<p>I absolutely love Bard, but I’d need a large scholarship to afford it and I don’t qualify for much financial aid. Does anyone know how competitive the Distinguished Science Scholarship is? I feel like the online application suggests that they are looking for candidates who may have completed summer programs, research, etc. in addition to taking challenging courses. I’m looking to major in math and I haven’t done any outside research or summer intensives. However, I’ve taken challenging math and science courses and gotten A’s, I have great math test scores (ACT, AP, SAT subject test), and I participate in math/science extracurriculars. Has anyone here applied for or received the scholarship that can offer some insight into this? Is it worth applying for? Thanks!</p>
<p>It’s definitely worth applying for! They’re looking for passion for the sciences in addition to the scores and recognitions. You’ve nothing to lose by filling out the application. </p>
<p>I received a DSS in 2011 and am a rising senior at bard. My sense is that DSS is competitive but achievable for good students even those who haven’t already cured cancer. 
Math might be easier than bio because it’s a smaller dept and they want more people. I might also recommend meeting with math professors if you can before march. I ended up interviewing one of the bio profs before b/c I wanted to learn about the program and he was on the selection committee, I found out later. Definitely apply! Sounds like you have a good shot.</p>
<p>I will say the one caveat with DSS is that I went into bard pretty set on biology and then ended up wishing I had the freedom to change majors to human rights. I can’t switch out of science and math and I’m not thrilled about having to do a sci senior project.</p>