Posts tagged application

Aw, bummer. I’m sorry to hear it. Unfortunately, as you’ve probably already guessed, the freshman application period for this fall is 100% closed, since we’re currently in the process of sending out decisions to fall 2013 applicants.

However, you should know that a spring transfer is still very much a possibility. In order to qualify as a ‘transfer student’ (for application purposes), you’ll need to have graduated high school and enrolled at another college for at least a term. Spring transfer applications are due by November 1st (along with the FAFSA and financial aid app) and notifications are sent out in early December. So keep that in mind, if you keep researching Bennington and continue to be intrigued.

Also, come visit us! Regardless of whether you decide to apply for next term or next year or even not at all, visiting campus really is the best way to get a sense of what Bennington is like on a daily basis. You can sit in on a class, get a personalized tour, eat lunch with students, and (my favorite) just wander and explore. You can schedule a visit on our website or call Admissions at (802)440-4312 to have us schedule one for you.

Whatever you decide, best of luck!

-Evan ‘13

Hi there,

The letters for regular decision applications will be mailed by April 1, so, while I wouldn’t encourage you to dread anything, you should probably anticipate a result within the following week.

- Rachel ‘14

You are more than welcome! Good luck!

~ Holly ‘13

I mean, I and plenty of other students come from middle-class and other financial backgrounds, and while cost is something you should definitely consider when applying to and considering colleges, I can tell you that a fair number of us make it work.

You should take a look at some of our financial aid info. Everyone’s financial situation is unique to them, and that’s something that the Financial Aid Office tries to account for when calculating awards for accepted students. Our financial aid package is calculated on the basis of both need and merit; so first of all, if there’s anything in your application or interview that particularly stands out, then that’s something that can be a big part of the decision on the merit portion of your award. Likewise, your financial aid application will at the same time be considered in terms of need - so, your family income/history, federal aid money, and other things like that will be considered.

79% of Bennington students receive a grant or scholarship (or both). The average merit scholarship over the past year was roughly $12,500/year. The average total financial aid package (including merit, need, scholarship, grant, and reduced-rate loans) for last year was $36,800. So, while the sticker price might be intimidating, in my personal experience it’s pretty often that you don’t end up paying it in full - financial aid is pretty all-encompassing, and if you have any questions about your award, you can always call the Financial Aid Office. They’re happy to talk more about your options and to work as best they can to make the price of Bennington feasible and affordable for you.

-Evan ‘13

I suppose it’s possible, although I’m unaware of a circumstance in which that’s ever been the case. The times Bennington lists for notifications are the deadlines for Admissions to make their decisions for that given cycle, so you should count on hearing back from us within a week or so after that date.

Just to recap, those dates are as follows:

• Early Action - Feb. 1
• Early Decision 1 - Dec. 20
• Early Decision 2 - Feb. 1
• Regular Decision - Apr. 1
• Fall Transfer - May 1
• Spring Transfer - early Dec.

Hope this helps!

-Evan ‘13

Nah, they’re not required, although we do love to see any supplementary materials in your application. Bear in mind that your application isn’t judged by artists, either; the Admissions Counselors are the only ones who will see your application and the only ones who will decide whether or not you’re accepted. So go ahead and send us anything you have! It can really only help you, because it gives us an idea of what you’re passionate about and where your work might head if you’re to arrive at Bennington somewhere down the road.

-Evan ‘13

Yeah, you can totally defer. I guess the decision on which year to apply is up to you, but just personally I’d say go ahead and get it out of the way now before you go on your adventures; that way you can know what you’re coming back home to.

To defer, you would first need to be accepted, and then you would find in your acceptance package a deferral form, which you just need to fill out and sign and send back to us. If you’re deferring, you do need to pay a $500 deposit just like everyone else, just as a way of securing your place in next year’s class. Other than that, we would do our best to keep in contact with you during your year away, just to make sure everything is going well. Good luck with everything!

-Evan ‘13

You should ask! Usually your admissions counselor will mention it when you get in contact with them, but as long as you let us know you want one, we’ll do our best to schedule a phone/skype/in-person interview. While we don’t require an interview, we really strongly recommend one, since it helps us get a finer sense of who you are and how you think.

-Evan ‘13

Hi - I can’t speak for other colleges, and as a student intern I don’t personally review applications, but I can tell you that Bennington seeks to understand an applicant as a person and a student.  Bennington reviews an application to make sure that you can thrive as a succesful student here. As I understand it, enthusiasm, strong writing, individuality, and genuine interest are all part of a good application. Do your best and be yourself!

You should also check out these posts from our counselors, who do personally review your applications!

~ Holly, ‘13

Go for it, that’s how we all refer to it! Happy writing.

~ Holly, ‘13

In 2012, we received 1236 applications and admitted 758 of those applicants, which puts our admission rate at about 61%. Statistics aside, the application process is very personalized so just breathe and be yourself; don’t worry about the acceptance rate as much as trying to show us who you actually are. 

-Alana ‘15

Hi! Unfortunately, I can’t speak for all other colleges, but I can speak for Bennington. Bennington looks at all applications holistically and that includes looking at your GPA and transcript. We weigh your GPA, the rigor of your secondary school record (APs, IB, etc.), and your percentile equally. But just as important are your interview, analytical essay, supplemental material, etc. We really do look at everything!

As for other schools, you’ll have to ask them, but with us, don’t fret too much about your GPA being weighed over your percentile/letter grades or vice versa.

-Evan ‘13

For the supplement you can upload it directly to the Common App and submit it with the rest of you application. If the Common App will not accept you supplement for whatever reason, hit apply (when you are ready). Then after you apply to Bennington you should get an email with a link asking you to upload the supplement to the Bennington website. 

The other written components are the teacher recommendations and the graded paper which can be submitted with your Common App.