Tapped In: The Bennington Blog

How close is the closest mall to bennington? — Asked by Anonymous

Albany (also know as “Mallbany”) is about 45 minutes away depending on how fast you drive. Also there are a bunch of outlet stores in Manchester (as well as a super fantastic awesome wondrous bookstore) which is about half an hour away. But to be honest with you, most of us shop around here by buying each other’s clothes or going to the Good Will or the Salvation Army. I got this skirt there for $2 and it has POCKETS which is all I really care about as far as skirts go.

-Riley ‘13

Maybe I'm getting a little ahead of myself, but I'm wondering how an incoming freshman (me) can register for a class such as "Beginning Composing" if that class requires permission from the instructor? Is it okay for freshman to take that class? I have been composing for years and I have gotten a good amount of private lessons/theory/orchestration. I'd love to jump straight in the composing crowd at Bennington... thanks! — Asked by Anonymous

It’s definitely possible. You would need to email or maybe meet with the professor to get their permission (show them your work, etc). There is an add/drop period of three weeks at the beginning of term when things shift around a lot so honestly you don’t need to worry about it until you get here.

That said, I enrolled in the intro music course my freshman year and I was really glad I didn’t skip ahead even though technically I had plenty of experience and could have. There were about half of us who already had a good grasp of theory and composition and about half who didn’t even play instruments at that point, but part of the experience of that class was learning how to be a strong enough composer that your music could withstand being played by people coming from different backgrounds. The world of a Bennington music student has everything to do with learning how to collaborate. I probably could have asked my professor to put me in a more “advanced” class, but something would have been lost if I did.

I’d love to hear some of your work and talk with you more about the music program. If you are interested email me at Rileys@Bennington.edu!

-Riley ‘13

I made this for you because being late is dumb.

<3 Riley ‘13

Friendly suggestion- y'all should probably add a FAQ on the blog's sidebar (by category) to avoid answering the same questions. — Asked by Anonymous

Oh trust me, you are so right and we all want this too! We are constantly trying to think of ways to improve the blog and I think it’s pretty much agreed that exactly what you suggested would be ideal. Sometimes it just takes a while to get these things into place. Keep the suggestions coming!

-Riley ‘13

Can a student only be part of the Vocal Chamber Ensemble for a class, or can it be an extracurricular accompanied with four full-time classes? — Asked by Anonymous

You can often audit classes (i.e. attend but not take them for credit), but for performance project classes it doesn’t really work. As a performing member of an ensemble you would be expected to be completely invested. Sometimes students just take more than the average credit load, although I definitely wouldn’t recommend that for freshman year. We also have a new club on campus this term called the Amateur Bennington Choral Club that will be doing some great singing I’m sure! There is also Sacred Harp (shape note singing, 4 part harmony, the best thing EVER) which is a class but is easily audited as well. You can also always start an ensemble or club of your own! There are always a lot of people down to sing on campus.

-Riley ‘13

How come I hardly hear or see the Class of 2016 Hello class of 2016 are you at Bennington College!!! — Asked by Anonymous

They are! They are here! Sick of hearing from us old folk, eh? The thing is that freshman don’t usually work in Admissions because they’re still getting used to just being here and getting the lay of the land, so they won’t have a presence on the blog until next term. Since a big part of our job is answering questions and giving tours, most of us are sophomore, juniors and seniors because we are divas and know everything. Expertise is our middle name?

-Riley ‘13 (Senior, old hag, bag of bones, etc.)

does the Bennington Grant decrease each year, even if the family financial situation remains the same? — Asked by Anonymous

Nope! And if tuition changes, your grant will be adjusted accordingly. There is a really great FAQ page for financial aid if you have any other questions!

-Riley ‘13

Do you have to pay back any of the need based aid you receive? — Asked by Anonymous

You have to pay back loans should you choose to accept them, but as for everything else, it’s all yours.

-Riley ‘13

(okay one more picture)

rileys13:

Susie Ibarra, newbie music faculty and STELLAR musician is giving a concert this coming Wednesday as part of the Carriage Barn series. I am so excited!!! Check her out, check her out.

-Riley ‘13

Hi!!! I am an international student and would like to ask when exactly do you send the admissions decision and when should I expect to receive the letter does my application status show my admissions decision also — Asked by Anonymous

Hi! Sorry for the late response. This should help!

-Riley ‘13

About how long does it take for Bennington financial aid people to get back to us about need-based aid after everything (like the FAFSA) is submitted to them? — Asked by Anonymous

Here, this link should help!

Riley ‘13

Hi, you guys offered me a Brockway scholarship. Who gets one and how does it work? My letter said it was $25,000 but $5000 for four years and that doesn't add up. — Asked by Anonymous

Hey,

Sorry for the confusion!!! I hope you got our “sorry for the confusion” letter? A batch of incorrect letters were sent out. It should be $20,000. Better math, yes? Brockway scholarships are awarded to students based on the strength of your application. Congratulations!

-Riley ‘13

How long after you submit all your forms to Financial Aid do you hear back with an offer? — Asked by Anonymous

Hey,

I answered this question here! Sorry for the late responses.

-Riley ‘13

I applied early action, so I received my acceptance letter around the first. The letter said that I'll be sent another letter stating how much financial aid I'll receive shortly after, but that's a little vague. Do you know exactly how long it typically takes to hear back about financial aid? — Asked by Anonymous

Here you go!

-Riley ‘13

I got accepted early action with a merit scholarship, which is really exciting! Yay! I still would love to get some financial aid and I was just wondering when I might find out if I am going to get financial aid? — Asked by Anonymous

Hey, check out the question I just answered!

-Riley ‘13

Posts tagged Riley Skinner