Piping up on Bard: I’ve known 3 Bard students- not very many, but startlingly different kids. All of them are academically strong, solid good kids.
I only know about 1 teacher: one term Vassar had an unexpectedly large contingent of physics students who needed a particular math class, so a second section was added (cap on the # of students in a section), and Vassar didn’t have somebody to cover it. A math professor from Bard came down twice a week to cover the section and my D was lucky enough to have him. She has had some great teachers over the years, but she said hands down, he was not only the best math teacher but one of the best teachers she has ever had. They were all hoping that Vassar would poach him from Bard so that they could take more classes with him. 
@bopambo My son took five years to graduate because he got two degrees - a Bachelors of Music from Bard Conservatory and a BA in Classics from the college. All conservatory students are required to get a second degree, and it always takes five years. The philosophy of the conservatory is that a well educated musician is a better musician. (And there is financial support to make five years possible.)
@parentgeorgia Have you tried appealing your financial aid? If you’ve received need-based aid from other colleges that exceeds Bard’s, it’s possible that Bard would re-evaluate your award. I’ve personally known this to happen with a positive outcome especially if you can offer some persuasive arguments. I’m glad your son had a good visit! I know a couple of the musicians in TON - they were undergrads with my son. In fact the mother of one was who I called to allay my concerns when my son was deciding… The photography and Human Rights departments are fantastic. I always wanted to take all the courses listed under the Human Rights banner. On the other hand, I’m sure your son would have a great experience at Oberlin. There are many similarities with Bard. Much as I love Bard for the right kid - which it sounds like your son is - I do think he would also flourish at Oberlin.
True story… Just went downstairs after catching up on this thread. “Mom, I think I’ll go to Bard.” I’m sure I’ll give him a few more days to settle on it. Thanks SpiritManager for all your comments. I will pm you later if you don’t mind.
@latetogame I don’t mind at all. Happy to chat.
My UPS sales job looks a little wan at this point amidst the outpouring of Bard love, but congrats to your son @latetogame (and to your pocketbook!)
Thanks @rayrick. It’s not over yet… it’s hard to argue with the money though. If UPS had been a little closer in terms of money I think the pendulum would have swung that way. I am contemplating calling UPS to see if they will look over our FA package, but, based on lots of cc threads on that topic, my hopes are not high. It is pretty clear they met our EFC and even threw in a little extra already. I’m still going to do a little more research and ask SpiritManager a few questions - I keep hearing that it is a great school for the “right kid” and I think I need some reassurance that my kid fits that bill.
latetogame, it is really hard making the best decision when fit is so important. We had a similar situation in that my son was deciding between Whitman and Macalester. He’d liked both initially, the money Macalester offered was by far the best of any of his acceptances, they really wanted him! Luckily he was able to do overnights at both campuses and emphatically preferred Whitman after those visits. Another kid would have chosen the other way, “fit” is such an individual thing. I was sad thinking about the money, but really glad he loved his experience. Your son will get a great education either way!
I agree that the choices everyone faces here are hard - and the students will get a great education at all of the schools - UPS here, and Whitman on another current thread. So then it comes down to the subtleties in deciding, and the less than subtle area of finances. Certainly my son could have gone somewhere cheaper - as in full ride - but luckily we could afford to pay what was asked (he had a full tuition scholarship for the conservatory) - and in the end all his desired schools were approximately the same cost so we could take that factor off the table.
I agree that the student bodies will be slightly different at Bard than at Whitman and UPS. Which is what visits will help determine. Other ways to drill down into differences: compare the actual course list for this semester, or next if posted. Especially in areas of interest. Compare the requirements to graduate. What are the distribution requirements? What use will AP classes be? What about in a major - what are the requirements for that? Take a look at the week’s calendar - see what concerts, lectures, clubs, sports etc are happening on campus. I don’t know the others but you can find Bard’s at inside.bard.edu. Compare the clubs list to get a feel for the student body. Study abroad? Does your financial aid go with you? For instance, at Bard, financial aid only accompanies the student at Bard run abroad programs, which is different from a lot of other schools. Study the professors’ bios and interests in the areas where you think your student will be taking classes. Look at the make-up of the student body - what states do they come from? How diverse is it in terms of economics, students of color, country of origin? In other words - time to drill down!
Quick update for those of you kind enough to weigh in… no decision yet, but attending a local admitted students reception tonight was a deal killer for Bard. Sadly, while he thinks he would get an exceptional education and have amazing opportunities, he doesn’t think the school is a fit for him. I get it… I had my hesitations and this was confirmation. So… back to UPS, Beloit, Whitman. I imagine we will be sending that money at 11:59 pm May 1 and praying it makes it on time!
@latetogame Godspeed and all of the best as the remaining choices are all very commendable and teriffic for your son. I have to share that our S decided late on Oberlin over Bard. Yes the merit scholarship from Obie did factor in as did great insight from other posters, particularly spiritManager. However the personal and different vibe that he got from an 11th hour visit to Oberlin made his decision easier … A friend at work (NJ) from Oregon raves about UPS …and it’s highly regarded reputation, great campus and progressive curriculum …
I hate to think I’ve been dissuading everyone or anyone from choosing Bard, when I just wish I could go there myself. (And could have once upon a time - because I actually did apply back in the early 70’s but chose another school…) But @parentgeorgia and @latetogame your students have great choices and won’t go wrong wherever they may land.
@SpiritManager . You have managed to be a source of genuine objectivity with sincerity and care. Many Thanks …!
Well @latetogame, sounds like our kids may yet meet each other at UPS! S has decided that’s where he’s headed (and my wife liked it, too), so our situation is settled.
Just sent in acceptance and deposit! Thank goodness!!! Ordered a sweatshirt and we are good to go :>)
@SpiritManager , you and DH can go to Bard together. He was crushed DS chose another option. We all know he wanted to go there himself!