I was recently accepted to Bard and I’m seriously considering the school as it puts such a strong focus on writing and critical inquiry. Ideally, I would likely to pursue a career in international diplomacy/foreign service. Reading up on Bard, I get the (probably wrongful) impression that although students are highly intelligent, it is not necessarily a school that would be competitive in pre-pro programs like those at, say, Smith. I consider myself creative, a lit geek, but also a realist. If I choose Bard, do I hold a chance at a competitive grad placement in the same way I would if I went to a school like CMC or Smith? I’m a fan of Bard’s intensive IR + Globalization program in Manhattan, but I am not sure what other opportunities they offer for students with similar interests. Another question-I tried looking up grad placements but only found a short list from 2015. If anyone has any updated info that would be great! Thanks
This is a tricky question. I have S’s who graduated from both CMC and Bard - so I am familiar with both. Yes, I think CMC definitely attracts a more pre-professional and career driven student body, and the school does support them in their efforts - possibly to a greater extent than Bard. And, yes, probably if you apply to the elite Foreign Service grad programs, they’ll be more familiar with Smith & CMC grads. But that doesn’t necessarily mean a Bard grad would have less of a chance of admission - particularly as they’ll be coming with a different perspective and academic background. On the other hand - my older S who graduated from CMC got a masters in Europe in International Humanitarian Action through a program founded by the EU called NOHA and a fellow student was from Bard.
All these schools will offer many study abroad opportunities, and they all offer solid foreign language departments. I think if you’re solely thinking about grad school admission, you may be a more conventional applicant from Smith and CMC, but I don’t necessarily think you’ll be disadvantaged - particularly if you take advantages of all the various programs, both domestic and abroad, that Bard has to offer.
@SpiritManager Thank you! I’ve been looking at civic engagement projects (CCE Student-Led Initiatives) @ Bard, and what interests me is that they may equally be done @ an international level (not necessarily thinking of starting a global nonprofit, but a project with the potential to impact communities outside of US borders). I am wondering how much faculty and student support I would receive for such a project, given that it is an option that offers a lot of freedom and doesn’t necessarily seem very structured. Is this something that most schools already offer, or is it especially common at Bard? I’m also looking at the Bard Global BA Program, but can’t seem to find enough info through the given link. It states that students must spend “substantial amounts of time” at Bard satellite campuses, but any nuanced information remains unclear. Would you have any insight on this?
Going off tangent, did your son ever participate in the West Point - Bard debates? Seems like a mighty (and interesting) clash of cultures 
@floraha - I’m afraid the Bard Global BA was after my son’s time. My suggestion to you is that you start corresponding directly with the department(s) - they’re usually really good about writing back. It’s cleared that you’re serious about this, and very much interested in the details and I know they’ll respond to that. My guess is that all three of the schools would give you a lot of freedom and latitude to carve your own path, with support from the professors. An advantage of CMC and Smith is they may have more institutional monies to also support your endeavors. On the other hand, Bard does have money for its global objectives. One other thing to consider is the proximity of NYC which might put within reach some opportunities the other schools wouldn’t have as easily available.
As for the debates, no, he wasn’t involved in those, but I agree they sound fascinating!
I just saw this posted on the Bard website and thought it might be of interest @floraha. http://www.bard.edu/news/features/?id=195 “How do Bard College students spend spring recess? Some head home to see family, some take a well-deserved break on a sunny beach, and some board a plane to meet with their fellow student leaders abroad. This year Bard College hosted not one but two conferences on the campuses of partner institutions in Europe: the Bard Network Debate Conference, at Smolny College in St. Petersburg, Russia; and the Get Engaged: Student Action and Youth Leadership Conference at Central European University (CEU) in Budapest, Hungary.”