Bard College at Simon's Rock Bard College at Simon's Rock, located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, is the nation's premier early college institution for students ready to begin college after 10th or 11th grade. Founded in 1966, Simon's Rock offers an intensive liberal arts curriculum with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. The 275-acre campus features modern facilities including the Fisher Science and Academic Center and the Daniel Arts Center. Students can earn an AA after two years and most continue to complete a BA in this unique educational environment that combines the best of high school and college.
Simon's Rock takes pride in its intellectually adventurous community where young scholars thrive in a college setting. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning with opportunities for original research across all fields. Campus life includes arts performances, academic conferences, and outdoor activities in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains. Recent initiatives include expanded STEM offerings and global studies programs. Simon's Rock's distinctive educational model provides an unparalleled opportunity for motivated young students to accelerate their intellectual and personal growth.
Bard College at Simon's Rock Acceptance Rate
Bard College at Simon's Rock (Simons Rock) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 97.21%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Bard College at Simon's Rock Admission Requirements
Simons Rock GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Simons Rock is 3.54. Simons Rock is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.24 and 3.54, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Simons Rock GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Simons Rock utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.54, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.54 – 4.00 | Target/Match | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.34 – 3.53 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.14 – 3.33 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.13 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Simons Rock, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Bard College at Simon's Rock (Simons Rock) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Simons Rock Profile
Name: Bard College at Simon's Rock (Simons Rock)
City: Great Barrington
URL: www.simons-rock.edu/
State: Massachusetts
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 01230-9702
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
How much does a degree from Simons Rock Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Bard College at Simon's Rock is USD: 82465. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Bard College at Simon's Rock is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
23.49% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 45.97 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Simons Rock and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Bard College at Simon's Rock, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Simons Rock as your choice in the form.
How much a Simons Rock Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 46543. An average Simons Rock graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Area Studies
- Biology, General
- Chemistry
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer Science
- Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
- Dance
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Frequently Asked Questions About Bard College at Simon's Rock Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $46543 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $82465 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Bard College at Simon's Rock is 97.21 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.54. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.24, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.24, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.24 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.14 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Bard College at Simon's Rock if my GPA is below 3.14
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.54, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Bard College at Simon's Rock.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.