<p>So I've narrowed down my choices to these two schools. I haven't had the chance to visit either, so I'm having a difficult time deciding between them. Bard gave me slightly more merit aid, but their tuition is more expensive, so both schools are comparable in terms of price. I'm not sure what I'm going to major in, but I'm interested in literature, physics, French, journalism, and film. Any input would really be appreciated</p>
<p>Not having visited, what made you apply to these two schools in the first place? What drew you to them?</p>
<p>One large difference will be the location. Bard is closer to New York City and is highly influenced by New York. Many of the professors are connected to the ‘scene’ in the NYC or may even live there and commute to teach. There will be many more students at Bard from the Northeast. Although Beloit draws from all over, I’m guessing there will be more midwestern students there. (Easy for you to check on.) Bard students may be a bit edgier, a bit more urban, even though the school itself is in the countryside. Beloit has the reputation for being a bit more laid-back, maybe even a bit warmer and friendlier. More relaxed than Bard. Bard can be intense - students who are passionate about their studies, and exploring intellectual pursuits thrive at Bard. Beloit has the rep of being more easy-going.</p>
<p>The literature department at Bard is unparalleled. Phenomenal professors. The film department is also internationally respected. However, if you want to major in film, you’ll need to know right away and start your film sequence - it’s not something you can decide to do two years in. Bard has moderation requirements, which Beloit may not. You need to prove to a board that you have sufficient interest and talent in a subject to major in it, by having taken requisite courses, presented a paper, and made an oral case. Film is a competitive major and you’re not guaranteed admission into the major. I suspect that would not be the case at Beloit.</p>
<p>Another way to compare would be to review the actual course lists. Look at what classes you’d be choosing from next fall, or what you would have picked this spring. Look at the graduation requirements. Do they have the same distribution requirements? Bard requires you to take courses in a number of different program areas including math and lab science. Does Beloit have similar requirements? Here’s a link to Bard’s course list: <a href=“Bard College Course List--Fall 2014”>http://inside.bard.edu/academic/courses/fall2014/</a> Also review the bios of the professors of the courses which interest you. Because of its proximity to NYC Bard attracts some amazing professors. I’m sure Beloit has great professors, too, but there will always be a certain kind of professor who would rather live or work near a major metropolitan area like New York City.</p>
<p>I would go with Bard, personally. It’s stronger academically in most of the areas you’re interested in (I don’t know about physics - check the departments. I know that bard’s sciences aren’t as stellar as their humanities). It’s also a beautiful campus around 90 minutes from NYC. </p>
<p>I’m kind of worried that Bard might be a little too stressful, while Beloit won’t be rigorous enough. Also does anyone know how friendly people are at each? I heard it’s difficult to make friends at Bard, but I haven’t really heard about Beloit</p>
<p>I ‘vote’ Bard too. It sounds so wonderful. Making friends depends on you.</p>
<p>I don’t know what the town of Beloit is like, but we visited Bard when D was looking at colleges, and it’s in a very isolated area–no real town at all–and it immediately fell off the list for that reason. (It didn’t help that the cafeteria food was horrible, but this was 5 years ago, so maybe it’s better by now.) The student vibe was pretty hipster-ish, and I’d guess weed trumps alcohol as the substance of choice.</p>
<p>I think Bard’s unique academic structure is only suited to a student who is a real self starter and knows where she’s going and what she wants. </p>
<p>Beloit will be rigorous, but less intense - it’s very laid back, with down to earth, quirky students. It’s very friendly.
It’s less isolated than Bard (the town is okay) but it’s not 1h30 from a huge metropolis either.
Bard is more hipster/preppy, if that makes sense. 
There’s no doubt it’s stronger academically but the vibe is very different from Beloit’s.</p>
<p>Beloit sounds better but the choice basically depends on what kind of person u r and what kind of environment u think will be better for u. U should see the school’s official websites. They help a lot.</p>
<p>I’m probably too late but my daughter had both Bard and Beloit on her accepted list; Bard was actually her top choice before we attended Admitted Student day. (This was 2 years ago by the way.) Beloit is much more laid back and friendly, and much less stressful. I think the most important difference between the two is the level of stress, some people thrive on it, some fall apart. </p>
<p>At Bard you attend a two week pre-college program for English and, although this rarely occurs, you could fail that program and then you are out of the school. Same thing for their relatively new January science program for Freshman, fail it and your out. (This is new so I don’t know if this has happened to anyone.) You also need to begin your major (they call it “concentration”) Freshman year because you need to apply for your concentration towards the end of your Sophomore year and you need to prove why you’re the best for this concentration. Creative Writing and Photography concentrations very often have more student who want them than the school can handle so whomever does not get accepted into their chosen concentration either leaves the school (end of Sophomore year) or has to switch concentrations. </p>
<p>This whole process was way more stress than my daughter could imagine handling. She’s very bright and capable but would spend the first two weeks worrying about passing the pre-college program, spend much of the first term worrying about the science January program, and then be a basket case worrying about what major she wanted to pursue and present in her Sophomore year. That’s just her personality. It was important she find a more relaxed and accepting school. After Admitted Student day Bard went from top on her list to off her list. It’s a personal thing, but I hope I’ve given you some insight and it’s not too late.</p>
<p>We went on a Bard tour and the tour guide said he was a biology major and writes a seven page paper every week. There is a lot of writing at Bard. Since you like journalism/writing, that may not be an issue.</p>