Thank You, Bennington College!!

entrance to garden at Bennington

"Bennington College is, by nature, a hotbed: People come here to do things they cannot do elsewhere. In the 1930s, dancers flocked to Bennington to chart the course of modern dance. Visual artists gathered here in the 1950s to redefine the visual arts canon. In the 1980s and 90s, the College was a mecca for writers eager to push the edges of literature. Today, Bennington is a hub yet again, for artists, writers, scholars, students—innovators in every field—who want to apply their individual talents to addressing global issues of urgent concern. This small but fertile spot in southern Vermont has become a point of convergence for those who see public action as an essential piece of their larger work. " 

(Elizabeth Coleman, President of Bennington College)

Jennings Music Building

Last week I spent 3 days at Bennington College and I had a wonderful time getting to know this amazing place.  The students, faculty and staff  were incredibly welcoming and informative.

It was so cool that every student I spoke with was excited to talk  about the work they were currently doing.  I sat in on a class titled How Animals Work?  it was scientific and very interesting, but best of all the professor made the class so fun......there was some singing and a good deal of laughing.    What a great way to learn!!

I want to give a special shout-out to Kian Ross, an I.C.E. grad who is attending Bennington.  I ran into him 3 times AND......he was in the class I observed!  It was so much fun to see him and hear about his college experience.  He promises to send a picture and a post at some point, so stay tuned. 

The Commons

Now a few things about Bennington.....
students, with the help of faculty, develop the Plan which is the course of study that they will pursue at Bennington.  Along with the Plan students participate in the required Field Work Term each year, in which students intern for 7 weeks, pursuing interests and making personal connections as well as getting experience in a particular field.

The Admission Office writes, "Applicants to Bennington have a strong academic history, a record of self-motivation, independent and creative thought, and a desire to direct the course of their own program of study. Bennington looks carefully at applicant essays, teacher recommendations, school performance, supplementary materials, and interviews." 

I sat in on a mock admissions session and listened to the admission staff review 3 applicants. Everything that the applicants submitted was carefully considered.  The essay, graded writing, the interview--besides the high school grades played an important part in the admission process.  

Bennington is a small school with 668 undergraduates and 135 graduate students.  Last year 171 students entered Bennington from 16 countries and 25 states.  Even though Vermont sounds like it's far away from New York City, Bennington is only about an hour outside of Albany, NY.  I went up to Bennington by taking Amtrak to Albany and then a hired car to Bennington---altogether, just over 3 hours.

Once again, there is nothing like a college visit.

Jennifer