<p>Hey. I got accepted to over 12 colleges but have narrowed them down to 2: Bard College and Stony Brook University.
I’ve visited both colleges and Bard is clearly more beautiful and aesthetically appealing and I think I would get along better with Bard students than Stony.
I have no clue what I want to do in the future but I have a passion for history and political science. Are the political studies and history programs well known and good at Bard? Do many students at Bard move on to PhD’s ?
How are Bard’s science programs (especially biology)? My other career option would be physical therapy but that is only based on money and what my parents would want me to do.</p>
<p>If someone could help me out or give me any advice then that would be awesome. I would definitely rather go to Bard but I’m not sure about future opportunities ( i.e admission to graduate school.) I guess what I’m afraid about is that not many people know about Bard ( everyone i told was like wth is that) and that my opportunities after graduation would be limited. Other than that I completely love every thing about Bard and think I would fit in with the student body.</p>
<p>Thanks!!</p>
<p>Getting in to grad school will depend on how you do in school - the relationships you develop with your professors, the papers you write, the breadth and depth of thinking you develop, your grades, your interests and passions. If that happens for you at either of those schools, a good grad school will be an option. Neither will keep you from going to grad school - but it’s going to be up to you to get in, not the school, although the letters of recommendation and the relationships your professors may have with professors at the schools you apply to can make a difference. </p>
<p>As for reputation, Bard is well known among academic circles, which is what matters. In terms of the history and political science departments - there are phenomenal professors teaching in those areas at Bard. I don’t know anything at all about Stony Brook (I’m from the West Coast and the school is pretty unknown out here) but I’m sure there must be good professors as well. Why don’t you check out the course schedule at Bard for the fall - and look up information about the professors teaching the courses which pique your interest: <a href=“Bard College Course List--Fall 2014”>http://inside.bard.edu/academic/courses/fall2014/</a></p>
<p>Is money an issue? Stony Brook is bound to be cheaper as a public university, yes? What about class sizes at Stony Brook? Are undergrad courses large lecture classes, or are seminar classes available to lowerclassmen? This might be a significant difference between the two schools.</p>
<p>As for biology, Bard has been putting a lot of resources into building up its science offerings. The biology department is solid. But it’s not going to have kinesiology or very specialized courses which a large research institution can offer. It’s a small liberal arts college. That means there are certain limitations - yet it can also offer a personal level of education that most large institutions can’t.</p>
<p>If grad school is on your radar, then Bard’s senior project is a great preparation - it’s like doing a grad thesis in undergraduate school. Classes are small and you are accountable to be prepared - much like in grad school.</p>
<p>I’m unfamiliar with Stony Brook, so it’s possible they may have a similar setup.</p>