Bard College Simon's Rock

Date: Apr 20 2010
Major: Neuroscience/Cognitive Science (This Major's Salary over time)
In retrospect, I would probably not go back to Simon's Rock. Truthfully, there are many cheaper, equally good colleges, even for underage students. Do not let this school fool you and make you think this is one of your only options as an early college student. If you really want to go to college at a young age, check out of some of your state schools, early decision options for out-of-state schools, and dual enrollment programs at your local community college. Students and school faculty here subtly insist that these other options aren't "tough enough", that they're not ?as good,? that they won?t ?prepare you? for other schools or that it?s generally bad if you don?t go through the same rigorous program offered here. None of this is true. You can basically get the same education for a cheaper price through many other programs. Either way, when it comes to schooling, what is definite is the work you put into it, your passion, and knowing what you would really like to pursue. This school will almost definitely not help you figure that out. They want your money and they want it bad.

If you really want to know the truth, college is a business above all else. They need a certain amount of money to fund the school. This has been the main problem piling up for Simon's Rock. The price has shot up ENORMOUSLY, so they have been willing to lower their admission standards. Almost anyone who wants to apply will get in. Yet, they insist their students are "unique," "different" and ?extremely smart.? They're not. For the most part, they are anyone else you would meet at your state college. There tend to be a few distinctive rockers that could change your perspective on this, but for the most part, the social life is very limited.

That being said, this is the kind of school where you need a thorough background of EVERYTHING you learned in high school. If you're faltering in any subject, the resources here are limited. They will not help you, and if they do, it's costly. If you don?t like the three teachers that might run your department/major, then that?s just too bad. You?re going to have to deal with it. During your first year, you are not allowed a car either. Therefore, it's very easy to feel claustrophobic, bored and isolated here. Even in the surrounding town of Great Barrington, there is very little to go out and do.

As for the positives: they have very warm, supportive, and wonderful faculty. The teachers are all passionate, friendly and will thoroughly encourage your academia. That being said, the academic programs here are very difficult, but you will almost definitely learn. You cannot float by with being generally smart; you MUST develop excellent study habits.