Students who apply to Bard Academy share a passion for learning, a strong sense of intellectual curiosity, and an independent spirit.
We are seeking students who are ready to join a vibrant community of peers who will help them to stretch, grow, and evolve. Ready to take the next step? There's still time to apply for the spring 2021 semester!
Bard Academy accepts two applications. Most students apply with the free Gateway to Prep Schools application. Students with an existing Standard Application Online (SAO) account may choose to apply with the SAO.
Most students begin at Bard Academy in the fall semester, but applications are also accepted for spring semester entry.
Spring Semester Start
| Date | Deadline |
|---|---|
| November 1 | Submit application for admission and application for financial aid (Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year as long as space remains available.) |
| December 3 | Admission decision notification |
| December 18 | Applicant reply to admission |
| Date | Deadline |
|---|---|
| February 1 | Submit application for admission |
| February 1 | Financial aid application |
| Early March | Admission decision notification |
| April 15 | Applicant reply to admission |
We will continue to accept applications after the deadlines as space and time permits.
Language Proficiency Requirements
Bard Academy courses require a strong facility with the English language. All international applicants who speak a language other than English as their primary language must submit a completed Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Duolingo English Test (DET), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam.
We will carefully consider your test scores, interview, and writing.
Testing Information
Scores should be sent directly to Simon’s Rock. Choose one of the agencies listed below for your testing.
| Testing Agency | Sending the score to Simon’s Rock |
|---|---|
| TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language |
Add Simon's Rock to your score recipients list by entering our ID code 3795. |
| IELTS International English Language Testing System |
Requests for score delivery to Simon’s Rock must be submitted directly to the test center where you take the IELTS test. |
| DET Duolingo English Test |
Can be taken online at anytime. Once you receive certified test results, you can log into your account, click on the “Send Results” button next to your test results and select “Bard College at Simon's Rock.” |
Students will be required to submit the recommendations below. Your application host (Gateway to Prep Schools or SAO) will send forms to the following individuals based on information provided in the online application:
The required essays will help us understand why you want to attend Bard Academy and will demonstrate your critical thinking and writing skills. Details on how to submit your essays can be found on Gateway to Prep Schools and the SAO.
An interview is required of each applicant. The interview is not as formal or intimidating as you might think. We’ll just be getting to know you as a talking, thinking person. And we’ll be glad to answer any questions you or your parents have about us.
We prefer that the interview be conducted in-person as part of a campus visit. To schedule your visit, send us an email at bardacademy@simons-rock.edu. If it will not be possible for you to visit us on campus, we will schedule a video or phone interview.
| Current Grade | Transcripts Required |
|---|---|
| 8th grade | 7th and 8th grade transcripts |
| 9th grade | 7th, 8th, and 9th grade transcripts |
| All other students | Contact your admission counselor |
Non-Academic Recommendation
You may submit an extra recommendation from a teacher or choose to include a personal recommendation from a club supervisor, coach, neighbor, or religious leader. Should you choose a teacher, pick one who knows you well and who has taught you in or after 7th grade. If you wish to submit this additional recommendation, submit the recommender’s first and last name and email address to bardacademy@simons-rock.edu. We’ll send an invitation and instructions directly to the recommender.
Portfolio
We invite you to submit a piece of your own work (or description of a project, in any form you deem appropriate) that has particularly intrigued and excited you. Examples include but are not limited to a writing sample, a position paper, a problem solution, a poem or short story, a graded test, a research paper, a science project, a copy of a drawing, painting, or photograph, or a recording of music, a film, or a performance. Once your application is in progress, you will see an option to “Upload Material.” If you have difficulty with the upload or have materials in another format, email bardacademy@simons-rock.edu.
Graded Paper
Applicants can upload a copy of a graded paper, with teacher comments, from the current school year on Gateway to Prep Schools, or using the “Upload Material” button once your Bard Academy application is in progress.
Equity and inclusion are central to the Simon's Rock mission and values, and we welcome all students, regardless of citizenship status or national origin to apply to the Academy.
Questions? We're here to help.