What do I need to get in?
A high-school diploma or its equivalent (GED/HSE/TASC). Curiosity, ambition, a willingness to work hard, and an open mind.
No standardized tests or placement exams are required. There is no application fee to apply to the Bard Microcolleges.
Age does not matter. Citizenship status does not matter — Bard admits and supports undocumented students.
Only applicants who do not already hold an Associate degree or higher from any college or university in the US or abroad are eligible to apply. Applicants whose household finances would qualify them for Pell Grants will be given priority.
What is the admissions process like?
STEP 1: SIGN UP
When admissions season begins, sign up for a writing session at the link below. Basic information is all that is required.
STEP 2: WRITING SESSION
Plan to spend 1 to 2 hours on this part of the process. During the writing session, you will be given three short text excerpts or images, and asked to write an open response to just one. You may write in whatever form you choose—the writing does not have to be a formal essay. Grammar and spelling are less important than showing how and what you think about the text or image you choose to write about.
STEP 3: FAFSA APPLICATION
Once the essays are reviewed by Bard College staff, finalists will be asked to fill out the FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) if they are eligible.
STEP 4: INTERVIEW
Finalists will then be invited to a brief interview on Zoom. Each finalist will meet individually with Bard College staff for a 10- to 15-minute conversation.
Interested in learning more about the tuition-free Bard Microcolleges?
Join us for an upcoming Bard Microcollege Open House!
Bard Microcollege staff will share information about the Microcollege, life as a Microcollege student, and the 2025 admissions process, and answer your questions.
Harlem: October 10 at 12:15 pm
Brooklyn: November 7 at 12:15 pm — Register Here
Sign up for our mailing list below to learn about upcoming Info Sessions on Zoom.
Or reach out to microcollege@bard.edu to set up a one-on-one conversation with Bard Microcollege staff to get your questions answered. We look forward to hearing from you!