I’ve been accepted to both Bard And Whitman college but I can’t decide! I want to major in computer science and dip my toe in music or film and I’m under the impression they are both similar in these fields. I love how large and open Bard’s campus is but I’ve heard that the students are pompous and depressed. Whitman’s campus is a little too small and even more isolated than Bard’s but the people seem to be very friendly yet too whimsical. I recently won the Paul Garrett scholarship at Whitman but Bard has their 3-2 program which can be very beneficial for computer science (Whitman is discontinuing this for cs). I like to be serious and have deep intellectual conversations but I don’t want that to be the only thing I do. I tend to get bored and distracted very easily. The deadline for deciding is tomorrow so I have a lot to think about. Any suggestions? Right now Whitman is about 10k cheaper than Bard
I know nothing about either school’s CS department. It does seem that Whitman students are generally happier folk than Bard students. Do you like outdoorsy things? Do you play music or do intramural sports? Lots to do at Whitman if you do. I think the Whitman faculty are more dedicated to teaching. Whitman has a better overall reputation and costs less. If it were my kid, I’d say Whitman.
I’m from Alaska so I know a lot about outdoor activities hahah and I play soccer and guitar.
Whitman historically only had a CS minor, with a 3/2 program for those who wanted a full CS degree. However, they have added more faculty and facilities, and now have their own full CS degree program. That’s why they discontinued the 3/2 arrangement.
Whitman has a good reputation for undergraduate STEM education, so I would expect their CS program to be successful. Bard is primarily known for arts and humanities, not STEM.
Are you kidding? Whitman is a phenomenal school and really underrated. Gorgeous area, and a terrific school. I’m from the state, and I know a lot of kids that go there, all very happy they did. I think your overall college experience will be wonderful, and even if the CS program is new, it will be solid. I say Whitman, hands down.
I am also interested in learning more about each school!
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I vote for Whitman, the Garrett scholarship gives you more perks than just money, you’ll get prestige and a networking trip senior year with college board members. My son was a finalist in 2010 but didn’t make the final cut, congratulations, it’s a big deal. He enrolled and loved Whitman, and we grew very fond of Walla Walla, it’s a cozy small town. I was always impressed by the friendly talented students everywhere, they really seemed to enjoy themselves. Academics are quite strong but not overly competitive, and there are loads of things to do outdoors and on campus.
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@college111222 What do you want to know?
@Andre98deas I think you’ve got to go with Whitman. It really is the better school in so many ways. I admit I’m biased about Bard. I feel like for many of the faculty it’s just a side job and they’re dialing it in. I know some posters on here love Bard, but I think it’s flaky and not anything like the community that Whitman offers.
If you’re from Alaska, Whitman is also going to save you a lot in travel costs going home.
@Earthmama68 As you know I’m one of the posters on here who loves Bard - but asides from that, I don’t understand at all what you’re saying about the faculty there. I can’t think of anything further from the truth than that they would be dialing it in. What gave you that idea? The faculty at Bard are phenomenal - amazing teachers, totally dedicated, absolutely there for the students - even if they often have major pursuits outside of academe. I wouldn’t describe Bard as flaky either. That adjective has nothing to do with a Bard experience.
Now, as for community, that I couldn’t judge Bard versus Whitman. I’m positive Whitman has a wonderful community (it was a final contender for my older son and I would have been happy for him to attend.) I’m sure the OP would be happy at either school, so it came down to intangibles in making the decision. Although when it comes to music, Bard has a huge edge over Whitman - it’s one of the top music departments in the world. And film is very strong, too. Computer Science is probably a draw, although, for all I know, Whitman may have the edge there. I don’t think of CS as one of Bard’s notable strengths but, on the other hand, I personally know two students working in the field right after graduating from Bard.