Posts tagged vermont

It’s controversial to say that Bennington is like or unlike any other school. Even schools with programs or characteristics that appear similar on the surface level are ultimately overshadowed by the fact that every school is going to have it’s own unique character and culture. Here is a list of where all of us who are in the office today applied and why we ultimately chose Bennington.

Kevin: Applied to a million schools as far as I can tell. Hampshire, Marist, Towson, Quinnipiac, every University of Maryland School, Mazoon, Oberlin, UVM, St. Michael’s, UMass and Amherst. He said that he chose Bennington because it gave him the most financial aid and was also on his “cool school” list. 

Hala: This smartypants applied to NYU, Middlebury, Colby, University of Sydney Australia, St. Olaf and U Hartford. She chose Bennington because it reminded her the most of Norway (!!) and because of the Plan Process and Field Work Term.

Anushka: applied to Kenyon and Hampshire. She said that Bennington was her dream school and that she fell in love when she saw the Princeton Review photo of Bennington’s commons in the fall. 

Evan: Our pal here transferred into Bennington from Hofstra University and as a transfer only applied to Bennington. He said that he was explaining the Plan Process to a friend (he had visited Bennington as a high school student) and realized that it was the right place for him. Evan really doesn’t like boxes, unlike this cat. 

As for me, I toured 17 schools on the east coast as well as a handful on the west and ultimately applied to Sarah Lawrence, Hampshire, University of Puget Sound, Grinnell and Goucher. I chose Bennington because it gave me the best financial aid package and I also was in love with Field Work Term. I wanted an education that would continue after graduation, not something I would do and then move on from. The idea of four year of internships full of “real-world” experience was very alluring. 

I hope this help!

-Riley ‘13

Hi! First of all, I’m sorry it has taken us so long to respond. This is a really good question that deserves a thoughtful answer. I want to preface my response by acknowledging that this is only my opinion and I certainly can’t speak for the whole student body.

1). The courses are for the most part great. I couldn’t look at the curriculum when it came out because as a senior I knew I would just get depressed about all the courses I couldn’t take. I feel very strongly that if you don’t LOVE a class and feel really challenged and inspired by it, you should drop it and add something you do feel more strongly about. Common rookie mistake is not changing up your courses in the first few weeks of term until you have an ideal schedule. Students are usually frantic with excitement when the curriculum comes out and they get to see what is offered. The faculty here are required to be practitioners in their field, not just teachers, so they tend to be extremely passionate and involved in what they are teaching. Although it is controversial that we do not have tenure for our faculty here, as a student I think it is amazing that faculty are always doing work — they are a very inspiring group of people and we have the privilege of seeing them in action.

2). Class environment is totally dependent on the class. I have been in tiny classes of 4 students working to learn Spanish by reading literature in the language and discussing it. I have been in classes of 16 students writing and performing choral music. I have been in literature classes that are workshop and discussion based. I have been in a psychology class that involved half lecturing half discussion. We believe in small class sizes and discussion based courses, but it all depends on the content of the course, the students who enroll in it and who the professor is. Most students who attend here are incredibly hard workers who believe in what they are doing because they are engaging in a program that they have partial ownership of. A lazy student would have a hard time being successful here. 

Again, this is only my opinion and I’m sure all of us on campus would give a slightly different answer to this question. I hope this helps! I’m happy to talk in more detail or address any specific concerns or questions via email. rileys@bennington.edu

-Riley ‘13

Basically, you go to the library, tell them you want a bike, and give them your autograph. That sweet, sweet ride is then yours for 24 hours. For free!

- Anushka

Hey there! Vermonster, Bennington’s Ultimate Frisbee team, just competed in the 2013C NORTH NEW ENGLAND DIII COLLEGE OPEN CC (USA Ultimate 2013 College Championship Series) and got to regionals too. We have about 13-14 members right now and we’re looking for more to join. Keep an eye out for an upcoming post featuring the team.

- Hala ‘16

Ya go ahead! That applies to all incoming freshmen too. I would wait to have them shipped until August - so a closer date to when you would actually be arriving on campus. Also just write your name and clarify that you are in an incoming freshman. The post office will hold it for you until you get here.

-Michaela 

You can always talk to your admissions counselor for advice but your best bet is to give the financial aid office a ring at 802-442-4325. They are super helpful and totally lovely! 

Hope that helps