Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Great Barrington, Massachusetts
97.2% Acceptance Rate
Bard College at Simon's Rock — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
97.2%Acceptance Rate
3.54Avg GPA
$82,465Annual Cost
$46,543Grad Salary
23.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
97.2%
Avg GPA
3.54
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Need-Based Aid
23.5% receive Pell
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 97.2%, 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.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 97.2% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.54 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.34 – 3.53
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.09
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
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.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.74-3.94 for this same academic profile.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.
Check Your Admission Chances at Simons Rock
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Bard College at Simon's Rock's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Bard College at Simon's Rock (Simons Rock) Test Requirements
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 2026 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.
Can I Get Into Simons Rock Without SAT or ACT?
Bard College at Simon's Rock does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Simons Rock
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Simons Rock provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Meet Eligibility Floors
Ensure you have your high school diploma or GED ready. Open admission means you are in as long as you meet the basic administrative requirements.
Placement Preparation
Focus on the ACCUPLACER or internal placement tests. Performing well here allows you to jump directly into credit-bearing Math and English.
Transfer Path Planning
If you intend to move to a more selective school later, maintain a 3.5+ GPA here to make yourself a highly competitive transfer candidate.
Career Certification
Identify specific certificate programs or internships offered by Simons Rock that connect directly to the local job market.
Note: While acceptance is guaranteed, space in specific high-demand programs (like Nursing or Tech) may still be competitive.
Simons Rock Profile
Full Name
Bard College at Simon's Rock (Simons Rock)
City
Great Barrington
State
Massachusetts
ZIP Code
01230-9702
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Simons Rock Degree Worth It?
Getting into Simons Rock can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Simons Rock offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Simons Rock is $78,300 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.1%.
How much does a degree from Simons Rock Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Bard College at Simon's Rock is $82,465. 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.
23.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 46 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 does a Simons Rock Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $46,543. 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 $40,595.
Degree Programs at Simons Rock
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Bard College at Simon's Rock →
Frequently Asked Questions About Simons Rock Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $46,543 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $82,465 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
23.5% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Bard College at Simon's Rock is 97.2% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.54. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
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 are 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.
If your GPA is 3.14 or less, it may make 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.
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.
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.
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.
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