Bard College at Simon's Rock is the only four-year residential college designed for thoughtful, exceptionally motivated students who are ready to start college early. The first early college of its kind, and the home for driven students who don't want more of the same, Simon's Rock is a private liberal arts college nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Contact
Silvia Eggenberger
Campus Visit Coordinator
Campus Visit Coordinator
Address
Bard College at Simon's Rock
84 Alford Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
84 Alford Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Phone
800-235-7186
Email
admission@simons-rock.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Fisher Science and Academic Center
Daniel Arts Center
Alumni Library
Student Union
Kilpatrick Athletic Center
The Snack Bar in the Student Union is a popular gathering place most evenings.
Daniel Arts Center
Alumni Library
Student Union
Kilpatrick Athletic Center
The Snack Bar in the Student Union is a popular gathering place most evenings.
Most Popular Places Off Campus
Mass MoCA, North Adams MA (museum of contemporary art in renovated mill)
Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, MA
Tanglewood (music venue; summer home of Boston Symphony Orchestra)
Town of Great Barrington (shopping, restaurants)
Various skiing, hiking destinations
The town of Great Barrington is utilized extensively by students for all shopping, dining, off campus internships, volunteer opportunities, jobs and off campus housing.
Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, MA
Tanglewood (music venue; summer home of Boston Symphony Orchestra)
Town of Great Barrington (shopping, restaurants)
Various skiing, hiking destinations
The town of Great Barrington is utilized extensively by students for all shopping, dining, off campus internships, volunteer opportunities, jobs and off campus housing.
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
M-F, limited Saturdays
9-5:00 pm
800-235-7186
9-5:00 pm
800-235-7186
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Very Flexible
Average Length: 1 hour
Dates: Year-round
Times: Very Flexible
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
Yes
Information Sessions
Available
Times
A few times times a year - phone for Open House schedule
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Advance Notice
1 week
Contact Email Address for Visit
admission@simons-rock.edu
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
A campus shuttle takes students to various locations in Great Barrington and regional bus service includes stops in all surrounding towns. There are several local taxi companies. Airports in Albany, NY and Hartford, CT are approximately an hour away. There is bus service to Great Barrington from New York City to Great Barrington and from Boston to nearby Lee. Trains from New York City stop in Wassaic, NY, and Hudson, NY, both about 45 minutes away.
Driving Instructions to Campus
See College website: http://simons-rock.edu/about/directions
Local Accommodations
B&Bs - off season average $80-100/night.
Motels - Holiday Inn Express, Days Inn and Comfort Inn $75-$120/night.
Save SchoolAdmissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
Students must complete the online application; they can start this first step in the application process early, up to a year before enrollment. We require two recommendations: two recommendations must be from high school teachers of two different core academic subjects (English, foreign language, math, science, or social studies); one must be from a current teacher. An interview with an admission counselor is required of each applicant. We prefer that the interview be in-person as part of a visit to campus but we also schedule virtual and phone interviews. For non-in-person interviews, students will be invited to interview after submitting their application. The financial aid application can be submitted before or after the application has been submitted.
Overview
Applicants: 244
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Average HS GPA: 3.49
GPA Breakdown
24%
4.0
21%
3.75 - 3.99
16%
3.50 - 3.74
12%
3.25 - 3.49
10%
3.00 - 3.24
10%
2.50 - 2.99
1%
2.00 - 2.49
4%
1.00 - 1.99
2%
Below 1.0
Need to boost your grades? We can help.
Learn MoreTest Scores
Testing Policies
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Application Essay
Non-Academic
Interview
Talent / Ability
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
Our students also have a myriad of study-abroad and dual-degree programs: pre-engineering students have the opportunity to dual-enroll in Columbia University's Combined Plan Program in New York City, while art history or creative writing students can spend a year in residence at Oxford University's St. Catherine's College. The Simon's Rock Signature Program in Montserrat also offers students in any discipline a chance to study tropical ecology and environmental conservation on the Caribbean island of Montserrat.
