Bard College - Overall Experience

College Prowler Take

What Bard students esteem most about in their overall experience is that they’ve had the chance to develop what so many other college students haven’t—a personal connection with their school. This is deceivingly rare, as many students at big universities miss out on the things Bard students take for granted, like small, intimate classes, personal relationships with professors, and a tightly-knit community in which people share similar interests and commitments. For all of its cliquishness, Bard’s student body ultimately possesses a unique understanding of itself. On the whole, Bardians seem to own the idea that, although not every person at Bard shares a friendship, each is still connected in some way by a willingness to accept what is different from him- or herself. And, while Bard students admittedly have a hard time showing compassion for conservatism or ignorance, they do welcome people of any gender, sexuality, and race.

Some suggest that Bard is like a bubble—an isolated, introverted space closed off from the rest of the world. In some ways, this is true. Things go on at Bard that don’t and maybe can’t go on elsewhere, and in many ways, Bard students have a pretty easy four years. Unfortunately, when they are ready to leave the college, some might find the outside world to be not quite so accepting. However, the degree to which Bard students are concerned with the goings-on in the rest of the world (evident by the number of protests and fundraisers in which they participate) suggests that Bard’s bubble is blessedly incomplete—that there exists a very real connection between us and the outside world. Many Bardians are dedicated to furthering this connection, to making the planet a better place through the knowledge they take away from Bard, and this is indeed one of the finest qualities found within our school. Most students, although they complain endlessly about Bard’s size and inconvenient location, could never picture themselves anywhere else.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

People can get lost at Bard. Like,... People can get lost at Bard. Like, they get so much into a particular image, style, or major that they dissolve. There’s a strangeness that doesn’t wear off in some ways because so many people here are bringing so much strangeness to the table. It’s easy to be lonely here. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Anonymous says:

I am a transfer student. So, my... I am a transfer student. So, my first semester was really hard. The second semester was much better. It just takes time to adjust when you’re new here. Transfer students generally get screwed here because Bard is not the kind of place where you just walk in and make friends. Also, moderating is harder when you’re a transfer. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Anonymous says:

I came to Bard and didn’t like it.... I came to Bard and didn’t like it. As a freshman, I found it weird and boring. People were lame and dorky. This year, it seems better. Maybe I’ve somehow changed and become more of a dork, but I’m more into Bard now than I was. You can’t complain about the classes, but sometimes the parties just suck. Bard is definitely a place that appeals to only certain people. I still don’t know if I’m that person yet. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Anonymous says:

Bard is great and truly unique,... Bard is great and truly unique, but somehow, for me it was a love/hate relationship for some time. There are a lot of things to be happy about (strong classes, good parties) and some things to regret. Mostly, I feel bad that Bard is not a warmer place, socially speaking, because with so many smart people, you’d think they’d be able to interact better. 12345 Overall Experience Report

Anonymous says:

I enjoy Bard, mainly because I... I enjoy Bard, mainly because I found people who I relate with. I get the feeling that a lot of Bard students were picked on in high school and have never really been somewhere where they are accepted. So, this a good place for the more unique kids who come, but also for people who were well-liked in high school who have a more open mind and are willing to meet many new and different people. 12345 Overall Experience Report

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