The Juilliard School vs Bard College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary areas of study at The Juilliard School and Bard College?

  The Juilliard School is renowned for its conservatory-style training in the performing arts, focusing on music, dance, and drama. Bard College offers a broader liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on the arts, including music, dance, theater, film, and visual arts, but also encompassing humanities, social sciences, and sciences.

• How do the admissions processes differ between Juilliard and Bard?

  Juilliard's admissions process is highly competitive and primarily based on auditions and portfolios demonstrating exceptional talent in the performing arts. Bard College considers a more holistic application, evaluating academic records, essays, recommendations, and often, interviews and portfolios, particularly for arts programs. While talent is important at Bard, academic preparation and intellectual curiosity are also key factors.

• What is the typical student body like at each institution?

  Juilliard attracts highly focused and driven students dedicated to pursuing professional careers in the performing arts. The student body is relatively small and intensely focused on artistic development. Bard College has a more diverse student body, representing a wider range of academic interests and backgrounds. Students at Bard are often intellectually curious and engaged in interdisciplinary studies.

• What is the campus environment like at Juilliard and Bard?

  Juilliard is located in Lincoln Center in New York City, providing students with unparalleled access to professional performance venues and cultural institutions. The campus environment is compact and centered around performance and practice spaces. Bard College is situated on a large, scenic campus in the Hudson Valley, offering a more traditional college experience with a focus on community and outdoor activities.

• How do the degree programs compare at Juilliard and Bard?

  Juilliard primarily offers Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), and Master of Music/Fine Arts degrees, with a strong emphasis on performance and technical skills. Bard College offers Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in a wide range of disciplines, including those in the arts, and also has graduate programs. Bard's programs often encourage interdisciplinary study and critical thinking.

• What are the career prospects for graduates of Juilliard and Bard?

  Juilliard graduates are well-prepared for careers in the performing arts, often finding employment in orchestras, dance companies, theater productions, and related fields. Bard graduates pursue a variety of careers, including those in the arts, but also in fields such as academia, public service, and business. Bard's liberal arts education provides a strong foundation for a wide range of career paths.

• How does the cost of attendance compare between the two schools?

  Both Juilliard and Bard College have significant tuition costs. However, financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at both institutions to help offset the expense. It's recommended to check the specific financial aid information on each school's website for the most up-to-date details.

• Are there opportunities for collaboration between students at Juilliard and Bard?

  While Juilliard and Bard are distinct institutions, there may be opportunities for collaboration, particularly through programs or events that bring students from both schools together. However, the primary focus of each institution remains on its own specific curriculum and student body.

• Which school is better for someone interested in a broad liberal arts education with a focus on the arts?

  Bard College is the better choice for students seeking a broad liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on the arts. It offers a wider range of academic disciplines and encourages interdisciplinary study, allowing students to explore their artistic interests within a broader intellectual context.

• Which school is better for someone solely focused on a career in the performing arts?

  The Juilliard School is the ideal choice for students solely focused on a career in the performing arts. Its conservatory-style training provides intensive, specialized instruction and prepares students for professional careers in music, dance, and drama.