Should I Go?

EricD123 · 01-20-2008, 02:49 PM

I got into Bard EA, but it was originally functioning as my "safety" (sounds SO mean) school. The more I learn about it, the more I like it. I dunno what to do, I'm obviously going to wait for April decisions to come out before I make a decision, but I'm just looking for guidance. Should I go to Bard?

rgwardrn · 01-20-2008, 04:28 PM

What are your areas of interest? Will you be happy at a school that is relatively isolated? Do you want to know everyone on campus or would you be happier just being an anonymous social security number? Do you need to live in a fancy dorm and eat great food? These are some questions you need to ask yourself.

ctParent2006 · 01-20-2008, 06:30 PM

Visit Bard and any other schools you get into. Bard has a unique vibe, rgwardrn's questions are right no, and you should compare that to your other choices.

Phedre · 01-21-2008, 12:35 PM

I haven't visited, but one of my friends goes there are she says that is an intellectually and academically challenging place (if you take courses that challenge you, naturally), but it is very isolated. Which can be great if you're looking for a close-knit campus, but the town of Annandale consists of Bard and ONLY Bard. Which, for a lot of people, is not necessarily a bad thing. Basically, follow what everyone else has sad. Weigh the factors, go for a visit and then make your choice.

EricD123 · 01-22-2008, 10:52 PM

Other schools on my list include Vassar, Brown, Wesleyan and Bowdoin. Does anyone know how Bard compares to these?

ctParent2006 · 01-24-2008, 07:42 PM

Those other schools are more difficult to get into and bigger. Bowdoin is only slightly bigger than Bard but is considered a more "traditional" place than certainly Bard and perhaps the others as well.

Bard has a very artistic or "hipster" vibe, my son at Bard instructs me that this is the proper term so perhaps that will mean something to you. The other schools have a similar reputation but, being larger and more prestigious, are a bit more "mainstream" in my view.

The Bard campus is also very large for the small number of students. It is very spread out compared to all of these other schools. It is also in a completely rural area whereas Vassar, Wesleyan and Brown are in cities of one sort of another. Once again, Bowdoin is different in being in a small town in Maine.

Generally those who have a list similar to yours substitute Bates for Bowdoin. Though I think that Bates, Bowdon, and Colby (to name the full Maine triad) all have significant artistic programs and Bates is more "traditional" than now than perhaps it was before (my wife is an alum and my son transferred to Bard for his sophomore year...).

Good luck, they are all great schools.