School in Focus: Bard College
Bard College at Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, is a small, liberal arts college located in the picturesque Hudson Valley. Founded in 1860, Bard College is a private institution that offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in the arts and sciences.
The campus of Bard College is spread over 1,000 acres and is situated along the banks of the Hudson River. The college is known for its picturesque beauty, with rolling hills, lush greenery, and stunning views of the Hudson River.
The campus is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Bard College Chapel, which was built in the 1920s and features stunning stained-glass windows.
What is the history of Bard College?
What was the impetus behind the founding of Bard College? Founded in 1860 as St. Stephen’s College, Bard College has a rich and varied history that spans over 160 years.
St. Stephen’s College
St. Stephen’s College was founded in 1860 by John Bard, a wealthy New York City merchant, and the Right Reverend John Murray Forbes, the Episcopal Bishop of Michigan. The college was named after Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
The college was originally located in Annandale-on-Hudson, and it had a small student body and a narrow curriculum focused primarily on classical studies.
However, St. Stephen’s College soon developed a reputation for academic excellence, and it attracted students from across the country.
Bard College
In 1934, St. Stephen’s College has renamed to Bard College in honor of its founder, John Bard. The college underwent a major transformation during this time, as it expanded its curriculum to include a broader range of disciplines and began to focus more on the liberal arts.In the 1950s, the college established the Bard Music Festival, which has become one of the most respected and popular music festivals in the country.
The festival attracts some of the world’s top classical musicians and music scholars, and it features performances, lectures, and other events.
It began to expand its reach beyond the Hudson Valley in the 1960s. The college established a campus in Bologna, Italy, which has become one of the most respected studies abroad programs in the country.
In addition, it established a number of innovative programs, including the Experimental Humanities Program and the Language and Thinking Program, which have become models for other colleges and universities.
Social Justice and Activism
Throughout its history, Bard College has been known for its commitment to social justice and activism. In the 1960s and 1970s, the college played a key role in the anti-war and civil rights movements of the time.
In the 1980s and 1990s, it continued to be a leader in social justice and activism. The college established a number of programs and initiatives aimed at addressing social and environmental issues, including the Bard Prison Initiative, which provides college-level courses to persons deprived of liberty in six New York State prisons.
Recent Developments
The college has established several new programs and initiatives, including the Bard Early Colleges, which allow high school students to earn college credits.
In addition, Bard College has become known for its commitment to sustainability and environmentalism.
The college has implemented a number of environmentally friendly practices, including a campus-wide recycling program and the use of renewable energy sources.
What is the academic situation at Bard College?
What is the current state of the academic community at Bard College? Bard College has a reputation for academic excellence and innovation. In the lines that follow, we will explore the academic situation at Bard College in depth.
Curriculum
Bard College has a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education. The college offers over 40 majors across a wide range of disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and arts. It has a unique first-year program called Language and Thinking, which helps students develop critical thinking and communication skills.
Faculty
The professors at Bard College are committed to both teaching and research, and they have a wide range of expertise between them. The ratio of students to professors at this college is 9 to 1, which promotes and facilitates close interaction between students and members of the teaching staff.
The instructors and scholars of have earned a reputation for being among the best in their fields. A significant number of faculty members have written books or articles and are regarded as experts in their professions.
Student Body
The institution has a diverse and talented student body. The college enrolls approximately 2,000 undergraduate students from across the United States and around the world.
Bard College students are known for their intellectual curiosity and passion for learning. The college has a strong commitment to social justice, and many students are actively engaged in issues related to social and environmental justice.
Academic Support
Bard College offers a wide range of academic support services to help students succeed academically. The college has a Writing and Thinking Program that provides students with individualized writing instruction and support.
In addition, Bard College has a Center for Student Life and Advising, which offers academic and personal advising, career counseling, and other support services to students.
Research Opportunities
Bard College is committed to providing students with opportunities to engage in research and creative work.
The college has a number of research centers and institutes, including the Center for Civic Engagement, the Center for the Study of Land, Air, and Water, and the Center for Curatorial Studies.
In addition, undergraduate research is given a significant amount of importance at Bard College, and students are strongly encouraged to collaborate closely with members of the faculty on various research initiatives.
