Bard College Top Questions

What am I going to do for the rest of my life? Where will I be in ten years? You're probably asking yourself these questions as you prepare for making that college decision. It's important to know what you want in life, but it's important as well to live in the present. Imagine what friends you'll have in ten years, what experiences you'll have had in college, and now picture the college where you want to have these friends, these experiences. When you're trying to find the right college, the best approach is to seek out the schools that you can be certain will fulfill all your needs. It is better to go to the school where you can be sure you will get the opportunities and freedom you want to make your path through life the path you choose. Is the location of the school going to impact your choices? Liberal arts might be the best choice if you want to be exposed to all aspects of learning. Parents, remember the decision is theres, just give them the occasional reality check. Remember, ulatimately any college is what you make it.

Visit as many schools as possible and critically think about your choice, do not just go with your instinct.

Apply to at least 6 schools that you could imagine attending. Be realistic and have at least a couple of back-ups. If you don't find the right fit, remember that transferring is always an option. Try your best to get to school campuses and sit in on classes. Don't be shy to talk to students, that's the only way to get an impression of a school. For undergraduate study, I highly recommend the liberal arts education. Graduate school is the time to focus on a career driven major. A broad education will help you become a well rounded person and you may find new interests that will take you in a whole different career path.

Always ALWAYS spend a day visiting that campus before attending. Attend classes, talk to professors and students, try the food, get a sense of the local area. And if a college does not want you, you don't want THEM. Follow your instincts. Where will you learn the most. Where will you be happy?

In a student's mind, though academics will generally trump the rural/urban battle when deciding where to attend, this overlooked aspect of a school can determine your mindset for the next four years. I chose Bard because of the healthy foreign languages department and throughout the entire application process, I couldn't be bothered to think about how rural the campus was. All that mattered to me was that there was a distinct campus, since I've known from the beginning that something like NYU's city sprawl was not for me. And yet, 2.5 years into my education, the biggest problem I have with Bard is its isolation-- "The Bard Bubble" as it's referred to. I don't have a car and the hassle of getting to a city is frustrating not only because of the stress of travel but also because my options for learning to work and live outside of college are limited. Thus, I find myself worrying about stepping out of the Bard Bubble and into the world after graduation. So while you should choose a school for what you'd like to study, already keep in mind that you will someday leave.

It sounds like I have lost my mind, but the answer is vibes. The atmosphere of a college is everything. Statistics about the school play an important preliminary role because one must narrow down the search before delving into the world of abstract perceptions of the place, but there is no substitute for a fundamental semi-spiritual overview of the community that you plan to spend the next four years of your life in. Will this environment facilitate your transformation into the person you want to be? The students must seem like people you could spend all of your time with; people who will motivate, enrich and entertain you. The school has to be located in an area that will be neither overwhelming nor isolating. The professors have to be prepared to provide the engaging and active education that you are secretly at college for in the first place. The idea of atmosphere encompasses all of these themes and synthesizes them into something you can immediately sense after spending just a little bit of time on a campus and asking a few choice questions. Do all your research but trust your instincts, and then prepare for a beautiful, chaotic ride.

First and foremost, worry about money last. A lot of families from my hometown actually eliminated schools from their lists because they were too expensive--but in reality, those expensive schools are the ones that give the most financial aid. I was sorry to see many of my friends go to affordable but basic community colleges (without aid) for this reason--and I ended up paying the same amount at a liberal arts school. Secondly, I would advise studenst to look for schools with a good study abroad program and big international student population. I have made the best friends and had the most amazing experiences with students from around the world--they really bring something to the table that's unique from the regular American student, and best of all they all hang out together (even rival countries, like Serbia and Kosovo)--you get to see a lot of the world in the comfort of home. I love it. Third, go to the school that wants you most. When I came to Bard for an interview, the interviewer LOVED me. Though it wasn't my first choice, she assured me I'd be totally happy here, and I am.

If you have the financial means and support, go to a school that you love and study something that excites you; don't base your education on a career. The value of a career is totally made up by the white capitalist men who govern our world; "career" is a tool used to control people by giving them a false sense of self-worth. Study something that makes you FEEL and choose a school that doesn't mindlessly funnel you into the capitalist job market.

For parents, seriously assess whether your child is ready for pursuing the conventional academic track. Let them know there are other options for them, such as internships, other organizations they might take part in. Don't push them if they're not academically or emotionally ready on the shaky grounds that it's the "normal, logical next step in young adult life post-high school". Also, if they hate the college they choose, emphasize that their situation isn't set in stone (although it might be a hassle, transferring is always an option). Feeling trapped is never good. For other students I would also say take some time to really figure out whether you have the perseverence, tenacity, mental and emotional well-being to start on the college road. Depending on what you're looking for, college life can be fabulous but also very revealing. Living independently and managing time can be very taxing. Even things as simple as making time for doing your laundry, writing a paper, and going to a party can be a difficult task. If you decide to go for it, research and visit campuses. Make sure you talk to current students to get the truth.

I would try and pick up coursebooks from the college and learn as much as possible about the professors in your major. These are people you will be spending a lot of time with and it will make a huge difference in your college experience if they are fun, intelligent and engaging people.