The Early Entrance Experience

Testimonials From Those Who Have Lived It

This page contains observations and remarks regarding the
Simon's Rock College of Bard

Comments below are sorted with most recent submissions first.

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From day one, Simon's Rock encourages the growth of articulate, free-thinking individuals. The small class size and oustanding professors both do their part to encourage student teacher relationships that go beyond the normal undergraduate professor level. After a few semesters, you really get to know your professors, and they you. I have found Simon's Rock to be incredibly supportive of independent action. If you want to start up a club, or petition for a class change or entirely new class, or you want to change a policy, it's all possible. It is often not very hard, as almost everyone wants to encourage student empowerment and student leadership. I think another noteworthy aspect of Simon's Rock is the friendships that you build there. I don't know anyone who graduated with their AA from Simon's Rock without making at least a few good friends. Often, these groups are tight-knit clusters of individuals that will help you in all ways: emotionally, intellectually, spiritually. Your fellow students will challenge you. They will ask questions and pay attention to what you have to say. They might even respect it, if it's well-thought out. Most of all, they will force ou to consider things that you never would have otherwise. You will emerge changed: more willing to listen to others, but also more willing to think for yourself and question what doesn't make sense to you. I'm leaving out a lot about why it's such a significant experience. I do agree with the other people who have written in, though. Simon's Rock is the best decision I have ever made. I cannot imagine what I would have been like if I elected to stay in highschool.

- Aaron Dillard, Student (Class of 2005) Simon's Rock College of Bard

Coming to Simon's Rock was the best decision I've ever made, and the most influential on the person I have become. The atmosphere is stimulating and encouraging of debate, criticism, intellectual thought, and serious discussions. We are told from day one that our ideas are valid and that questioning authority is not only okay but important. This is not the place, however, for someone just wanting to get away from home or don't like the restrictive rules of high school, but a place to go if you want to challenge yourself, to meet other people like you who want to share ideas, to grow intellectually and emotionally, and to learn more in one year that you probably would in all four years of high school. I am a student in the Upper College, starting my B.A. thesis soon, and Simon's Rock has encouraged my intellectual growth to the point that I am positively thrilled about this intensive project. I can't imagine anything that will prepare me more for graduate study in history than the serious research projects and intensive reading loads that I have been and will be assigned by the brilliant and dedicated faculty.

- Daphne Mazuz, Student (Class of 2006) Simon's Rock College of Bard

Simon's Rock was absolutely wonderful. I went from being at the top of all my classes in high school, where even my friend made fun of me because I got better grades than they did, to being surrounded by people even smarter than me. Not only that, SRC students actually WANT to learn. I graduated in May 2004 with Bachelor's degree from William and Mary, and to most of the world that's worth more than my time at Simon's Rock, but as far as I'm concerned I got my real education at SRC.

- Beth Marmorstein (Day), Former Student (Class of 2002) Simon's Rock College of Bard

Simon's Rock was both the most eventful and wonderful transition I have made so far in my life. By my softmore year of high school I had finished all available AP science and mathematics courses and was stifled by the prestige seeking sychophants at boarding school. At Simon's Rock I encountered students who were more intelligent than I, and willing to help when I encountered problems both social and academic. The advanced work I have done in mathematics here led to my being ahead of most masters degree holding mathematicians and being offered research positions at some very exceptional think tanks from which I exepct to enroll in a mathematics Ph.D program when I am 21 the following year.

- Matthew (Todd), Student (Class of 2004) Simon's Rock College of Bard

Going to Simon's Rock is the best choice that a mature high school student can make. I have a website with a comprehensive description of the school as well as some photos of the scenery. I love the school and urge you to check out my site. http://www.geocities.com/npatch03/simons-rock.html

- Nick Patchett, Student (Class of 2005) Simon's Rock College of Bard

Coming to Simon's Rock was the best decision I ever made in my life. Finally I have found an atmosphere that supports learning and intellectual development. High school was only weighing me down and boring me stiff; here I've made friends with other students and professors, and found an environment where I can be myself and have fun both socially and academically.

- Emma Rood, Student (Class of 2005) Simon's Rock College of Bard

Simon's Rock afforded me the opportunity leave high school in order to pursue a rigorous undergraduate education. The college only has 400 students, which allows for small class sizes (10 students on average) and presents many opportunities for underclassmen to hold leadership positions. Simon's Rock is dedicated to providing a quality education to highly motivated, independent and mature younger students.

- Loren AliKhan, Student (Class of 2003) Simon's Rock College of Bard

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