Bard vs Muhlenberg, class of 2022

College Search & Selection
1

Hi, my D has narrowed her decision down to Bard or Muhlenberg. She is interested in theatre, vocal music, English/writing, also anthopology… Strong theatre was important to start - strong academics across the board also important. She has very good/similar financial aid offers from both, about the same cost - under $10,000.

Muhlenberg:
We live a half-hour from Muhlenberg, which is one strike against it - hoped to go “away” to school. We had never been there before, and were pleasantly surprised. The campus is very small, but beautiful, wonderful facilities (dining hall reminded me of Hogwarts, and food supposedly amazing), and very welcoming, many clubs and theatre opportunities, seems easy to get voice lessons in, etc. Seems like more study abroad options. Bus-ride-close to NYC & Philly. She wants to know more about their English/writing/creative writing/poetry scene, which she is very interested in, so any info on that would be great. We really loved it when visiting, and they were very helpful, and genuinely kind.

Bard:
Large, bucolic campus - gorgeous scenery and many beautiful buildings. Isolated. Facilities were more rustic, some seemed run-down. Beautiful Performing Arts Center on outside - stunning architecture, bu they had most of it closed to tours at accepted students day so we could not see the studios and most stages, etc. Theatre program seems more avant garde, and is physically separated from the music department (on opposite sides of a very large 700 acre campus). BUT, they seem to be very open to interdisciplinary inquiry, and their writing instruction looks amazing. Seems like fewer study abroad options, though they seem interesting. Any info on theatre department, and/or how students have studied both music (non-conservatory - BA music offerings) & theatre. Profs seemed intense but nice, the student vibe seemed more intense or introverted?, but we were there on accepted students day, so maybe it was a bunch of new kids…

We did not get as clear a picture of the student life/activities at Bard, whereas Muhlenberg’s seemed vibrant and varied (improv clubs, circus club, MT club, 5 times the Main Stage theatre performances…) But Bard must have so much music and collaboration, too.

To sum up: any info about English/writing at Muhlenberg, Theatre at Bard - any academic or student life impressions of either - anthropology insights? THANKS!

2

Great choices. I can speak to Bard - the music department in the college - non conservatory - is one of the best anywhere - great professors and fascinating classes, many subjects of which are not offered elsewhere - such as a class on microtonal music called The Arithmetic of Listening. The vocal music professors in the college (there is no vocal undergrad program in the conservatory) are strong - and there are vocal music classes in different areas offered every semester, as well as performance opportunities. The choruses are conducted by a fantastic choral conductor, who also leads NYC’s Collegiate Chorale.

Yes, I think you’re right that the students may be more intense and edgy at Bard than at Muhlenberg (but just guessing.) And, yes, the theater department is very connected to the NYC scene and will be less mainstream than some other college programs. They do lots and lots of interdisciplinary works - it’s one of their focuses. My son, who was in the conservatory as a composer, worked with dancers and the theater students, as well as visiting artists.

Recent acting students from Bard have gone on to professional careers in the theater and in television (the star of Mozart in the Jungle was studying at Bard same time as my son, for instance.)

As for the writing/English department - it’s incredible. Can’t say enough good things about it. However, one thing you should take into account at Bard is that one ‘moderates’ into a major after sophomore year. It’s a bit like auditioning - you present your portfolio and academic work in front of a panel and argue for the right to study in that program, and sometimes you have a moderation recital or show. Not everyone is accepted into their major of choice - in theater and writing, and even in vocal music. But it’s not like you have to leave the college - instead you can reapply the following semester, or you’re steered to a major that seems more appropriate. (One of my son’s friends wanted to major in Music with a vocal music emphasis but she was denied - she studied musicology instead but continued to take vocal lessons and perform.) So some of the programs become audition programs after the first two years. I know there are some students who are stressed at that idea and prefer a different college because of it. Others like the idea that those who are majoring are fully committed, passionate and operating at a high level in the discipline.

I would recommend she get in touch with some current students at both schools - I’m sure they would put you in touch if you request it - as well as write to the heads of the departments she’s interested in with questions. She could also peruse the course lists and read about the professors. In addition, have her put together a sample curriculum- there are probably different distribution requirements for graduation.

As for studying abroad - any student at any college can study anywhere. One never has to choose a college affiliated with the college where one is a student. The only advantage to that is sometimes the financial aid part of the puzzle is simpler. Bard has a fascinating Bard Berlin interdisciplinary theater program, though - which could be of great interest to your daughter. (She could probably attend as a Muhlenberg student, too!)

3

Bard was the first school we visited, since my wife literally grew up on the campus. It was way too remote for either twin D, and we crossed it off the list as better fits that were closer to home emerged. Their interests are in Art and English/Creative Writing - Bard seemed like a terrific atmosphere for a confident, self directed student (ours may not yet be there).

Muhlenberg was one of our favorite campuses, and we visited a couple of times before ultimately deciding against it. While the theater program is nationally renowned, the art department seemed like an afterthought. And D2 ultimately chose Ursinus instead, based on her perception of Muhlenberg’s English department as unimpressive.

Good luck in your decision process, as both schools clearly have a lot to offer.

4

Sorry for my delayed “thank you” to your thoughtful responses @SpiritManager and @RandyErika . This was a tough decision for her, as both schools had great things to offer. She ended up choosing Muhlenberg . Bard is amazing and I am excited to hear about it as the years go by. We are currently excited for D to attend Muhlenberg - it just felt like a better fit for her, hard to pin down. For all the kids who are “official” tomorrow - there are many great paths, you all chose a great one - best of luck to the undergraduate class of 2022!