A transfer student is defined as one who has officially matriculated into a degree program at an accredited junior college, college, or university, and completed at least one semester at that institution (12 or more transferrable credits as determined by the Registrar). Candidates who have taken college classes without being admitted into an institution's degree program are considered incoming first-year students, not transfer students. Bard also accepts international transfer students.
Application Options
Transfer students who are 24 years or older should apply directly to Bard's Returning to College Program (RCP).
If you have any questions, please reach out to Josh Tyler, Director of Transfer Admission, at [email protected].
If you have any questions, please reach out to Josh Tyler, Director of Transfer Admission, at [email protected].
Interviews
Only students applying in the current admission cycle are eligible for an interview.
We do not require interviews for transfer applicants but we do recommend them.
We do not require interviews for transfer applicants but we do recommend them.
Housing Requirements and Eligibility
Students with first- or second-year status must live on campus. Students with third- or fourth-year status are not required to live on campus. Return to College (RCP) students and Bard Baccalaureate (BardBac) students are not guaranteed on-campus housing.
US Citizens
Application Checklist for US Citizens
Transfer Students
Required materials:
- Apply using the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir.
- The College Report and college transcript are also required. A high school transcript is required unless the candidate will have completed an associate’s degree by the time of matriculation at Bard.
- Two Academic Recommendations: Both academic recommendations should come from college faculty. However, for those who have completed only one or two college semesters in circumstances where the classes have been large and contact with professors minimal, we will accept high school faculty recommendations.
- Artistic supplements are required for all transfer candidates seeking admission to the Photography Program. (Please click on the link below for artistic supplement details for this program.)
International Students
International transfer students can find dates, deadlines, and application information here.
Must Read: Bard Portal Information
Once you submit your Common Application or Coalition with Scoir, it may take 24 to 48 hours for us to confirm receipt of your application. Once we receive your application, you will be emailed a confirmation which includes the credentials to access your Bard Portal.
If you submit your application on the deadline date but still have required materials to submit, please note that you will have time to upload those application materials after that deadline date as long as your application has been submitted. It is important, however, that you submit those final materials as soon as possible after the deadline has passed as the admission committee cannot read incomplete applications.
Please do not mail or email any materials directly to the Admission Office unless instructed to do so. Use your Bard Portal and go to your Application Tab to upload and view submitted materials.
Please make a habit of visiting your Bard portal frequently to view your application and financial aid checklists and confirm that we have received all of the materials required to complete your application. We will also be posting information on your portal throughout the admission cycle so it is important to check your portal regularly.
If you submit your application on the deadline date but still have required materials to submit, please note that you will have time to upload those application materials after that deadline date as long as your application has been submitted. It is important, however, that you submit those final materials as soon as possible after the deadline has passed as the admission committee cannot read incomplete applications.
Please do not mail or email any materials directly to the Admission Office unless instructed to do so. Use your Bard Portal and go to your Application Tab to upload and view submitted materials.
Please make a habit of visiting your Bard portal frequently to view your application and financial aid checklists and confirm that we have received all of the materials required to complete your application. We will also be posting information on your portal throughout the admission cycle so it is important to check your portal regularly.
Required Financial Aid Forms for Bard College
Financial aid and scholarships based on need are available. 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 Common Application or Coalition with Scoir to Bard College.
Deadlines for Submitting Financial Aid Forms
Spring Transfers
Deadlines for Submitting Financial Aid Forms
Spring Transfers
- US citizens: The College Board's College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) must be filed by November 1 in order for eligible students to receive a financial aid package alongside their admission decision. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed as soon as it becomes available in December, and no later than February 1, 2024.
- International Students: The Bard International Student Financial Aid Application Form (BISFAA) must be filed by November 1 in order for eligible students to receive a financial aid package alongside their admission decision.
- US citizens: The College Board's College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed by March 1 in order for eligible students to receive a financial aid package alongside their admission decision.
- International Students: The Bard International Student Financial Aid Application Form (BISFAA) must be filed by March 1 in order for eligible students to receive a financial aid package alongside their admission decision.
Transfer Orientation
Transfer students enrolling at Bard must complete an orientation program:
All transfer students (fall or spring) with fewer than 28 transferable credits must also complete one semester of First-Year Seminar during their first semester enrolled at the College.
- Fall transfer students complete a three-day orientation in August.
- Spring transfer students complete a three-day orientation in January.
All transfer students (fall or spring) with fewer than 28 transferable credits must also complete one semester of First-Year Seminar during their first semester enrolled at the College.
Any Questions?
Please click the questions below for answers to the most common questions asked about applying to Bard as a transfer student.