Bard is a super small liberal arts college in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. Interdisciplinary studies are encouraged, and all freshman at Bard start by taking the same core courses.
Alert! For the second year in a row, Bard has a hidden supplement. The question is lurking under the “general” tab, and while we would prefer a more streamlined organization of the common app website, the question is incredibly straightforward.
Why Bard? (250 Word Maximum)
Even if you think you already know why you want to go to Bard, hit up their website. For what it’s worth, it is lovely. Some colleges make it next to impossible to find their course list, but Bard does not. Research their offerings, read everything you can about the structure of the first-year curriculum, read about the study abroad programs, and find out how students are spending their time. Do more research than you think is necessary. Why? You only have 250 words to prove that your interests align perfectly with Bard’s offerings, and that you’ll be a good cultural fit for the school. Bard refers to themselves as “a private college for the public good.” The school is huge on civic engagement and giving back to the community. Keep your findings in mind as you craft your response. Here’s what you should include in your supplement:
A brief story about how your academic interests came to be. We often call this an origin story. The story that you tell will serve as a direct lead into the next part of your supplement, and it is the way that you’ll be introducing yourself to the school. Your story should not suggest that you’re already an expert in say, Math. It should, however, focus on a small experience that you’ve had in your life that has influenced your decision to study Math.
Your intended major. At some point, you need to declare a major in writing. Fear not, if you change your mind, you will not be held to the major that you write about. You’ll still start Bard as a student with an undeclared major. Writing that you want to major in X will show the admissions team that you have a plan, and they like students with plans. If you’re undecided (in reality,) choose something that aligns well with the classes that you’ve done well in thus far. You’re about to do a lot of research on the course offerings, so don’t rush the process of finding a department that you truly like.
1-2 upper-level classes that you want to take. Click here to find the curriculum. You should avoid choosing classes from the first-year seminar because those are mandatory courses that everyone will be taking, which means they’re not specific to the field you plan to pursue. On the topic of avoidance, make sure that you’re not choosing introductory-level courses, as those are not specific to Bard and tend to be offered at most colleges. In addition to choosing classes, you need a reason as to why you’re interested. Think about the classes that you’ve taken, books you’ve read outside of school, jobs, internships, documentaries, etc. Pretty much anything that shows that you’re actively trying to learn about your major will work.
A professor who you’d like to do research with. Bard is a very small school and the student to faculty ratio is 10:1. You’re going to know your professors very well, and a draw of going to a small school is that you’re more likely to be chosen for fun research opportunities and special projects. Look into the professors who are teaching courses in the department of your major and pitch yourself as their research assistant. Just like with the classes, explain why you’re an ideal candidate.
An extracurricular activity that you plan to join. Next, look into the list of student clubs. For the purposes of this supplement, choose something that is aligned with the activities that you did in high school. In other words, look for something that will allow you to continue along the path that you’re already on, and explain why you would be a valuable addition to the club. But don’t worry, if you end up going to Bard you can join any club you want.
A Bard specific reason for wanting to apply. Remember how we asked you to do all of that research at the beginning of this blog post? That was our way of helping you gain a better understanding of what it’s like to actually attend Bard. You might already have a reason in mind, and if that’s the case, make sure that you’re writing about something that is truly Bard specific. If not, you can take things a step further to looking at Twitter, on Instagram, and Facebook. Talking to current students is another option. Keep searching until you’ve found something – whether it’s a tradition, special opportunity, or something about Annandale-on-Hudson is up to you – and then explain your interest.
We have given you the ingredients of your essay, but your work is not done. Use your 250 words to tell a story about yourself, with details about Bard weaved throughout. Spend time thinking about how you can create a narrative arc, and then write your response in the form of a story with a beginning, middle, and end. When you’re done, edit!
Academics are important, but Bard is also looking for students who want to engage the public for common good. Do just as much research on the culture of the school as you do their degree programs.
Contact us here if you need help.