Bard College at Simon's Rock: the Early College
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How to Apply

Get to Know Bard College at Simon's Rock

Accelerate Past Your Peers

Go from 10th or 11th grade right to college. The world is waiting for you. Why wait, apply today.


Your application is not a set of numbers but an expression of your character, ambitions, imagination, and intelligence.

We ask for all of the standard information — recommendations and transcripts — but we also ask you to interview and do a good deal of writing. We’re curious about what you are thinking, why you are considering early college, and how you approach a critical argument.

The Parts of the Application

The information you provide in your application initiates the conversation with your admission counselor. You can start this first step in the application process early, up to a year before enrollment. Applications are currently being accepted for the Fall 2024 intake.

 

In addition to the Simon’s Rock Application, we also accept the Common Application. See our Common Application Submission Guide.

We require two recommendations. Two recommendations must be from high school teachers of two different core academic subjects (English, foreign language, math, science, or social studies); one must be from a current teacher. An optional third is completed by your school guidance counselor. A fourth, optional nonacademic recommendation is completed by someone who knows you outside of the academic setting, other than a family member.

Our experience has been that the decision to attend Simon’s Rock is best made after a serious discussion between the applicant and his/her/their family. Invite your parent or guardian to fill out their recommendation. (optional)

Submit two essays and show us your point of view.

An interview with an admission counselor is required of each applicant. We prefer that the interview be in-person as part of a visit to campus but we also schedule virtual and phone interviews. For non-in-person interviews, you will be invited to interview after submitting your application.

Your guidance counselor will submit this report with your transcript. Your application will not be considered complete until we receive current year grades, i.e. first semester/trimester or the midyear grade report. In most cases, these are available after early November (semester system) or early December (trimester system). If your school does not include this with your school report and transcript, please request to have these emailed to admit@simons-rock.edu.

International students may need to submit English proficiency scores.

College entrance exam scores are optional.

We invite you to submit a piece of your own work (or description of a project, in any form you deem appropriate) that has particularly intrigued and excited you. Examples include but are not limited to a writing sample, a position paper, a problem solution, a poem or short story, a graded test, a research paper, a science project, a copy of a drawing, painting, or photograph, or a recording of music, a film, or a performance. Upload optional work on your Application Status page.

The financial aid application can be submitted before or after you have submitted your application.

When to Apply

Most students apply to the College as 10th and 11th graders. High school seniors are eligible to apply in the fall of their senior year in order to start college in our spring semester. High school seniors who graduate early or at a young age are also eligible to apply. If you are an 8th or 9th grader, consider applying to Bard Academy, our two-year high school on a college campus.

  Dates and deadlines

 

Questions? We’re here to help.

Inclusive Community

We welcome students from diverse backgrounds and educational experiences. We have additional guidelines to supplement the admission process.

Ready? It all starts here.