Bard College Simon's Rock

Date: Feb 16 2010
Major: Anthropology (This Major's Salary over time)
Simon's Rock is a very different school for many reasons. Probably the most obvious, most freshmen are 16 when they come here. But that isn't the only thing different about the Rock. Students (most) really do care about their classes and will work hard for them and prepare for them. Seminar is a bitch, but I did learn a lot that I wouldn't have if I hadn't been forced to take it. Coursework is challenging, I don't care how smart you are. You will HAVE to work hard. Professors are addressed by their first names and they are, for the most part, really great. They don't get paid much, so you know they are in it for the right reasons. The campus is beautiful in the fall and spring. I hate the winter, so I'm biased, but the trees are beautiful. I live on upper campus, so I have to walk up "drab ave". Its a big ass hill that take fifteen minutes to go up and down. Most try to get rides as much as possible, but walking is awesome exercise. The downside to this place is that its charm wears off. I'm most definitely transferring after this year. The school is so very small and isn't at all a portrayal of the real world. But it is a great introduction to it. Social life on campus is tricky, such a small group of people. Lots of drug use on campus, drinking, smoking pot, and dropping acid are the biggies. Also, around 80% of students here smoke cigarettes, and many pick it up here. I know I did. But anyway, You are bound to make friends, I know I have made several great ones. But it takes effort. Join some teams, clubs, and make sure to not sit alone at lunch. Dating scene is horrible. I was one of the few of my friends to actually have a boyfriend for longer than a month. Mostly people hook up and its super awkward because you see that person EVERY DAY. No joke.

All in all, if you want rigorous academics, are ready for college after sophomore or junior year of high school, and don't mind living in the middle of no where for a while, this place is for you. Good Luck.