fangsup15

I was wondering if anyone had any perspectives or insights into Bard? I am very interested and have really liked the school through their website, viewbooks, and some other scattered information. I won't be able to visit either, so any information would be appreciated.

My interests are primarily in History, International Relations/Affairs/Studies, Latin American Studies, Spanish, and French... how strong are their programs? And although I am not looking into a science major, how strong are there classes in the sciences? Are there many offerings in the natural sciences?

Proud Dad

You won't find a lot of Bardians on this site. It's just not their thing. I have a daughter at Bard but not studying in the areas you're asking about. I do know MLevine on this board transferred from Bard to pursue a different path in the sciences. He's very objective in his critiques and in fact seems to really have come to appreciate Bard, even as he leaves for his own reasons. Bard is making a big push in the sciences mostly due to a brand new Science facility which many seem to like. I hear of plenty of opportunities in doing research with faculty members and the advantage of very small class size. On the international relations area, I think they're considered very strong but don't hesitate to ask the school for faculty of students to ask these questions of. If you can't visit you can't hope to really understand Bard but the administration, faculty, and students will go out of their way to try and tell you what you need to know, and give you an honest assessment of how you might fit there. Just don't expect them to be on this site. As their Live Journal site says, "Shhh! I'm writing; I'm thinking." You might want to ask your questions there, but there aren't many Bardians watching that venue, either. Just call the school. I think you'll find them very helpful. I always do.

2forcollege

My D applied and was accepted to Bard this year (via IDP). There was a lot she liked about Bard, especially the strength of the academics and outstanding faculty. I was very impressed by the president's talk with the parents and his ideas about education. If you visit the school, pick up copies of "The Bardian", their alumni magazine. It will give you a very positive picture of how well Bard grads are doing and all the interesting things about the school.

Ultimately, my D decided not to attend Bard mostly due to the remoteness of the location (in the middle of the woods), the cafeteria food and that the kids all dressed like she does (hipster...she likes to stand out).

My sense of the school was that it's either a fit or not. If it's a fit, then I think it would be a great experience and top education. If not, it would be a very long winter.

ctParent2006

My son transferred to Bard and was very happy this year. It is a small school but the offerings in the areas you mention are their stronger ones, along with the Arts. 2forcollege's description seems to be right on to me.

You can check out their course offerings for the Fall, which is naturally smaller than the catalog at

Bard College Course List--Fall 2008

Good luck