<p>My son is (currently) interested in econ or maybe global studies. He is also very into musical composition but not nearly accomplished enough to major in that. Very heavy science high school curriculum (AP Chem, AP Physics, AP Bio, etc.)</p>
<p>Would he fit in at Bard? He loved the three week pre-session idea and reading list, etc. Loved the campus but is a non-alcohol, non-drug user, although very liberal politically–kind of straight arrow liberal/tending toward socialism.</p>
<p>It sounds like he would fit in perfectly at Bard - and, if he’s majoring in science (while taking some of the fabulous musicology and composition courses as electives) there is merit money, too. There are full tuition scholarships available for the study of economics and the sciences.</p>
<p>Not a problem being a straight arrow at Bard, as long as one is curious and with an open questing mind - which sounds like your son.</p>
<p>NJMom1, you son sounds similar to my daughter, Econ major, except she is also interested in their ballet program. But there seem to be so many posts on CC about their “unique” students. She likes artsy, but am not sure she would be happy if it veered too much into “just plain odd”.</p>
<p>Yes, there seems to be some confusion about how “unique” the students are. My son is pretty unusual however, so he “might” fit in. He is teaching himself Scottish-Gaelic, has worked on Japanese, considered majoring in classics, is familiar with Keynesian economics, although pacifist, he is an Eagle scout candidate, is currently composing a quartet for piano, french horn, trumpet, and guitar (weird combo) so he may the “odd” or unique part. He is decidedly liberal and that might be a good fit.</p>
<p>The problem is: he is very seriously a no drug, no heavy partying type person. He doesn’t care what anyone else does, as long as they leave him alone about his preferences and don’t do it in front of him but I have heard Bard is famous for partying. And then although we were impressed by the seeming intellectualism of the school, there has been a reputation (actually on this site) that it is for underachieving hippie types.</p>
<p>Parent of a current Bard student and can only comment through my D’s experiences: She does not smoke, does not drink nor do drugs. Not into heavy partying, and still has found many friends at Bard who share similar likes & dislikes. Honestly, she has been way too busy with classes (and the resulting workload) and outside interests that she doesn’t have time to just “party.”</p>
<p>Of course, I am speaking of just one student’s experiences, and cannot speak for all students at Bard (and who can for that matter).</p>
<p>But I do find it amusing how these urban myths about Bard seem to continue to live a life of its own.</p>
<p>I second Irvinemom - my son doesn’t drink, smoke cigarettes, or do drugs, and prefers hanging out with friends to parties. This has not been a problem at all at Bard. I don’t think Bard is the kind of place where students feel pressured to ‘fit in’ one way or the other.</p>
<p>As for underachieving - I think that comes from the fact that most students at Bard are interested in the pursuit of knowledge because it gives them great pleasure - not because they need an A on their transcript to get the right GPA for law school applications. Which doesn’t mean they might not get A’s nor get in to a good Law School! It’s just that the school’s culture expects the drive to be an internal one - rather than something imposed by the institution - and there are always going to be the occasional students for whom that is not enough.</p>
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<p>So true.</p>
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<p>So unsubstantiated.</p>
<p>Let me join the chorus of parents of students who don’t drink/smoke/do drugs who are having a wonderful time at Bard. This was actually D2’s biggest concern before enrolling, and as others have said, it’s turned out to be a complete nonissue.</p>
<p>Well it seemed like he might have been right to love it from the first visit. We’ll keep our fingers crossed and see what happens next year. He is definitely the type that has a thirst for knowledge that is completely driven from within. Thanks for you input.</p>
<p>Any idea what they look for there, ie. SAT scores, etc.</p>
<p>NJMom1, Bard does not require SAT scores, honestly. They do look at GPAs. Probably anything over 3.5 would be no problem. The essay is very important, as is expressing a strong interest. If he can, your son should interview. If he really loves Bard and it’s at all possible, he should apply Immediate Decision. This involves taking a seminar (completely for the student’s benefit, not a factor in the admission decision) and an interview (a huge factor in the admissions decision). They let you know within 3 business days if you’ve been accepted.</p>
<p>We also have the impression that they look for a strong academic record and indication of “fit” with Bard. That can be demonstrated through visits (ask to meet professors in areas of interest), understanding the Bard academic approach, etc. Aside from being test optional, the admissions criteria are very similar to all the other top LACs. But sincere interest and fit seem to be of particular importance.</p>