<p>According to College Board, only 81% of Bennington’s freshmen return for their sophomore years. This is one of the few colleges I am looking at with percentages lower than about 90%. Why such a low rate? Are there any current students out there that know why their peers are leaving the college?</p>
<p>I don't go to Bennington but it's one of my top choices for transfer next year. I think the thing with lower retention rates in schools like Bennington or College of the Atlantic or Marlboro, etc is that the curriculum is very student-driven and not like your usual university experience. To do well you really have to be self-motivated and some people just aren't cut out for it and leave. I hope that makes sense!</p>
<p>alternatively, bennington itself is a mental institution and many, many more people should be transferring out.</p>