About

See what students say:

Academics

Bard College is "built on a very unique philosophy of the liberal arts," one that "truly values education for the sake of self-growth." To that end, every student's academic "experience is entirely customizable." Nevertheless, no matter their course load, all undergrads here are taught to think "critically, [to continually ask] questions...and [to follow through on] those questions." But these students wouldn't have it any other way! Certainly, prospective students should take note-the academics here are quite "rigorous." And virtually every major culminates in a massive "senior project" that requires "substantial independent work." Inside the classroom, students are greeted by "incredible" professors who genuinely "care about teaching and mentoring." They are also "strong researchers as well" and make a concerted effort to "bring their research into [their classes] and into the community." They truly look to "involve students in almost everything they do." As one photography major boasts, "The classes are what make Bard an amazing school. I could not be happier academically."

Student Body

When asked to describe their peers, undergrads here are quick to note that their fellow students are "unique, free-spirited, deviant, and epitomize critical thinking." Indeed, the average Bard student loves "intellectual conversations and enjoy[s] rehashing...topics [discussed in class]." An anthropology major further expounds, "We are always critiquing some aspect of the school, then relating this critique to one of the larger societal structures that we live in." Therefore, it's none too surprising when a sociology major tells us that "Bardians are [also] go-getters, self-motivated, driven, and thoughtful. We challenge authority and all social conventions." We've also been assured that "there isn't much competition between students when it comes to grades or classes. People are just supportive of the projects their peers are working on." Many undergrads here readily admit that they "felt in some way like outsiders in high school." Fortunately, once they arrive at Bard, "a lot of people seem to bond over their weirdness." Perhaps this supremely satisfied student puts it best, "I have been spoiled by my friendships here at Bard; I don't know where else I could find people this interesting and relationships this fulfilling."

Campus Life

Though this is a small campus in a small town, there is no lack of engaging activity. For starters, the college itself sponsors "a multitude of cultural events, from having Edward Snowden speak [remotely]...to great bands playing at one of our venues." Bard also has a thriving performing arts scene. "There's probably a student production to see on average every other week or more. Students, [even] as non-majors, can easily produce their own shows. Plus, we have the Fisher Center, a Broadway-sized theatre that often hosts operas, dance troupes, and plays." Undergrads who tend to be more of the outdoorsy type will be thrilled to discover that "Bard is also surrounded by hiking trails, with easy access to our own private waterfall!" Of course, during those cold winter nights, "'Netflix and chill' is a reliable option." Even in inclement weather, "it's generally pretty easy to find people to go build snowmen with or go ice skating." Lastly, for those curious, Bard maintains a "very low-key party scene." A history major further explains, "Most of the larger parties happen at off-campus houses in Red Hook or Tivoli, the two surrounding towns where many students live. It can get repetitive, but I enjoy how you end up seeing/partying with similar people every weekend."

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Mackie Siebens
Deputy Director of Admissions

Address
Admission Office
PO Box 5000
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504

Phone
845-758-7472


Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Richard B Fisher Center for the Performing Arts
Stevenson Library
Reem-Kayden Center for Science and Computation
Museum @ Center for Curatorial Studies
Levy Economics Institute - Blithewood Mansion
In January, 2016 Bard purchased Montgomery Place, a 380-acre estate adjacent to the Bard campus, with significant historic and cultural assets. The estate consists of a historic mansion, a farm, and some 20 smaller buildings. The László Z. Bitó ’60 Conservatory Building: this state-of-the-art teaching and performance facility addresses the growing needs of the Conservatory, brought on by its fivefold growth since its founding in 2005. http://www.bard.edu/conservatory/bitobuilding/

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Tivoli, Rhinebeck, Red Hook, Kingston
Mills Mansion
Dia - Beacon
Roosevelt Home, Val Kill
Olana

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday
9am-5pm
845-758-7472

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: 9am, 10am, 2pm, 3pm
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times
11:00; 3:00

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Advance Notice
1 week

Contact Email Address for Visit
http://www.bard.edu/admission/contact/

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Closest airports are Albany and Stewart/Newburgh both of which are about 60 miles from campus. In Albany visitors can get a taxi or ground transportation to the Albany/Rensselaer train station and take the Amtrak train south to Rhinecliff. Otherwise a rental car is necessary from both airports. All three New York City airports have ground transportation directly to Penn. Station in Manhattan and the Amtrak train goes regularly to Rhinecliff station, from there it is a short taxi ride to campus or check the Bard shuttle schedules on the Bard website at www.bard.edu.

Driving Instructions to Campus
From the New England or New York City take the Taconic State Pkwy to Red Hook exit. Take Rte. 199 through Red Hook to Rte. 9G. Right (north) onto 9G and proceed 2 miles to campus. From the mid-atlantic region take the New York State Thruway (I-87) to Exit 19 (Kingston). Follow signs to and cross the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge to Rte. 96. Turn left onto Rte. 9G and proceed north 4 miles to the campus, which is on the left.

Local Accommodations
Bard is just north of Rhinebeck where you can find one of the oldest inns in America, the Beekman Arms (Rte. 9; 914-876-7077), 10 minutes from campus. Just south of Rhinebeck, about 15 minutes from the campus, lies the Village Inn Motel (Rte. 9; 914-876-7000). Or try the Ramada Inn (914-339-3900) also 15 minutes from campus, in Kingston (Exit 19 off the thruway). In the same location is also a Holiday Inn (914-338-0400).

Admissions

Applicants: 5,141
Acceptance Rate: 65%






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