Bard College Simon's Rock

This school is really good if you want to get out of your high school environment and get started on learning more about whatever field you are interested in. While there are some things that make coming here difficult (the small town, the small class size, the fact that most everyone here is a minor (so no true college partying)) it is absolutely still worthwhile. The work that you do here is never meaningless, I feel like I've had more actual discussions and done more critical thinking here in even one class than I ever did in all of high school. When I think about how I would've wasted 2 more years in high school before learning at this level I become even more grateful to be studying here. There is so much more room for creativity too; for example people in my biology class have submitted poetry instead of papers in the past. If you know exactly what you want, you can really tailor your academic experience here. The clubs and campus activities make sure you aren't bored, and if the small-ness really gets to be too much you can always take a Peter Pan bus to NYC for the weekend (or transfer after 2 years). Not to mention that the students are open minded and inclusive, if not a bit pretentious.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2017

Scholastic Success: A+, Useful Schoolwork: F

Simon's Rock is a small school, and like any small community, you'll end up knowing of almost everyone. This absolutely has its ups and downs - it's great to be able to go anywhere and see a familiar face, but this also means that unless it's a new school year, you probably won't see many new people on campus. The vast majority of the people here, however, are friendly and care about others - more than once I've been in need of help and students I didn't know very well stopped to assist me. Academically, Simon's Rock is challenging. While it's possible to skate by with the minimum amount of effort, it's a waste of time and money. If you put your best effort in, you'll definitely grow academically and intellectually. Higher level classes are even more challenging, pushing you hard, but the professors know that you're capable. The professors themselves are amazing; you can go to them for anything from advice on a paper to a casual chat. They're just as much friends as professors.

3rd Year Female -- Class 1920

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Surrounding City: C