Hi everyone! I am a junior in high school who is trying to get accepted to Bard College’s conservatory. I play the harp and I hope to study with Bridget Kibbey. I have been emailing back and fourth with Bridget (trying to schedule a lesson)- but I am not sure how likely it is I will be accepted to the college. My GPA is a 3.3 weighted. ( i focused on music not so much school) I am ranked 2nd in the state for harp & participate in like 12 orchestras year round. I have a ton of extracurriculars and host many fundraisers to raise awareness for equality and diversity in my town. What does bard look for when accepting applicants? Thanks!
Bard College has a very holistic admission process. They even have an option where they don’t consider grades and scores at all - instead they ask you to write four 2500 word essays. However, do keep in mind that this is a double degree you’re applying for, so you will be expected to be up to the academic standards as well as the musical ones. The academic standards for you, if accepted and enrolled, will be the same as for all the non music students - you will need to be willing to do a lot of reading, write many essays, matriculate into your major, and complete two separate senior projects - one academic, and one musical. That said, Bard will most definitely take into account your passion for music, and your focus on that during your high school days.