<p>Bard is currently on my college list. I think it is in a nice location and my mom wants me to apply because it apparently gives good fin aid, but I am not sure if Bard is right for me socially. I have gotten the impression that Bard is a haven for neo-cons, hyper intellectuals, anarchists, art snobs, and left wingers in general. My beliefs are on the liberal side and I have my quirks, but I am still a pretty mainstream person. I have also heard that an overwhelming number of people at Bard smoke and do drugs. Even though this would be true for almost any campus, is there a disproportionate number of smokers and druggies at Bard? Would I fit in at Bard if I’m basically a normal person with left leaning political and social views who is not interested in drugs or smoking? Please don’t just say, “everyone finds their niche somewhere”-I am trying to figure out if I’d feel uncomfortable and in the minority.</p>
<p>Don’t believe everything you hear. My D, a junior come fall, couldn’t find any McCain supporters on campus during the last election, a lot of people smoke cigarettes, skinny jeans are clearly in evidence…but you should visit the campus and see for yourself if you would fit in. She was worried about not fitting in before she got there, also, and she’s pretty mainstream.</p>
<p>I’ve heard (and experienced) a lot of things about Bard, but being a haven for neo-cons is a new one on me!</p>
<p>-Neo-cons… Not in the slightest
-Hyper intellectuals… Yes, but isn’t that a good thing?
-Anarchists… Not so much. Socialists would be more fitting if anything.
-Art snobs… Some, not all
-Left wingers… Oh yes. (Although the degrees of left winged-ness depends on each person)</p>
<p>Yes, a LOT of people smoke, but it’s not necessary that you do nor are you looked at differently if you do. If anything, many smokers are jealous that you don’t.</p>
<p>Yes, there are a lot of drugs. But it’s not over-excessive. We like to play it up for the Princeton Review, at least when it comes to pot. </p>
<p>Bard definitely has a lot of personality. But as someone who’s also relatively mainstream, it’s not a problem. You should visit it though because it’s definitely one of those schools that’s not for everyone.</p>
<p>Also, Bard is a place where individualism is respected and encouraged. It’s not somethings that’s shunned or used to make others feel ostracized.</p>