Majors and Degrees Offered
Bard College at Simon's Rock offers more than 35 majors and concentrations under four separate academic divisions: Languages and Literature; Science, Mathematics and Computing; Social Studies; and Performing and Visual Arts. Some of our most popular majors include Biology, Politics, Photography, Music, Theater, Creative Writing, Literary Studies, Psychology, Pre-engineering, and Cross-Cultural Studies. We also offer Interdisciplinary Studies such as Gender Studies, Asian Studies, and Center for Food Studies.
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
6:1
Total Faculty
74
with Terminal Degree
61
42
Men
32
Women
8
Minority
3
International
Most frequent class size
10 - 19
Most frequent lab / sub section size
10 - 19
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
Graduate in 5 years
Graduate in 6 years
Majors
-
AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
African-American/Black Studies.
American/United States Studies/Civilization.
Asian Studies/Civilization.
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies, Other.
-
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
-
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer Science.
-
EDUCATION.
Education, General.
-
ENGINEERING.
Pre-Engineering.
-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
Creative Writing.
General Literature.
-
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
French Language and Literature.
German Language and Literature.
Linguistics.
Spanish Language and Literature.
-
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies.
-
HISTORY.
History, General.
-
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Applied Mathematics, General.
Mathematics, General.
-
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis.
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General.
Natural Sciences.
-
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Studies.
-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Physics, General.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Economics, General.
Geography, Other.
Political Science and Government, General.
Social Sciences, Other.
-
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
Art/Art Studies, General.
Dance, General.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
Intermedia/Multimedia.
Music, General.
Visual and Performing Arts, General.
Students Say
Dubbed an “early college,” Bard College at Simon’s Rock is a unique institution that “allows you to leave high school and start college without a high school diploma” for enrollment. The school gladly accepts applications from rising juniors and seniors. In fact, the average Simon’s Rock student is sixteen when he or she enters. Of course, that doesn’t mean that the academics are any less “rigorous;” everyone takes on a “challenging” liberal arts curriculum. And given that “the average class size is twelve,” a “high level of engagement” is customary. As one undergrad further explains, “Everyone is expected to make the classroom what it is; that onus does not fall solely on the professor.” Fortunately, the intimate setting also means that “students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty to design a program of study that is...specific to their academic goals.” And no matter their major, undergrads are guaranteed to find “brilliant” and “passionate” teachers who “truly care about their students.” As one thrilled individual concludes, “[Professors] have high expectations but are ready to...help you reach your full potential.” As a result, “the level of education [students receive] is unsurpassed.”
Degrees
Associate
Bachelor's
Bachelor's
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
No
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
On Campus Interviews
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
Oscar-winning Filmmakers
Ronan Farrow
Rhodes Scholar and MSNBC host
Alison Bechdel
Cartoonist and best-selling author
Veronica Chambers
Journalist, author and screenwriter
Eli Pariser
CEO of Upworthy; founder and Board President of Moveon.org
Nita Ing
Chairperson of Continental Holdings Corp and Continental Engineering Corp
John McWhorter
best-selling author, linguist, political commentator and columnist
Academic Rating
92/99
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
Graduate in 5 years
Graduate in 6 years
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
No
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
On Campus Interviews
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Due to scholarships and financial aid, the cost of attendance can vary greatly depending on each individual student's specific situation. In a typical year, over 80 percent of our students receive substantial financial assistance. Tuition covers the cost of classes (up to 18 credits per semester) as well as the use of campus facilities, resources, and support services, including academic tutoring, career development, the Alumni Library, the Kilpatrick Athletic Center, and the Win Student Resource Commons.
Financial Aid
About 80 percent of Simon?s Rock students receive a financial aid package — usually a combination of awards, grants, Federal Work-Study Program, and loans. In addition to need-based awards, students are eligible to apply for federal and state aid, as well as any funding that may be available through private scholarships offered through local organizations. All first-year applicants are automatically considered for scholarship awards; there is no separate application. Simon?s Rock offers scholarships — ranging from $1,000 up to the full cost of tuition — which are renewable for four years.