Study Abroad
Students at Bard College have the opportunity to participate in a variety of study abroad programs, through which they can obtain significant experience in other cultures and exposure to global perspectives.
The educational institution offers study abroad programs in countries such as Germany, China, and Brazil in addition to having a campus in Bologna, which is located in Italy.
What are the reasons for attending Bard College?
What are the advantages of going to Bard College? With a wide range of academic programs, dedicated faculty, and a commitment to social justice and activism, there are several compelling reasons to consider attending the institution.
Rigorous and Innovative Academic Programs
Bard College offers over 40 majors across a wide range of disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and arts.
The college’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that fosters critical thinking, communication skills, and a passion for learning. It offers several innovative interdisciplinary programs, such as the Experimental Humanities Program and the Environmental and Urban Studies Program.
These programs allow students to explore the intersections between different disciplines and gain a deep understanding of complex issues.
Dedicated Faculty
Bard College has a highly qualified and diverse faculty that is dedicated to teaching and research. Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members on research projects and receive individualized attention.
Many faculty members are authors and respected scholars in their respective fields.
They are committed to providing students with an engaging and challenging academic experience that prepares them for success in their careers and in their lives.
Commitment to Social Justice and Activism
Bard College has a strong commitment to social justice and activism. The college has a Center for Civic Engagement that provides students with opportunities to engage in community service and social activism.
In addition, Bard College has a number of student-led organizations that focus on issues related to social and environmental justice. These organizations provide students with a platform to make a difference in their communities.
Personalized Attention and Support
Bard College is committed to providing students with personalized attention and support. The college has a Center for Student Life and Advising that offers academic and personal advising, career counseling, and other support services to students.
Bard College also has a Writing and Thinking Program that provides students with individualized writing instruction and support.
These resources help students succeed academically and prepare them for success in their careers.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Studying abroad can be a transformative experience that broadens students’ perspectives and prepares them for success in a globalized world.
How to apply for Bard College?
How can one submit an application to Bard College? If you’re interested in attending Bard College, you’ll need to follow a specific application process. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the admission process:
Step 1: Choose your application type
Bard College offers two application options: the Common Application or the Bard Application. Both applications are accepted and evaluated equally.
The Common Application is accepted by over 900 colleges and universities and allows you to apply to multiple schools using a single application. The Bard Application is specific to Bard College and requires additional essays and writing samples.
Step 2: Complete the application
Once you’ve chosen your application type, you’ll need to complete the application. The application will require you to provide personal information, academic information, and information about your extracurricular activities.
The application will also require you to submit essays, writing samples, and letters of recommendation. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and provide all required information.
Step 3: Submit your test scores
Bard College is test-optional, which means that you’re not required to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of your application.
However, if you choose to submit test scores, you can send them directly to Bard College.
Step 4: Submit your transcripts
You will be required to produce official transcripts from every secondary school and postsecondary institution that you have attended.
You can submit a request for transcripts to either the counseling office or the registrar’s office at your school.
Step 5: Submit your application fee or fee waiver request
The application cost for Bard College is $70. You have the option of requesting a fee waiver if you are unable to pay the required charge.
Step 6: Submit your application
You are able to submit your application online using either the Common Application or the Bard Application once you have finished completing all of the essential components of your application.
Step 7: Wait for a decision
After you submit your application, you’ll need to wait for a decision from Bard College. The college typically releases decisions in late March or early April.
In addition, the college hosts a day dedicated specifically to admitted students. It is called Admitted Students Day.
The college authorities will get together on April 15, 2023, to perform a wide variety of activities for students to pick from, at which they will have the opportunity to interact with members of the professors, staff, and other students currently enrolled at Bard.
Segue to AdmissionSight
Bard College at Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, is a unique and vibrant institution that offers students an intellectually stimulating and socially engaged education.
With its beautiful campus, accomplished faculty, and wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities, It is an excellent choice for students who are looking for a challenging and rewarding college experience.
We at AdmissionSight would be happy to assist you in realizing your goal. With over a decade of experience, AdmissionSight has helped countless students just like you earn acceptance to their top-choice colleges and universities. Make sure to get in touch with us immediately away so we can set up your no-cost consultation.
