<p>The Bard website lists an early action option, not early decision. However, the website says “Highly qualified candidates who are certain that Bard is their top choice are encouraged to apply by November 1.” Is the EA binding or nonbinding??</p>
<p>It’s non-binding. You get your decision around Christmas and have until April 1st to decide if you want to go or not.</p>
<p>Thanks–that’s what we thought but good to make sure.</p>
<p>Also, if you feel strongly about Bard, I encourage you to apply Immediate Decision Plan. You submit your Common Application, take a class, have an interview, and they let you know the next business day if you’ve been accepted. It is also non-binding.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info. Does the Immediate decision plan day include significant in-class writing, or is it mostly learning/reading/discussion?</p>
<p>For IDP, you are given a couple of passages to read ahead of time, then there is a class in which you discuss them. My daughter did say they did some writing, but it was more for sharing their thoughts. They tell you repeatedly that the class is for your benefit only, and not part of your evaluation. The interview is very important however. If you are interested, you should sign up as soon as it becomes available. IDP fills up fast.</p>
<p>Approach IDP as a unique opportunity to really get to know Bard and their professors and class experience (as much as Bard will enjoy getting to know you 
). My daughter too attended IDP, and though she was happily accepted and continued to apply to other schools (and was fortunate to receive other nice offers), it was IDP that gave her a very good feeling of what Bard is really like.</p>
<p>I just checked the website and all but one session are full.</p>
<p>D1 loved Bard. Does applying EA in any way affect the school’s decision regarding financial aid?</p>
<p>The admissions office will give you a clear answer on that. My impression was no, and that what matters most is that the student is a) very qualified and b) able to make clear he/she is very serious about Bard and why.</p>
<p>Glad to say my daughter is a super-happy freshman now!</p>
<p>Thanks, momwonders.
And glad to hear your daughter is happy there!</p>