Bard College is a small (read: like 2,000) private liberal arts college in the hamlet of Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. Yes, it’s in a hamlet. Yeah, we didn’t know that was still a thing either. Bard’s most popular programs include the social sciences, English, and performing arts and they’re known for super small classes. Famous alumni include the band Steely Dan, Chevy Chase, Adam Connover, and Ronan Farrow.
Bard has a 57% acceptance rate and only one supplement: why Bard? Not only do they have the most straightforward and least headache-inducing essay prompt we’ve seen, but they’ve also been test-optional for 40 years and don’t have an application fee. Let’s dive in.
Why Bard? (250 words)
A short and sweet question. Good thing we have a formula for essays like these!
Origin Story
You want to start this essay by telling Bard why you’ve decided to study, let’s say, English Lit in general. Tell them a very brief but impactful story about the first time you went to a library or how you always found comfort in the worlds in your books. You will conclude this section by declaring your major.
Academics
This is where research comes into play. Take a moment and look up the upper-level courses in your major and a few professors who are researching things that look interesting to you. It’s okay if your list is long. Now, you want to see which class and professor can kind of talk to each other to expand on what your goals are. If your niche is modern Gothic literature, then talk about taking LIT 334: Fantastika and the New Gothic and how you want to study with Professor Elizabeth Frank, since her research and work focuses on modern writing.
Extracurriculars
Since their essay prompt is all-encompassing, you should include an extracurricular or two you want to do at Bard. It’s best if it connects with what you’re doing now in high school.
End with a sentence about Bard’s culture, or the hamlet, or the nature, or whatever else draws you to Bard. Your first draft will likely be over 250 words, but you can whittle it down to just the necessary information.
And that’s the Bard supplement! If you are struggling with this, or any other essay, reach out to us today for help.