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Applying to Bard

How will you apply?

Select how you will be entering Bard by choosing one of the links below. These pages contain specific details, including deadlines. Scroll down for our overview of application methods.

FIRST-YEARTRANSFER BARD EARLY COLLEGEINTERNATIONALDACA/UNDOCUMENTEDHOMESCHOOLED  RETURN TO COLLEGEBARD CONSERVATORY

Choose One Application Method

What are the application methods?

Choose only one! After you decide how you will apply, you will then decide when you will apply. Application Process FAQs.

  • Common Application
    Using the Common Application, candidates may apply to Bard through: Early Action · Early Decision · Early Decision II  · Regular Decision · The Immediate Decision Plan. You may only apply through one application method. If you apply through the Common Application, do not submit a Coalition Application.
    Apply now!
  • Coalition with Scoir
    Using Coalition with Scoir, candidates may apply to Bard through: Early Action · Early Decision · Early Decision II  · Regular Decision · The Immediate Decision Plan. You may only apply through one application method. If you apply through the Coalition Application, do not submit a Common Application.
    Apply Now!

November 1 Application Options

Apply by November 1

Early application options: Apply using the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir. Please only use one application method.

Bard will meet 100% of the full demonstrated need (Tuition, Housing and food, First Year Academic Programming if applicable and Required Fees) for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens* admitted in the early rounds (Early Action I and Early Decision I). The College makes every effort to meet demonstrated need, no matter which application option students choose. In recent years, almost 70% of all Bard students have received financial support from the College. 
*Dual citizens (US citizens with other citizenship(s)), permanent US residents, and DACA/Undocumented students

What does meeting need mean at Bard?
A student’s financial need is calculated after their family contribution, federal student loans, federal grants, outside grants, scholarships, and work-study eligibility are considered. The College provides a financial aid award that is designed to meet the gap between the cost of Tuition, Room and Board, Required Fees, First Year Academic Programming (if applicable), and the sum of the family contribution, federal student loans, federal grants, work-study (if eligible) and other outside grants and scholarships.

Students applying to the Bard Conservatory of Music must apply by the Regular Decision deadline and are not eligible to apply through any other round.

The following are Bard's November 1 Application Options (choose only one):

  • Immediate Decision Plan
    Through this process, students receive an admission decision 48 hours after participating.
  • Early Decision I
    Highly qualified candidates for whom Bard is the top choice may opt to use the binding Early Decision process.
  • Early Action
    Highly qualified candidates for whom Bard is a top choice may opt to use the non-binding Early Action process. 

January 1 Application Options

Apply by January 1

Apply using the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir. Please use only one application method. Students applying to the Bard Conservatory of Music must apply by the Regular Decision deadline and are not eligible to apply through any other round.
The following are Bard's January 1 Application Options (choose only one):

  • Immediate Decision Plan II
    IDP accelerates the admission process during a daylong session
  • Early Decision II
    Highly qualified candidates for whom Bard is the top choice may opt to use the binding Early Decision II process.
  • Regular Decision
    A non-binding application method with an admission decision being released in late March.
The Bard Entrance Examination
Photo by Pete Mauney ’93 MFA ’00

The Bard Entrance Examination

An alternative application option that does not require the submission of the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir. Apply by Nov. 1
The Bard Entrance Examination is an online essay exam open only to high school juniors and seniors. The exam must be finished and submitted by November 1. Completion of the exam is equivalent to an application for admission. Applicants receive pass/fail notification of exam results by mid December.

Learn More about the Bard Exam

Did You Know?
Photo by Karl Rabe

Did You Know?

Bard College has been test optional for over 50 years.
You do not need to take the SAT or ACT to apply to Bard.

SAT and ACT scores should only be submitted if a student feels that their scores are an accurate reflection of their academic abilities. Submitted SAT and ACT scores are only used to inform our review process in a very small fraction of applications that include SAT or ACT scores. Students who do not submit their SAT or ACT scores are not penalized in any way during the application review process.

For more information about our test optional policy, please reach out to the Office of Admission at [email protected] or 845-758-7472. 

There is NO application fee to apply to Bard College!
 

Applying for Financial Aid?

