Bennington College: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

Bennington College's campus is nestled in the picturesque town of Bennington, Vermont, offering students a serene and inspiring environment for their academic pursuits. The campus spans 440 acres of lush greenery, featuring a blend of modern and historic buildings that seamlessly integrate with the natural landscape. With its tranquil meadows, wooded areas, and stunning view of the Green Mountains, the campus provides a peaceful backdrop for intellectual exploration and artistic expression.

Accommodation at Bennington College is designed to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its student body. The college offers a range of housing options, including traditional residence halls, apartment-style living, and houses for upperclassmen. Each accommodation type is equipped with essential amenities to ensure students' comfort and well-being. Here is a table outlining the accommodation types and their approximate costs.

The admission process for Bennington College is designed to be inclusive and holistic, focusing on a student's potential and individuality. Below is an overview of the admission process, including key application details:

Application Deadlines:

• Early Decision I: November 1
• Early Decision II: January 15
• Regular Decision: January 15
• Transfer Students: March 1
• Non-Degree Students: August 1 (Fall) and December 1 (Spring)

Application Fee:

• Bennington College has a unique fee structure. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the application fee was $60. However, fees can change, so it's advisable to check the most current fee on the official website when applying.

Application Requirements:

1. Common Application: Prospective students can submit their applications through the Common Application or the Bennington Application.
2. Transcripts: Applicants must provide official high school transcripts or equivalent academic records.
3. Recommendations: Two letters of recommendation are required. These should come from teachers or mentors who can speak to the applicant's academic abilities and character.
4. Standardized Tests: Bennington College is test-optional, meaning that students are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores for admission.
5. Interview: While not mandatory, an interview is encouraged and provides an opportunity for applicants to discuss their interests and aspirations with an admissions counselor.
6. Creative Portfolio (Optional): For students interested in the arts, submitting a creative portfolio showcasing their work can strengthen their application.
7. Essay or Personal Statement: Applicants are asked to write a reflective essay or personal statement that provides insight into their intellectual curiosity and personal experiences.
8. Financial Aid Information: If applying for financial aid, the required forms (e.g., FAFSA and CSS Profile) must be submitted by the specified deadlines.

Admission Decision Notification:

• Early Decision applicants typically receive their admission decisions in mid-December for Early Decision I and mid-February for Early Decision II. Regular Decision applicants are notified in late March.

Documents Required for Bennington College

Here is a list of documents required for admission to Bennington College:

• Completed application (Common Application or Bennington Application)
• Official high school transcripts or equivalent academic records
• Two letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors
• Optional creative portfolio (for arts-related programs)
• Reflective essay or personal statement
• Financial aid forms (if applying for financial assistance, such as FAFSA and CSS Profile)
• Interviews are encouraged but not mandatory
• English language proficiency test scores (for international students)
• Any additional documents specified by the admissions office
• Application fee 

Exam Requirements for Bennington College

Bennington College has a flexible admissions policy and is test-optional, which means that standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for admission. However, for international students whose primary language is not English, English proficiency exams are generally required. Commonly accepted English proficiency exams and their score requirements include:

1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A minimum score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) is typically recommended for undergraduate admissions.
2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A band score of 6.5 or higher is often required for undergraduate programs.

Duolingo English Test: A score of 105 or higher is usually accepted for undergraduate admissions.