harvest Collegiate High School Major: Philosophy and German Studies
I decided to go to Bard because of the location, size, and pedagogy. It is located just a train ride away from NYC and is a close-knit community, which I really enjoy.
Bella Bergen
When picking a college, don't care about names or bigger reputations; look at the specific achievements and work being done in programs you're interested in.
It is hard to pick one spot only, but outside of the library, in the early morning is one of my favorite places on campus.
Jamesia Griffin
Hometown: New Jersey High School: Bard High School Early College, Newark Major: Global and International Studies
Attending the Bard Early High School gave me a great opportunity to transition to Bard in Annandale. There are a lot of opportunities at Bard and I really enjoy the campus.
Jamesia Griffin
While looking at colleges, explore as many options as you can, and prioritize yourself.
My favorite places on campus are the Parliament of Reality and Blithewood.
Joanna (Jo) Jones
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York High School: High School for Public Service: Heroes of Tomorrow Major: Psychology
I chose Bard because it's outside of my comfort zone, yet I knew that the small community would support me through this new chapter. I love the small classroom setting. I feel like every class is an enlightening discussion with friends.
Joanna (Jo) Jones
At Bard, there's a level of one-on-one time with students and professors that I haven't seen anywhere else.
When you are doing your college search, visit campuses if you can!! It can really impact your decision.
My advice for incoming students is to come here with an open mind and open heart –– ready to receive all new experiences. Don't be afraid to go outside your comfort zone. Bard is what you make it.
Jourdan Perez
Hometown: New York, NY High School: Columbia Secondary School Major: Sociology (Gender/Sexuality Studies)
Bard was recommended to me by my college counselor, and that is when I first discovered it. It was a wonderful change of scenery from the city while not being too far away. I also really appreciated the approach to liberal arts that Bard has.
Jourdan Perez
My advice for high school students starting to look at college is to know what general qualities you want/need (size; popular majors; location; opportunities...) and go from there
My all-time favorite spot on campus is Preston Hall, the first movie theater on campus and where the film program started! It is a really cozy and intimate theater and a perfect place to watch classics with my friends.
Khadija Ghanizada
Hometown: Kabul, Afghanistan High School: Emma Willard School, Troy, NY Major: Environmental & Urban Studies
I decided to come to Bard for four specific reasons: the incredible Photography and Global and International Studies programs, the size and location, and the community.
Khadija Ghanizada
My connections with the upperclassmen in my department have helped me get my requirements done. They are my guides in what classes to take, what internships might interest me, and what work on campus would allow me to acquire valuable skills. I have gotten to know so many incredible people, including my now very close friends. Our friendship is too deep and extraordinary to end at the time of graduation at Bard. I will forever be friends with these people and carry them in my heart.
I also appreciate the liberty I have at Bard. I can turn all my ideas into actual projects, and I get the support, whether it is financially or otherwise, to make these projects happen. It is truly incredible.
Lexi Lanni
Hometown: Bristol, Rhode Island High School: La Salle Academy Major: Conservatory- Opera/Vocal Performance & Computer Science
Bard’s small class sizes are a great environment for me. One-on-one time with teachers is so valuable, and Bard has been able to offer this time and time again! Everyone here wants me to succeed- it’s a wholesome and close-knit community.
Lexi Lanni
When looking at colleges, don’t be afraid to reach out to current students. Most of them are willing to help out!
My favorite place is the Fisher Center stages!
Maya Kelly
Hometown: Charlottesville, VA USA High School: Western Albemarle High School Major: Literature and Political Studies
I chose Bard because of the small classroom size. I wanted a more personalized and intimate education where I could get to know my professors and peers. On top of that, I also wanted to play tennis.
Maya Kelly
I would tell incoming college students not to let other people’s judgment influence which school they pick. A big part of the stress of picking a school is the pressure to go somewhere impressive/make the “right” choice and at the end of the day, what matters most is that the environment and academics match you. You never know what a certain school is willing to offer you, and if you go into this process with a narrow mindset, you might miss out on some great opportunities.
One of my absolute favorite spots on campus is the Stevenson Library!
Phu Nguyen
Hometown: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam & Atlanta, GA High School: Woodland High School Major: Photography
Attached to Bard at the very north end of campus is this nature preserve called Tivoli Bays and I LOVE it. There are so many different trails to take and creatures to see and is a great way to wind down after a week of classes.
Phu Nguyen
When looking at colleges, I would say really ask yourself what type of person you are and make sure that the learning style of the school suits you in the long run :)
I really like the trails by Blithewood that lead to the river. I always go here whenever things get stressful or just to look at the river!
Sarah Eckert
Hometown: Southampton, New York High School: Southampton High School Major: Psychology
When I first visited Bard, I was immediately drawn to the kindness and openness of everyone I came across. This is ultimately why I chose Bard and what's impacted me most throughout my time as a student here – it's so wonderful learning and growing in an environment where everyone is free to be themselves!
Sarah Eckert
Everyone at Bard is free to pursue their own passions and makes an effort to help others.
The biggest piece of advice I can give is always to value oneself throughout the college search. The competitiveness of application season can start to make a person feel as though they're just a number, an "option" (although I love that Bard actively tries to combat this!!), so it's important to take a step back and find pride in oneself! Every applicant matters, is worthy, and deserves to feel proud of themselves and their accomplishments, regardless of where they stand in terms of the application process.
One of my favorite places on campus is the manor lawn/the Tivoli Bays trail route at its edge. I'm so grateful for the fact that at any point throughout the academic year, I can go on a beautiful walk or hike right on campus!
Sarina Culaj
Hometown: Yonkers, New York High School: School of the Holy Child, Rye Major: Political Studies
I came to Bard because of the College's focus on human rights. The school is very politically driven, and I have been able to be a part of many great political changes, especially in local politics in the surrounding towns. I also enjoy the small class sizes, the easy access to our professors, and the ability to become close to them.
Sarina Culaj
My advice for your college search is to really make sure that you love the place. No matter what school you visit, be sure to ask the tour guides lots of questions! Reach out to professors to see what the program you want to study is like. Simply, just don't be afraid to ask questions so you can find where you will be most happy.
Behind Manor, facing the mountains is one of the most beautiful places on campus.
Thyme Weiss
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY High School: Talent Unlimited High School Major: Theater and Performance
The theater program, student-run garden, and beautiful natural environment were all driving forces for me. Everyone I met seemed very inclusive and welcoming to alternative art styles. The classes available also looked unique and exciting.
Thyme Weiss
Keep in mind that when searching for a college that you’re looking for YOUR best fit, not just trying to get into the “best” school you get accepted into
The RKC at night when it’s empty, the small pink tree with lavender around its base at Blithewood, and the waterfall when it’s sunny are all of my favorite places to go on campus.