Bard vs. Oberlin? I'd love some opinions!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Bard College
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<p>Hey there! I finally got an account because I’m currently facing a HUGE decision here. I’ve been accepted by both Oberlin College and Bard College, and I’m trying to weigh the benefits of each.</p>

<p>To give a little background, I’m a homeschooled student from California who has been taking community college classes since my sophomore year and is planning to major in biology/ecology/environmental studies, with a possible double major or minor in gender studies or political science. I love music, and it was very important to me that I attend a school that had a strong music program. (I actually applied to both conservatories as a composition major, but didn’t get in.) I’m also rather fond of math, and if I attend Oberlin, I’d most likely investigate the individual major option so I can combine math and ecology in some way or another.</p>

<p>I’ll start with Oberlin. I’ve been in love with the school since I first learned about it near the beginning of my junior year, and since then my greatest college-related dream has been to get in. Just a little over a week ago, that dream came true, and I’m incredibly thrilled about the prospect of attending this fall. However, the cost was a bit pricy for my family, as total financial aid came up to be around 35K out of 65K (7K scholarship, 18K grant, the rest in loans and work-study), resulting in a total of 120K over 4 years (or 140K if we don’t take out loans). The individual major is definitely a huge plus, as are the ExCos, the cross registration with the conservatory, and the biology program. I’m very impressed by the efforts in sustainability that are going on, and I feel like I’d gain a lot from my time there. The history of activism is a huge plus as well. In addition to all of this, I felt so at home on campus and among the students during my visit that it’s difficult for me to imagine attending any other school.</p>

<p>However, I wouldn’t be asking this question if I didn’t have enough reason to choose Bard over Oberlin. My situation with Bard is a bit unique; though I originally applied as a freshman, Bard decided to admit me as a transfer due to the number of credits I’ve earned through community college. In addition, I just received my financial aid award from them today, and I’ve been awarded a 40K scholarship along with about 7K in work-study and loans. Assuming I take 3 years instead of the usual 4, this will amount to about 60K total to finish my undergraduate degree (or around 75K if I don’t take out loans). Cost-wise, this is pretty attractive, but I’m also head-over-heels for Oberlin and it’s difficult to consider attending another school. In addition, I’ve heard that Bard tends to be particularly writing-heavy, and I’m not much of a writer, so I’d really like to avoid that if possible. I’ve also heard that Oberlin’s sciences are stronger, though I know Bard is still rather good. I haven’t visited the campus so I can’t say much regarding atmosphere or students, but I’m hoping to fix that by planning a visit as soon as I can. I know the campus is supposed to be beautiful and that the proximity to NYC is a lot more convenient than Oberlin in relation to Cleveland (and frankly, I’d rather be near NYC). There’s also the added bonus of combined bachelors/masters programs at Bard, so I’m definitely keen on that. I still have my heart set on Oberlin, so I’m currently drafting an email to their financial aid to see if I can petition for more, but I’d love to hear what all of you have to say regarding these two schools, particularly when it comes to atmosphere and science programs.</p>

<p>If you’ve read all of this, thank you SO much! I’d really appreciate your input!</p>

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<p>Don’t make this decision a very emotional one if money is a concern (I really like Bard, I was admitted, but it costs much more money than my other options, so I cant attend).</p>

<p>Visit Bard. If you are completely repulsed by it, then go to Oberlin (why spend any money at a school you don’t like at all?) If you like it, and see yourself there (even if it’s not as much as Oberlin), go to Bard. Bard is ~60k cheaper! Big difference! However, it might not be very easy to major in math in 3 years (plan accordingly). And double majors aren’t really possible at Bard. You can definitely take many courses in env studies and major in math (or the other way round). You don’t need the name of the subject on a piece of paper (except your transcript :wink: ) to prove it.</p>

<p>Writing concern: um, all liberal arts colleges have intense writing programs. I don’t know even one LAC where writing is compartmentalized to a major. Definitely not at a top LAC, that’s for sure (except Harvey Mudd perhaps). In other words, you can expect to find a lot of writing to do at Oberlin as well. They just don’t advertise it. Hamilton and Kenyon, for instance, advertise it a lot. But other NESCAC schools have intense writing-based curricula too.</p>

<p>Sciences are, from what I’ve heard, definitely strong at Oberlin. I haven’t heard much about Bard’s science programs except that it has done a lot to make its science offerings attractive over the years.</p>

<p>And please, do not factor location into your decision. Both schools are really in the middle of nowhere. Surely, Bard is closer to a cool city, but think about it: how often would you go to NYC anyway? Especially since you will be on financial aid, do you think you will be able to afford many trips to the city? </p>

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<p>Truthfully neither Bard or Oberlin are close to their respective cities. Toured Oberlin with younger d who was rejected from conservatory and waitlisted at the college and never moved off the waitlist. I think it is about 45 minute-an hour drive from Cleveland however other than holidays when bus is provided to airport, no way to get to Cleveland other than cab or car. Bard is about an hour from NYC on the train but campus is not near the Amtrak station especially. Oberlin is a cute town that is essentially the college itself and shops, while Bard is a more rustic campus that is somewhat near some artsy/cute NY Hudson River towns. Both have strong academics and reputations for quirky students. Oberlin I believe has the edge on science over Bard, not certain about Math.</p>

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<p>It takes about two hours to get to NYC from Bard itself - either driving, or taking the train. It is possible to go, of course (and my son actually ends up going quite a bit for music reasons) - but the advantage for both schools is that there is a lot going on on campus, since most students stay in the area for the weekends.</p>

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<p>My daughter is a junior at Bard and is VERY happy there. Visit for sure and arrange to meet with math faculty while you’re there. When applying to schools, my D also loved Oberlin (much more than Bard at the time) but was waitlisted. She’s a music major (vocal performance, non-conservatory), but also seriously considered majoring in math and has friends in lots of different disciplines. I could put you in touch with her if you’d like. I’m sure she’d be happy to give you an insider’s perspective. PM me if interested. Good luck!</p>