<p>Bard is my first choice school by far. However, lately I’ve noticed that it is ranked kind of low compared to other colleges. For example, in the Forbes list it is ranked as 256 or something, and the Princeton Review and US News have it ranked below most other LACs in the region. I personally don’t care about the school ranking, but I do kind of worry that it may be indicative of the kind of success the graduates have after they leave the Bard campus. Does anyone think that is true? Why is Bard so far down on the list? Does Bard have a fair amount of “prestige?” </p>
<p>Like I said, I have come to love Bard and could care less about its “prestige” as long as the academics are rigorous enough. But I think it is important to consider it as a factor of post-graduate success. Maybe I am over thinking things. Curious to hear other people’s thoughts</p>
<p>Whatever its ranking, you will not be disappointed by the intellectual level of students or professors – and especially in combination – at Bard. That’ the verdict from my freshman daughter, and all those I have heard or spoken with there. As it turns out, Bard dipped in the USNWR rankings this year (it was in the 30s last year) because of forgotten paperwork reflecting its rather ambivalent view toward the ranking system. I heard President Botstein respond to this issue, and I suspect that whatever the view on the rankings, pragmatism will see the paperwork submitted next year. Beyond that, however, I think you will find that a lot of people don’t know Bard but those who do in the professional world in a wide range of fields have great respect. You’re going to have people dismiss Bard, too. But once I found out about the care and thought – and rigor – that goes into the educational approach (including two extra programs in August and over winter break during Freshman year), I had no doubts.</p>
<p>I haven’t read it yet but “Town & Country” has an article entitled, “Is BARD the new Brown?” Might be worth a look. My daughter also fell in love with Bard after really wanting to dislike it because it’s a bit too close (about 1 1/2-2 hours). </p>
<p>She sent the basic CA yesterday but has a little problem with the supplement, her analytical essay from Junior year is too many words, and will be interviewing Saturday and ask then if she should send it anyway. If not then she needs to write a new essay from one of their topics so that will stress her to get it done in 2 weeks.</p>
<p>I had the same problem, so I e-mailed them and they suggested I send them excerpts of the best parts of my essay. I was a little nervous that it wouldn’t have the full effect, so I ended up sending them the excerpts with my teacher’s comments, and then a copy of the full essay just in case. We’ll see if that was a good idea in a week, I guess…</p>
<p>Seem to recall that it tended more to the quite a bit over side of things. He also contacted the school before submitting; the advice was something along the lines of “if you think that’s your best work, then send it in.”</p>
<p>The woman my daughter interviewed with said to just send it “as is.” So that is what she’s doing today. They can read as much or as little as they like! Oh, and it’s very over the limit - 4,000+ vs 1,000 words. Oh well.</p>
<p>We actually got an email about the rankings this year. Unsurprisingly, the school forgot to hand in the paperwork with our stats which is why the ranking fell. However, while I understand that it’s a factor when looking at colleges, Bard is NOT a college that defines itself based on its rank nor do the students really pay attention to it.</p>