Dates
Application Deadlines
Required Forms
FAFSA
Forms CSSProfile
Forms Divorced Parent
State Aid
Forms CSSProfile
Forms Divorced Parent
State Aid
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$14,839
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$16,492
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,338
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
38%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$16,700
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$30,000
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition
$56,398
Required Fees
$1,609
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$1,000
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
Transportation for Commuters
$1,000
On-Campus Room and Board
$15,672
Comprehensive Fee
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal and Institutional
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Financial Aid Rating
81/99
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
The average age of students who enroll at Simon's Rock is 16. Forty percent of students are students of color. With a student population of 400, our female student population outweighs our male student population, and twenty percent of our students identify as nonbinary. Twenty-five percent of the student body are international students representing 24 countries across the world, among them China, South Korea, Myanmar, and Uganda. Domestically, 47 states are represented such as Colorado, California, Florida, Texas, and Georgia.
Clubs and organizations are student-led and represent current student interests. There's a strong International Student Association and Pre-Med Society. The QueerSA, FIFE women's center, Black Student Union, Asian Student Association and Social Justice Committee all meet regularly. Poetry club, motorcycle club, Simon's Rock EMS, and Jews of Simon's Rock are among some of the newest student clubs to join the roster of exciting groups.
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
397
Foreign Countries Represented
18
Demographics
13.79%
Asian
12.41%
Black
4.83%
Hispanic
12.41%
Caucasian
11.72%
Unknown
36.55%
International
60% female
40% male
66% are out of state
98% are full time
2% are part time
Students Say
Simon’s Rock typically attracts “hyperintellectual” students who possess a strong “desire to learn.” Indeed, many individuals who enroll here are “exceptionally self-driven and motivated to carve their own paths.” And though students can sometimes come across as “pretentious” and “smug,” their desire to engage in “critical thought” is completely genuine. As one proud student explains, “Even at parties, you’ll find us debating philosophy or mathematics, discussing aspects of cellular biology, or hosting political conversations.” Additionally, a large number of students describe themselves as very “liberal” and most are “actively involved in social justice” causes as well. We’re also told that Simon’s Rock has a “large LGBTQ+ community...which is welcoming, diverse [and] full of pride.” Fortunately, no matter their politics or sexual orientation, undergrads here “are always kind and willing to lend a helping hand.” Another grateful student concludes, “We are like one big family. I have never seen people form relationships as deeply and as quickly as they do here.”
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Nestled in the heart of Great Barrington, which is 2.5 hours from hubs like Boston and New York, our beautiful wooded campus sprawls over 275 acres. Surrounded by the Berkshires community, which is known for its natural beauty and rich cultural life, the Simon's Rock campus is home to student representatives from 37 states and 15 countries with more than 40 percent of the demographic being students of color.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
The Simon's Rock Farm is located in the middle of campus, allowing students to study food sustainability and resilience right in their 'backyard', as well as a greenhouse and herbarium. Our Daniel Arts Center houses student studios for dance and visual arts, as well as galleries and theater space for performances from students and local theater companies alike. The Kilpatrick Athletic Center offers class space for yoga and calisthenics, an eight-lane swimming pool, a rock-climbing wall, indoor walking track, and basketball court where recreational student teams can meet up for a walk-on game.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Off-campus, the town of Great Barrington is a cultural and artistic melting pot filled with opportunities to explore and entertain. Our local ice cream shop SoCo Creamery creates delicious homemade ice cream, or students can request discounted tickets to catch a limited screening of film-festival flicks or box-office hits. During the warm weather, Lake Mansfield is open to the public for swimming and boating and there are plenty of trails to traverse around campus and into town.
