<p>I also find it very interesting that the Reed interviewer appears to have told you the exact same thing, in the same words, as you said the Bard interviewer told you. I will repeat what I said in that regard again: Take such input from an admissions counselor who has not seen your transcript, test scores, essays, recommendations, and applications with a very BIG grain of salt. It is to their advantage to encourage as many students as possible to apply.</p>