Bard College: 2024 Requirements, Scores & GPAs
This is the go-to guide for getting into Bard College. We suggest you read until the end... Not only will we layout the exact GPA and test scores you should aim for when applying to Bard College, but we’ll also offer creative ways to help your application stand out from the pack. We breakdown Bard College statistics better than any article out there and show you how these have changed over time. Also, make sure to check out Bard College on CampusReel to see what it’s really like here. If you're interesting in transferring to Bard College, the read our transfer guide. You can also use the below calculator to help determine your likelihood of acceptance at Bard College
What GPA Do You Need To Get Into Bard College?
Bard College’s average GPA is 3.5. Bard College does require GPA. This average GPA means Bard College is very selective. Often times, schools in this range are trying to increase their selectivity and “prestige”. We can’t read the minds of Bard College application readers, but they likely want to increase the average GPA from 3.5 to 3.68 this year - to play it safe, we recommend striving for the 3.68 GPA.
*BEFORE CONTINUING PLEASE NOTE: GPA and “prestige” DO NOT mean a college is right for you. Bard College may seem amazing on paper, but you may hate it... That’s why 700,000 students transfer colleges every year - they end up going to the wrong school. It’s crucial to watch the videos on CampusReel and make sure you can envision yourself on Bard College’s campus. These Bard College admission statistics do not sufficiently tell you what a college or university is like.
What Is Bard College’s Acceptance Rate?
Last year Bard College’s acceptance rate was 32.17. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.
As you can see, Bard College is getting more and more difficult to get into. If this trend continue it’s likely that Bard College will be even more competitive by the time you apply.
Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into Bard College - it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness. Then, use the below data to get a deeper understanding of how your application will compare to the rest of the pool.
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 56.0 % | 58.0 % | 32.17 % |
Will You Get Into Bard College?
Calculate Your ChancesDoes Bard College Require Test Scores?
Bard College requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how Bard College’s accepted students have performed on both tests. You may be wondering how many test scores should you submit. Generally, don’t freak out about taking the test too often. Industry consensus is that you can submit up to 6 tests as a reasonable limit.
Bard College SAT Requirements
Bard College’s average SAT score is 1340 - this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). Check out the below table for a deeper look into how students performed - it’s also very interesting to look at the average test score over time. The trend over time helps give insight into whether Bard College is getting more or less competitive.
| 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | 590 | 710 | 650 |
| Reading | 640 | 740 | 690 |
| 2019 Total | 1230 | 1450 | 1340 |
| 2018 Total | - | - | - |
| 2017 Total | - | - | - |
Bard College’s average SAT score is 1340. To be a competitive applicant for Bard College your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 1230, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Bard College a “target” school (one that you are likely to get into) you should aim for a score of 1450.
Will You Get Into Bard College?
Calculate Your ChancesBard College ACT Requirements
Bard College’s average ACT score is -. To be a competitive applicant for Bard College your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the -, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Bard College a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of -.
| 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | - | - | - |
| Reading | - | - | - |
| Writing | - | - | - |
| 2019 Total | - | - | - |
| 2018 Total | - | - | - |
| 2017 Total | - | - | - |
Will You Get Into Bard College?
Calculate Your ChancesHow Hard Is It To Get Into Bard College?
As you can see from the data above, Bard College is difficult to get into. Not only should you be aiming for a 3.5 but also SAT scores around 1340.
Bard College Requirements
Now you know where you need to be for getting into Bard College from a grade and test score perspective. Let’s quickly outline what else you’ll need to provide for your application to get reviewed, and then we’ll move onto the most important section: differentiating your app.
| Recommendations | Status |
|---|---|
| School Rank | Recommended |
| GPA | Recommended |
| School Record | Required |
How to get into Bard College
Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into Bard College. Everything you read above will help prepare you for what you need to achieve to have a shot at Bard College, but these steps will take you even further in applying that knowledge and differentiating your application.
Main Academic Excellence that is in line with Bard College admission standards.
- Score at least a 1340 on the SAT or - on the ACT.
- Maintain a GPA of at least a 3.5.
Join Extracurriculars that Align with Bard College’s Values.
- Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. If Bard College values music heavily, for example, then try to participate in an organization related to that topic.
- Volunteer in your hometown. Annandale-On-Hudson has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. Bard College wants applicants that are also good ambassadors for the school - they want students who will give back to the local community and broader Annandale-On-Hudson area in general.
- Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. Bard College needs to see past your test scores and grades - they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community. You are more than grades and test scores - your experiences should demonstrate that.
Prepare Your Application
- Write a stellar essay that shows Bard College something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. For a detailed guide on writing the best college essay, check this out.
- Get teacher recs that speak to your character. If you know what you’re majoring in and include that in your Bard College app, try to have at least 1 recommendation from a teacher in that department.
- Apply Before the Deadline. Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that Bard College’s own system crashes. Don’t risk the added stress this can cause - submit your app a few days early.
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