Rejected. Now what?

College Search & Selection
21

<p>I would, personally, opt against Bard. Lately, I've been considering applying, but I've thought alot about the student body and the like, and I've realized that the Bard student body, administration, and general feel of the campus is a tad unwelcoming and unfriendly. </p>

<p>I think Wesleyan is essentially in the same tier as Vassar, both in terms of selectivity and campus feel. Definetely give it a shot.</p>

<p>Grinnell, Macalester, Oberlin, Skidmore (this could be a safety), pitzer, reed, these are all good choices.</p>

22

<p>


It might be helpful, for those stumbling across this thread, if you'd explain how you came by your feelings for Bard. I have a freshman there now who loves the school, has found plenty of friendly people, made several good friends, met great professors, gotten into plenty of activities that interest her, and finds the president intriguing, provocative, friendly, and welcoming. She, similar to MLEVINE07, finds the work not as difficult as she expected but I think that's the case with any well-prepared high-school grad from a good school——at nearly any college. She finds the subject matter stimulating, she's getting compliments on her work and writing from her profs, she loves the campus and area around it, and she's been able to get into the city whenever she wants to. But then she's not taking courses like MLEVINE07's Calc, Psych, Chem, either!</p>

<p>It's certainly fair to say Bard isn't for everyone, and there wouldn't be enough room anyway! And I know you prefaced your remarks with "personally", but to casually condemn the students, administration, and campus in one sentence without elaborating isn't really helpful to others facing the same challenges as you. If you're looking for the same perpetually cheery "leadership" types from high-school at Bard, it may not be the place for you. But if your friends in high-school enjoyed theater more than football, and conversation with friends more than chugging beer, then Bard might just be a good choice. I don't recommend it to everyone and I'm not an apologist for Bard, but for those for whom it is a good fit, I don't want them discouraged by casual remarks without explanation or a counter opinion. I treat Bard as a well-kept secret and a gem for those who can appreciate what's special about it. That's the same for many schools, and for a variety of different reasons. I hope you find your gem.</p>

23

<p>My suggestion may sound weird, but see what schools take January SATs and superscore test results (many schools on my D's list do, but she prefers larger schools altogether). Give another try to math. A score under 600 can be under a cut-off (unofficial cut-offs exist), and your app is not even considered seriously. A score in low 600s may really improve your chances.</p>

24

<p>Bates, Colorado College & Beloit, all U.S. News Best Values unlike Connecticut College, Oberlin or Bard. A couple safety schools worth a look include Earlham and Knox, with it's well regarded library.</p>

25

<p>Thank you all soo much for your suggestions! My dad and I are planning a college trip tomorrow- thursday to see Bard and Skidmore and I've already set up interviews! I'm so excited!</p>

<p>As for financial safeties, i've been looking into Guilford College in NC, because I might be able to get a merit scholarship from there according to my GC. </p>

<p>As for the SATs, I know it would be beneficial to take them again, but I've already taken them 3 times (went up each time, each sitting progressively higher) and I feel it would be better to spend my time writing really great essays for these schools rather than worrying about studying for the SATs. </p>

<p>It's really a bummer getting rejected, but I'm honestly just really excited now to have all these other options. I think things happen for a reason and I can't wait for what's to come in April.</p>