Applying to several small liberal arts schools including Bard

<p>Hi, I joined College Confidential today and I’m not entirely sure where to post this because my post isn’t entirely about Bard. I’m posting it here because of the schools I’m looking at Bard had the most recent posts here so I thought that other like-minded students or parents of students might be more likely to respond here than if I were to post the thread elsewhere.</p>

<p>Anyway, I am a high school senior and while of course academics are a top priority for me when it comes to choosing a school, I am very worried about the social aspects of college as well. I did not find that I fit in at my high school and though Sarah Lawrence used to be my top choice, I have read many reviews that said that people there were not especially friendly, and I really want to go somewhere where people are kind and welcoming. </p>

<p>I fell in love with Bard and am doing Instant Decision in November. Because obviously financial aid and other factors will decide where I end up, I was wondering which colleges might be good for me in the same ways that Bard is. </p>

<p>Basically, and I am sorry that I have been rambling and that I don’t know exactly how to phrase this–is Bard the sort of place that feels like home? And for those who have knowledge of Bennington and Hampshire, do those places have kind students and offer comfortable backdrops for a college education as well? Also, if anybody knows more about Sarah Lawrence and whether or not the people there are as unfriendly as I have heard, please let me know.</p>

<p>Thank you for taking the time to read this,
Jeff</p>

<p>I have a feeling that all students will have a slightly different definition of feeling at home, and even what constitutes kindness. Bard doesn’t always have the rep for overtly outgoing warm and friendly students - more passionate intellectually engaged, and accepting of everyone, as well as differing points of views- as well as a place where a person who felt out of place in high school now feels like they fit in perfectly. Some schools perhaps more well known as warm and friendly, yet equally accepting of difference, are Beloit, Grinnell, Hampshire, Lawrence, Pitzer, Lewis & Clark, Colorado College, Goucher, and Bennington. And I’m sure there are many more.</p>

<p>When you get to Bard for IDP you’ll get a chance to feel the place out for yourself.</p>

<p>Jeff - good luck with IDP! As you know, you should take anything you read online about the “feel” of various schools with a huge grain of salt. As SpiritManager says, you’ll be able to make your own determination when you get to campus.</p>

<p>Personally, I loved Bennington, but my D who ended up at Bard didn’t like it at all. Likewise, our tour of Hampshire was pleasant, but…not for her.</p>

<p>Visit. Sit in on a class you are really interested in. Eat lunch in the cafeteria. Do you see kids you want to talk to and get to know? Both of my children had ideas about which school was their top choice based on what they’d read–and everything changed when they visited. What’ s important to remember is that there is no right school for everybody, only some right schools for you.
All that said, Bard fit my daughter like a glove–the classical seriousness of the academics, the outside-the-box curiosity of the kids, and a rockin’ writing department filled with classes she wanted to take. She loves it there, has tons of friends, and is very cozy. It’s her home. But that doesn’t mean it will be yours.
On one college visit, I ran into a mother who said they study the lawns of all of the schools they visit–are they hard and packed from exhaustion? are they pristine and green from pesticides? or are they rich with clover and bees and wildflowers like they are at Bard. Her son knew Bard was the right school for him because of the wildflowers. (but then environmental studies was his passion)
Other schools my Bard-loving daughter looked at were Reed, Wesleyan, Bennington, Oberlin, and Vassar. Personally, I loved Bennnington (too small and flakey for her) and I loved Vassar (not quite wild enough for my girl) and even Wes (too many jocks in the writing class…which makes it a great choice for my son…) Visit and do more than a campus tour. Sit in on classes, go to the campus center, wander around. Imagine yourself there and see how it feels.</p>

<p>I realize that scores aren’t everything but especially without a hook, they can help guide you. Vassar and Oberlin if you are an A student with SAT around 2100. If you have 2100-2200 then Wesleyan, and for a 2300+ Brown. If your SATs are somewhat lower, consider Skidmore, and significantly lower Hampshire might be an option.</p>

<p>Bard is unpredictable with admissions. My grades/class rank were less than their averages, but my essay and extracurricular were enough to get me in.</p>

<p>Keep the faith.</p>