I applied as a transfer student and will find out soon whether I am in or not. I also applied for the DSS scholarship. I am a physics major and have looked deeply into what Bard can offer. The science program at Bard does not have a wide reputation and will not be rank among other schools. Yet, several years ago, Bard recognized this fact and began what is called the "Bard Science Initiative"
http://www.bard.edu/scienceinitiative/index.shtml
"The Bard College Science Initiative is a program of curricular innovation, faculty hiring, external programs, and facilities construction aimed at achieving three goals at Bard and Simon's Rock College of Bard: to increase the number of science majors; to improve the level of science literacy throughout the college; and to assume a leadership role in the national effort to improve secondary school science teaching."
They are putting a lot of time, money and effort into makeing their science program a great program. It seems to me that studying science at Bard now, we would be at the forefront of this push. While I was visiting Bowdoin College, my guide mentioned that they are ranked number 2 for food. He said that it was better to be number two because the staff is pushing so hard to be number one that the students now will benefit the most. I think this is similar to Bard and science. Bard is pushing to make the program great, so now is the time to do it, because science major will be greatly catered to.
Next, something that you will get at Bard is amazing professors and VERY close relationships with them. I have gotten to know all three of the physics professors alittle already through email. In fact, when I went to meet with Prof. Brody (A wonderful man), he brought me to his house and fed me while we talked! These professors are amazing teachers and physicists. Professor Skiff has already been mentoring me in my independent study of the connections between physics and philosophy. Also through the DSS program, Bard brings many Nobel laureates to speak on campus.
As far as getting into a doctoral program out of Bard, you can definitely do it. I don't think that Bard would take away from your chances of getting into any Doctoral program you want.
Here is an example "Robert Cutler graduated from Bard College as an undergraduate majoring in math and physics. In 1998, he received a PhD in Computational Biophysics / Bioinformatics from Vanderbilt University"
Bard also has good connections with Columbia U., in fact Bard use to be part of Columbia U.! up until around the late 30's when bard started to admit girls.
If you like Bard and understand the benefits of not coming out of college with much debt, Do not be held back by public reputation. Bard is the kind of place where you can get a great education if you work for at it. If Bard is not the right place for you, than let it be. If you feel like you like it there, I would not be too worried about what you will be able to do after Bard, I think you will have many options!
The Best of Luck
Jack
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