What Do We Look for in an Applicant?
Typically, Bard students have prepared for college by taking honors or advanced placement courses in a curriculum that includes four years of English, social studies, mathematics, laboratory science, and a foreign language. Yet admission to Bard takes into account your whole story. We welcome ambitious, independent thinkers and look closely at each part of your application. Bard presents extraordinary opportunities for students to thrive and achieve, and seeks students who will take full advantage of all that the Bard community has to offer.
Application Methods
Using the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir candidates may apply to Bard through: Early Action · Early Decision I · Early Decision II · Regular Decision · The Immediate Decision Plan. You may also apply using an alternative application method called the Bard Entrance Exam. More information can be found here.
Application Checklist
Required Materials
- Application using the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir.
- Two Teacher Recommendations (We prefer that one recommendation come from an English or humanities instructor and one from a math or science instructor.)
- One Additional Recommendation (From a higher education counselor or other advisor*)
- School Report
- High School transcript (Include mid-year senior grades if available at the time you apply).
Optional Materials
- SAT or ACT Scores: Bard College has been test-optional for over 50 years. You do not need to take the SAT or ACT to apply to Bard. SAT and ACT scores should only be submitted if a student feels that their scores are an accurate reflection of their academic abilities. Submitted SAT and ACT scores are only used to inform our review process in a very small fraction of applications that include SAT or ACT scores. Students who do not submit their SAT or ACT scores are not penalized in any way during the application review process.
- Portfolios and Awards Supplemental materials are not required for admission to Bard. Click below to learn more about how to submit materials.
Bard Portal Information: Must Read!
Once we receive your application (24–48 hours after submission), you will receive an email with credentials to your Bard Portal.
All application materials should be submitted through the Bard Admission Portal and by the deadlines indicated. Do not mail or email any materials directly to the Admission Office unless instructed to do so. Please read the following instructions on using the Bard portal thoroughly and completely.
Applying for Financial Aid?
Required Financial Aid Forms for Bard College
Financial aid and scholarships based on need are available. (For some financial aid scholarships, students will need to fill out a form and submit that form at the same time their application to the College is submitted.) Both the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE forms are required by Bard for domestic students and are found online. For international students, the Bard International Student Application for Financial Aid is required and is to be completed and uploaded to their Bard portal with their application. All students receive access to their Bard Portal via email after submitting their application to Bard College.
Interviews (in-person and virtual)
Interviews for First-Year Students Are Optional at Bard
Interview Options and Requirements
Any Questions?
Please click the questions below for answers to the most common questions asked about applying to Bard.
Discover More
Language and Thinking
All first year students participate in a common curriculum: the Language and Thinking Program, First-Year Seminar, and Citizen Science. The first year at Bard begins with Language and Thinking, a three week intensive introduction to the liberal arts and sciences with a particular focus on writing.