Bard Waitlist Advice

Hi everyone,

I recently found out that I was wait listed by Bard. I am honestly shocked, as this was my third wait list from a school that was an academic fit for me. I am working on writing the required personal statement in order to accept my position on the wait list. However, I also plan on calling my admissions counselor on Monday to discuss why Bard is my first choice. I would like to schedule a meeting with the admissions office and am planning on submitting an updated resume and a graded essay from a class. I am also working on an essay that is in response to one of Bard’s Entrance Exam questions. I would like to also write a letter to Leon Botstein. Does anyone have any advice with regard to Bard’s wait list or any suggestions for me? Also, does anyone know how the financial aid process works at Bard for students who are admitted from the wait list? I really don’t know what I am going to do if I don’t get admitted from Bard’s wait list. I have worked so hard in school and it appears as if it was all for nothing…

Thank you!

Guitargirl8597 - don’t get too discouraged. Being waitlisted means the school would be happy to have you as one of its students but just didn’t have enough spots, unfortunately. A good percentage of students do end up getting accepted from the Bard waitlist - or have in the past. I think all your ideas are great and you should follow through. And I’m pretty sure waitlisted students don’t get the short end of the stick when it comes to financial aid - but you could certainly write to them and ask about it. Don’t give up hope - I think it highly likely you will find yourself at Bard in the fall!

I’m not an expert but I would guess that Bard’s # 1 concern is that, when choosing students off the waitllist, they choose someone who DEFINATELY will accept. That means demonstrating interest is the # 1 priority. And you seem to have a good plan for doing it. I would also suggest that, while pursuing Bard as well as you can, that you pursue a Plan B with enthusiasm. Whatever it may be (a different school, a gap year), if you can start investigating it, planning for it, getting positive about it…all that will help serve as a distraction while you wait for the final decision from Bard. And it will help you feel like there is another plan out there for you. Life isn’t linear, but you seem to be on such a great path. Good luck to you!