<p>i finished two years of undergraduate education at MIT, and decided it wasn't for me. now i've been admitted as a transfer student to both bard and barnard, and will study creative writing at either school. i think both schools would be a great place to be, and now i'm trying to pinpoint which one i should attend.</p>
<p>any insights from current students/transfer students/anyone with knowledge of both schools as to the positives and negatives? i'm overall satisfied with barnard, although i think bard has better facilities... then again, it's, as many students say, "in the middle of the woods" (and as a nyc native i worry it might get isolating)</p>
<p>Not a student at either school, but as someone who lives near Bard:
It is, quite literally, in the woods. The students who go there are absolutely fabulous, and it's true that you can hop a train and be in The City (take note that in the mid-Hudson Valley, "The City" is the ubiquitous term for NYC), but if you are going from NY --> Boston --> Annandale-on-Hudson, you will be jarred and possibly very unhappy.</p>
<p>Also, I don't know too much about Barnard, but I thought you could take classes at Columbia while there? If so, Barnard's resources >> Bard's, no?</p>
<p>I was looking at Bard, as I am looking at transferring also, and one thing that ruled it out initially for me is that I would have had to stay an extra year to finish undergrad degree. Personally, I don't have the financial resources to do this.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Q: Are L&T and First Year Seminar required for transfers?</p>
<p>Transfer students are expected to be familiar with Bard's distinctive curricular components, particularly Moderation and the Senior Project, and should anticipate spending three years at the College. In practical terms, transfer students coming in with 60 credits and junior-class standing may not be prepared to moderate into the Upper College by the end of their first semester at Bard, thus requiring an additional semester or two.
<p>hester, went there with a pretty diverse education that was strong in english, sciences, and creative arts. originally intended to major in math and theater, found out i really loved creative writing and music. it wasn't so much a transformation as selecting a different primary focus that had been there all along.</p>
<p>fire escape, i dont' think the three year thing is actually true (at least according to the admissions office themselves). that had been a ruling concern for me as well since i really don't want to take any longer than necessary to graduate, and so long as you moderate successfully within the first semester you're there, it doesn't seem to be an issue.</p>
<p>Probably Barnard. I would do some research on the financial reports and fiscal foundations of the two schools. Barnard has a AA2 bond rating from Moody's. Bard has an A3.</p>
<p>I don't know your situation at MIT. But, if you have the option of staying there and completing a degree, even if it means taking your creative writing courses at Wellesley. I would do that.</p>
<p>Barnard, with the option of taking courses at Columbia, would probably be my next choice of the two options you presented. IMO, Bard is a bit too "alternative" given the very large amounts of money it costs to attend these schools.</p>
<p>Bard may be isolated "in the boonies", but they more than make up for it by having tons of stuff to do on campus, performances, concerts, theater, readings, etc. etc.</p>
<p>I've never heard of Bard students being bored and thinking there's nothing to do.</p>
<p>Barnard is right in Manhattan, of course, and I guess you have to ask yourself where you're at right now: "Am I a city mouse, or a country mouse?" Only you'd know where you fit at this time of your life. If you're a city person deep down, and your idea of a refreshing hike is a half block walk to the nearest subway station, you have your answer.</p>
<p>True, Columbia (hence Barnard) may have more money, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're throwing the money at stuff you're interested in.</p>
<p>Finally, Bard has something that Barnard does not: President Leon Botstein. That factor alone makes it stand out in a crowd of excellent LACs.</p>
<p>heyalb, I couldn't agree with you more. Bond ratings for many schools may drop with the current financial crisis, but Bard has invested in facilities and students like any school with an eye on the budget. They've not sold their soul, but they've broadened their appeal. It's a great school where most can tell the minute they set foot if it's a fit for them, or not. If you can visit both Bard and Barnard and not come away with an idea of one is much more appropriate for you, then you may not really know what you're looking for. </p>
<p>My DD visited Bard three times two years ago before accepting their offer of admission and is still in love with it today. It is certainly not for everyone but if bond ratings are the last thing on your mind, it just might be the place for you. There are also plenty of non-smoking, not-druggie, interesting kids who look as normal as any other. Most of those who talk pejoratively about "hipsters" and "druggies" have never set foot on the campus, or certainly not been recently.</p>