Bard College is a small liberal arts college located in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. It was founded in 1860 and is known for its rigorous academic programs, commitment to social justice, and focus on interdisciplinary learning. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of attending Bard College.
Pros:
- Small class sizes: Bard College has a student-faculty ratio of 9:1, which means that students have access to personalized attention from their professors. This allows for more in-depth discussions and individualized feedback, and creates a more supportive learning environment.
- Interdisciplinary approach: Bard College has a strong focus on interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to explore a variety of subjects and perspectives. This approach helps students to develop critical thinking skills and make connections between different fields of study.
- Experimental learning: Bard College offers numerous opportunities for experimental learning, including internships, community engagement, research projects, and study abroad programs. These experiences help students to apply their classroom learning to real-world situations, and to gain practical skills and knowledge.
- Commitment to social justice: Bard College has a strong commitment to social justice and activism, and encourages students to engage with social and political issues through coursework, events, and extracurricular activities. This emphasis on social responsibility helps students to become informed, engaged citizens.
- Beautiful campus: Bard College is located on a 1,000-acre campus on the banks of the Hudson River, which provides students with access to numerous recreational opportunities and a beautiful natural setting. The campus is also home to numerous cultural and artistic events, including concerts, performances, and exhibitions.
Cons:
- Cost: Bard College is a private institution, which can make it more expensive than public universities. The cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses can be a significant financial burden for some students.
- Isolated location: Bard College is located in a rural area, which can be a disadvantage for students who prefer a more urban environment. While the campus is surrounded by natural beauty, there are limited opportunities for entertainment, shopping, and other amenities off campus.
- Intense workload: Bard College is known for its rigorous academic programs, and students may find themselves overwhelmed by the workload. The small class sizes and personalized attention from professors can be both a blessing and a curse, as students are expected to contribute actively to class discussions and complete a high volume of reading and writing assignments.
- Limited diversity: Bard College has a relatively homogenous student body, with a majority of students coming from white, middle-class backgrounds. While the college has made efforts to increase diversity and inclusion, some students may feel a lack of representation and diversity on campus.
- Limited resources: As a small liberal arts college, Bard College may not have the same level of resources as larger universities. This may impact the availability of certain courses, programs, and resources, particularly in areas such as STEM fields.
In conclusion, Bard College offers numerous benefits including small class sizes, interdisciplinary approach, experimental learning, commitment to social justice, and beautiful campus. However, students should be aware of potential drawbacks such as cost, isolated location, intense workload, limited diversity, and limited resources. Ultimately, the decision to attend Bard College will depend on a student’s individual needs, priorities, and goals.