overwhelmedma

Has anyone done this program? How does the topic affect the outcome - this year it looks like philosophy which my d hasn't studied. What are they looking for in the seminars??

2forcollege

Both my D and her friend were offered admission from IDP. My impression was that what mattered was the strength of their applications and interviews. The philosophy class they attend is more of an opportunity for them to get the experience of what classes are like at Bard. But both my D and her friend did read the material before going and participated some in the class.

I highly recommend the IDP application process. It was a great experience and though my D choose not to attend, we both developed great appreciation for the college. It also made her senior year much less stressful, knowing she could attend a great school next fall.

overwhelmedma

We are really leaning toward it for the same reason. It could reduce the stress a lot. Only issue is it's tough to take time off at her school so it has to be worth it.

2forcollege

Request a weekend IDP date. We flew in to NYC on a Thursday (stayed in the city). Visited Skidmore on Friday and drove to stay in Red Wing Friday and Saturday nights. Drove back to NYC on Sunday for an evening flight home. Her IDP was held on a weekend that coincided with the end of the quarter day off from school...no school days missed and 2 college visits! (We also had a great time...the autumn leaves were beautiful then.)

overwhelmedma

I'll take a look and see - I think ironically on of them is on her b-day! we have thought about visiting Vassar although it is long shot and maybe could combine them. I have been to the area (went to Sarah Lawrence and had friends from Poughkipse (SP?)). It is really great in the fall.

Proud Dad

I know plenty of kids who got in to Vassar who didn't get in to Bard. I say this so you won't discount Vassar for apparent selectivity alone. Visit both and see which one your D feels better about. They aren't the same. My D never even considered Vassar beyond the first pass and, from her friends there who express jealousy over her courses and opportunities at Bard, feels she made the right decision.

2forcollege

Agreed about Vassar, D didn't even want to get out of the car. But different qualities appeal to different kids. D has a friend that fell in love with Vassar and was accepted there ED. I think grade/test scores were about the same as my D's, so if you're looking at Bard, take the time to check Vassar.

overwhelmedma

We put Vassar in the one too many reach schools category but I'll rethink it - doesn't make sense not to look if we are there.

N8Ma

Just FYI: the conservatory is going to participate in IDP this year as well. We will only conduct two dates: Friday Nov. 7 and Saturday Nov. 15. With conservatory IDP, applicants will sit in on the class in the morning, but in the afternoon they will audition for conservatory faculty in addition to having an interview with an admissions counselor.

More information can be found here: Bard College Conservatory of Music | Undergraduate Program

The important distinction is that conservatory IDP reservation forms must be sent to the conservatory directly. Otherwise, the applicant will be booked on a regular IDP track. Finally, we are not requiring all people interested in the conservatory to audition during IDP. If a student is prepared to apply to IDP academically but would still prefer to wait until the Regular Decision auditions in March, that's fine.

SpiritManager

I don't really understand how the instant admission will work - when there are such limited spots in the conservatory. Is it possible that all the slots for a particular instrument or for composition will be filled in November before the regular admission date? Or will a certain number of slots be saved? Or is the conservatory planning to be flexible about the number of accepted applicants depending on who applies?

In other words is an applicant at a disadvantage if they don't come in November to apply for an instant decision?

N8Ma

I'm sorry for not responding to your question sooner. Precisely because of limited openings, we are scrapping IDP for composition applicants. However, we have enough flexibility with all other instruments to allow IDP, EA, and RD applications. There will be no preference either way. The real question is whether your s/d is musically ready in early November for an audition. If not, s/he can use IDP or EA for a decision from Bard College, but should wait until January 15th to turn in the prescreening DVD and Supplemental Application.

We will not have everything stitched up from IDP.