Required Financial Aid Forms for Bard College

Financial aid and scholarships based on need are available. (For some financial aid scholarships, students will need to fill out a form and submit that form at the same time their application to the College is submitted.) Both the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE forms are required by Bard for domestic students and are found online. For international students, the Bard International Student Application for Financial Aid is required and is to be completed and uploaded to their Bard portal with their application. All students receive access to their Bard Portal via email after submitting their application to Bard College.

Deadlines for Submitting Financial Aid Forms

  • U.S. citizens applying through the following early application options: Bard Entrance Exam, Early Action, Early Decision I, the College Board's College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) must be filed by December 1 in order for eligible students to receive a financial aid package alongside their admission decision. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed as soon as it becomes available in December, and no later than February 1, 2024. 
    • NOTE for Immediate Decision Plan (IDP) applicants: November 1 is the deadline to submit the CSS Profile. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed as soon as it becomes available in December, and no later than February 1, 2024.
  • International students applying through the following early application options: Bard Entrance Exam, Early Action, Early Decision I, the Bard International Student Financial Aid Application (BISFAA) must be filed by November 1 in order for eligible students to receive a financial aid package alongside their admission decision.
    • NOTE for Immediate Decision Plan (IDP) applicants: November 1 is the deadline to submit the BISFAA.
  • U.S. citizens who are applying through the Regular Decision or Early Decision II options, the College Board's College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed by February 1 in order for eligible students to receive a financial aid package alongside their admission decision.
  • International students who are applying through the Regular Decision or Early Decision II options, the Bard International Student Financial Aid Application (BISFAA) must be filed by January 1 in order for eligible students to receive a financial aid package alongside their admission decision.
While federal financial aid protocols impact undocumented students, DACA or undocumented students may apply for Bard College institutional financial aid using the CSS Profile. More information about financial aid application deadlines can be found on the financial aid website. Questions regarding financial aid can be directed to [email protected].

Financial Aid Website

In-Person and Virtual Interview Options

Interviews are not required except for Return to College applicants. They are recommended for transfer and homeschooled students. Only students applying in the current admission cycle are eligible for an interview. 
Interviews are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once interview slots are full, the Admission Office is unable to schedule additional slots.
Students applying via the Immediate Decision Plan (IDP) should not register for an interview. An interview will be arranged for them during their IDP day. Virtual interviews will be conducted by admission counselors, while in-person interviews will be conducted by students.

  • Who Should Interview?
    Interviews are not required for any first-year or transfer applicant. Interviews are only required for Return to College applicants. Interviews are recommended for transfer and homeschooled students.
    Only students who fit the below criteria should consider interviewing with Bard:
    • Students who feel that the applications offered do not provide them with adequate space to fully explain important life and/or educational experiences 
    • Students who wish to provide further context around something they plan to include in their application that they feel would be better explained in an interview setting
    • Students who wish to share information with Admission that they do not plan to include in their application
  • Interview Options
    First Year and Spring Transfer/RCP interview slots are available from early September through early November, with additional slots offered in January for Regular Decision candidates only. On-campus interviews are hosted by Undergraduate Admission Fellows, while virtual interviews are hosted by Admission Counselors. Admission Counselors may also be available to host interviews during their fall travel schedule, students are welcome to reach out to the Admission Representative for their region about on-the-road interview possibilities. Please know that we weigh fellow and counselor interviews equally, and interviews for First Year and Transfer applicants are simply a layer of our holistic application review process, and you will not be disadvantaged in the application process if you were not able to schedule an interview. 
  • Interview Deadlines
    • Early Action, Early Decision I, and Bard Entrance Exam interviews: weekdays from September 9, 2024, through November 7, 2024
    • Regular Decision and Early Decision II interviews: weekdays from September 9, 2024, through November 7, 2024
    • Spring Transfer and Return to College interviews: weekdays from September 9, 2024, through November 7, 2024
    • Fall Transfer and Return to College interviews: weekdays in February of 2025
    REGISTER HERE
Faculty Connections

Faculty Connections

Prospective students who are interested in connecting with a professor should email [email protected] with the subject 'Faculty Connect' and be sure to express the following:

  • The specific professor(s) they would like to meet with or the division(s) they are interested in
  • Details about their availability and travel
  • If you are taking a tour during their visit.
Please make your request at least five business days before you plan to arrive on campus.
We will respond within 3 business days with a confirmation of your request and details about your visit. 