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
93%
Help finding off-campus housing
No
82/99
First-Year Students living on campus
91%
Campus Environment
Village
95/99
Housing Options
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Dorms Coed
Dorms Female
Dorms Male
Other
Dorms Male
Other
Students Say
We’re not going to mince words; Simon’s Rock students tend to be “academically oriented.” Therefore, the majority of their “time...outside of class is spent studying.” But even these dedicated scholars kick back periodically, and there’s plenty of fun to be had when they do. To begin with, the college sponsors numerous events ranging “from poetry slams to lip sync battles and school dances.” “Open mics” are also fairly popular and well attended. And there are “always interesting guest lecturers or music performances” happening around campus as well. Additionally, many people are “incredibly active...in clubs and [with] various student-led initiatives.” As one undergrad gushes, “There are clubs for everything you can think of, in fact, I was head of Slytherin House for [the] Harry Potter Club.” And you’re in luck if you love sitting in darkened theaters! After all, students frequently host “film nights,” screening everything from “art films [and] historical pieces [to] social commentary documentaries and even Game of Thrones.” But don’t despair if you’re an individual who prefers the outdoors. There are plenty of great “hiking” trails close to the school as well as places to ski in the winter months. Trust us, no matter your passion, you’ll be able to indulge at Simon’s Rock.
Special Needs Admissions
Program / Service Name
Office of Accessibility & Academic Support
Type of Program
For all students with disabilities
Director
Jean Altshuler
College Entrance Tests Required
No
Interview Required
No
Documentation Required for LD
Documentation of a disability must substantiate the need for specific accommodations requested. All documentation must be current.Documentation Required for ADHD
Documentation of a disability must substantiate the need for specific accommodations requested. All documentation must be current.Special Need Services Offered
Calculator allowed in exams
Yes
Dictionary allowed in exams
Yes
Computer allowed in exams
Yes
Spellchecker allowed in exams
Yes
Extended test time
Yes
Scribes
Yes
Proctors
2
Oral exams
Yes
Notetakers
Yes
Distraction-free environment
Yes
Accommodation for students with ADHD
Yes
Reading machine
Yes
Other assistive technology
Yes
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
25
Number of Honor Societies
Number of Social Sororities
0
Number of Religious Organizations
Sports
Athletic Division
None
11% participate in intramural sports
17% participate in intercollegiate sports
Men's Sports (Llamas)
3 Sports
Basketball
Soccer
Swimming
Soccer
Swimming
Women's Sports (Llamas)
3 Sports
Basketball
Soccer
Swimming
Soccer
Swimming
Student Services
Health
LGBT Support Groups: LGBTQ+SA (Student Alliance)
Council on Equity and Inclusion subcommittee
Minority Support Groups: Multicultural Students Organization
Council for Equity and Inclusion (CEI)
Black Student Union
Multicultural Student Organization
Asian Student Association
International Students Club
Transcend
Sustainability
60*
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education:
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
No
Partnerships with Technology Companies
Yes
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Yes
Description
Educational pricing from Apple, Dell, and HP. Also hardware purchase agreements through MHEC.
Wellness Program/Clinical Offerings
Institution has a mental health/wellness program that makes counseling, referral, and well-being services available to all students
Not Reported
Mental Health Website
Not Reported
Education & Training
Types of training available for students and faculty/staff
Program
Availability
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Engaging the Whole Campus
Institution has a Chief Behavioral Health Officer (and/or Chief Wellness Officer)
Not Reported
Peer-to-Peer
Institution has peer-to-peer offerings relating to mental health
Not Reported
Residential Life
Institution incorporates mental health and wellness into the residential experience
Not Reported
Student Orientation
Students who are provided an opportunity to participate in mental-health-orientation activities
First-year students
Not Reported
Incoming transfer students
Not Reported
Returning students
Not Reported
Entering graduate students
Not Reported
Mental Health in the Curriculum
The institution offers for-credit mental health/well-being education for students
Not Reported
The institution offers non-credit mental health/well-being education for students
Not Reported
Off-Campus Offerings
Institution offers referrals to off-campus counseling services
Not Reported
Health and Counseling Center Accreditation
Institution's counseling center is accredited
Not Reported
Accrediting body
Not Reported
Taking and Returning from Medical Leave
Institution has an official support program in place for students returning from mental health leave of absence
Not Reported
Counseling Demand
Number of months a year counseling center is open and fully staffed
Not Reported
