Bard College

Date: May 10 2009
Major: Political Science (This Major's Salary over time)
I went to a highschool in a smaller conservative town, and needed to get out. Bard was the perfect choice for me. Everyone is pretty left and openminded, and creativity and individual expression is very encouraged. At first I was afriad of the overwhelming privledged condescending hipster vibe that you can get from time to time, but for the most part, the college provides a student body that's a little bit of everything, and you can stay away from the hipster glare of contempt if need be.

The campus is absolutely beautiful. When it's sunny, everyone goes outside. There are great spots to walk around and discover. People complain about there not being much to do in the surrounding town, but i feel that the point of having Bard in such an isolated area helps to cultivate the intellectual environment without too many distractions. If you ever need a break, the train station to NYC is only 10 minutes away.

The social life consists of various dance parties and bands, that can be so-so to awesome at times. Always an abundance of alcohol and weed. Not very strict about it, but you can't be blatantly stupid about substances either.

The classes here are so intimate and personal. Great professors with interesting personalities and stories. You're on a first name basis with them, they ask you to have lunch with them, and they are always available if you have any concerns. Within my first year here, i've taken classes that have just blown my mind. They can range from very challenging to barely doing the reading. It's all manageable.

I feel that if you're looking for a liberal arts college, that's very open but still structured at the same time, Bard is for you.