Video on Accessing the Bard Portal for Students 

Attention Parents/Families of Bard Applicants! 

Important Information About Your Student's Bard Portal

Once your student submits their Common Application or Coalition with Scoir, it may take 24–48 hours for us to confirm receipt of their application. Once we receive their application, they will be emailed a confirmation which includes the credentials to access their Bard portal. Students should login to their Bard portals regularly to view their application and, if applicable, financial aid checklists to make sure we have received all of their required materials and to see important messages we post there.

If your student submits their application on the deadline date but still has required materials to submit, please note that they will have time to upload those application materials after that deadline date as long as their application has been submitted. It is important, however, that they submit those final materials as soon as possible after the deadline has passed as the admission committee cannot read incomplete applications.

If your student applied via the Bard Entrance Exam (BEE) they will also receive a confirmation email from us noting receipt of their BEE application within 48 hours of submitting their application essays. That email will also provide them with access to their Bard portal, which they should view regularly.

We ask students not to mail or email any materials directly to the Admission Office unless instructed to do so. Your student is to use their Bard portal and go to their Application Tab to upload and view submitted materials. 

Your student should make a habit of visiting their Bard portal frequently to view their application and financial aid checklists and confirm that we have received all of the materials required to complete their application. We will also be posting information on their portal throughout the admission cycle so it is important for them to check their portal regularly.


Discover More

Bard College Is a Partner of Golden Door Scholars

Bard College Is a Partner of Golden Door Scholars

Bard College is a partner of Golden Door Scholars, an organization supporting access to college for undocumented students. Golden Door Scholars selects their student scholars through a rigorous selection process that takes place before students apply to college. Golden Door Scholars who apply and are admitted to Bard receive financial and wrap-around support from both Golden Door Scholars and Bard College. Students who have not already been selected as Golden Door Scholars before applying to Bard are not eligible for this scholarship. To learn more about Golden Door Scholars please visit their website. 

Yellow Ribbon Program

Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, colleges and universities enter into a voluntary agreement with the Veterans Administration to cover the cost of tuition and fees in excess of the amounts payable under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. The Yellow Ribbon Program financially aids veterans, and those eligible for veterans benefits, to make a Bard education more accessible regardless of a student's socio-economic circumstances. 

For more information about the Yellow Ribbon Program, please contact Josh Tyler at [email protected]. 

The Bridge Program

The Bridge Program

An Enrichment Program for High School Juniors and Seniors

High school juniors and seniors who have met or are currently fulfilling their high school requirements and would like the opportunity to participate in a higher-level educational experience are invited to participate in up to two 100- or 200-level classes at Bard to broaden their educational development. 
Learn More

Non-Matriculated Students

Bard College allows several options for taking classes as a non-matriculated student. Students who have graduated high school may choose to audit or take a course(s) for credit.

Fees

  • Taking a course for credit: $2,050 per credit (classes are often 4 credits each)
  • Auditing a course (only for those age 65 and over): $100
  • Registration fee: $175
If you are a high school junior or senior and are interested in taking courses at Bard please see our Bridge Program page. 
If you are a current college student looking to spend a semester or year at Bard please visit our Visiting + Exchange Students page. 

Application Process
  1. Application: Students should submit a completed online application to the Bard Admission Office at least three weeks prior to registration day (November 30 for spring semester, July 31 for fall semester). Current course list
  2. Interview: Students must schedule an interview with Josh Tyler, [email protected], in the Bard Admission Office no later than three weeks prior to registration day.
  3. Approval: Applications of recommended students will be forwarded to Craig Jude in the Registrar’s Office.
  4. Registration: Students should contact the professor of the class they are interested in taking to receive approval for participation in that class. Once a student has received approval, they will need to contact Craig Jude, of the Registrar’s Office, to officially register for the class. Contact: Craig Jude, [email protected]. 
  5. Payment: Student Accounts must be contacted upon completion of the registration process for registration and course fees to be made. Contact: [email protected]. 
  6. Account Setup: Once students have registered and submitted their payment for the semester, they should contact our Help Desk to set up their Bard account and email. Contact: [email protected].
*Please note: Bard College students have priority registration to all classes. The Registrar’s Office and individual professors will assist you in choosing appropriate classes.

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