COVID-19 Admissions FAQs

Is Bennington College open to visits?

We are open for visits! Register for a campus visit visits here. 

If you are unable to come to campus, virtual visits and virtual open house events are also available. 

What happens if my grades changed during the pandemic and I didn’t do as well as I had done previously?

Bennington has always had a holistic admissions process and your grades are one piece of your application.  We understand that the last couple of years were anything but “normal” and will take this into consideration when reviewing transcripts for admission. We expect you to maintain strong performance in your coursework, but recognize that this may look a little different depending on the impact of the pandemic on your specific circumstances. We will also take into consideration that students are dealing with significant disruptions to their education and will consider your application accordingly.

My school changed to a Pass/Fail system for the Spring/Fall 2020 semester; is that ok?

Bennington will honor any changes to your curriculum that are made by your school. Whether this means fully shifting to a Pass/Fail system, or other changes in curriculum or grading. Your school counselor can share these changes along with your Common Application School Report or by email at admissions@bennington.edu.

How will Bennington handle cancellation or changes to final exams such as the IB, A-levels, or exams in my country’s education system (such as WASSCE, CBSE, etc.)?

Bennington is closely following news from various testing organizations and international education networks. We will honor grades awarded by these organizations, even if they are awarded on different criteria than they normally would have been. If you prefer to take these exams at a later date before enrolling at Bennington and that is possible in your education system or country, you are welcome to defer your enrollment to allow time for this. 

Will I still be eligible for credit based on exam scores such as AP, IB, or A-levels? 

Bennington will not make any changes to the way that credit is awarded for AP, IB, A-Level or French Baccalaureate exam scores, even if those scores are produced in a different way or based on different information. We will honor any changes made by the testing organizations in order to support students. See the full credit transfer policy for First-Year Students.

With everything that happened these last two years, I just need some time off. I still want to come to Bennington, but can I defer my enrollment?

Yes, if you are admitted, you are welcome to request a deferral for a term or a full year. You can do so by indicating your interest in a deferral on your Intent to Enroll form (accessible through your student portal), or if you make this decision after submitting your Intent to Enroll form you can email us at admissions@bennington.edu to change your status.

If I defer my enrollment, will my financial aid award change? 

Financial aid awards from Bennington may include two types of aid: merit-based scholarships or need-based financial aid in the form of grants, loans, or work study. Merit-based aid will remain the same each year, even if you choose to defer. Need-based aid is reviewed each year to address each family’s financial circumstances. If your family’s financial circumstances remain about the same then you can expect your need-based aid to also remain about the same.

Will I still be eligible for credit based on exam scores such as AP, IB, or A-levels? 

Bennington will not make any changes to the way that credit is awarded for AP, IB, A-Level or French Baccalaureate exam scores, even if those scores are produced in a different way or based on different information. We will honor any changes made by the testing organizations in order to support students. See the full credit transfer policy for First-Year Students.

I deferred my enrollment, will my financial aid award change? 

Financial aid awards from Bennington may include two types of aid: merit-based scholarships or need-based financial aid in the form of grants, loans, or work study. Merit-based aid will remain the same each year, even if you choose to defer. Need-based aid is reviewed each year to address each family’s financial circumstances. If your family’s financial circumstances remain about the same then you can expect your need-based aid to also remain about the same.

What is the vaccination policy for students? 

To ensure the health of the community and to provide a safe environment for learning and living, Bennington College will require full vaccination for students returning to campus for Spring and Fall 2023. Currently, for a student to be considered fully vaccinated they need their initial vaccination and then a booster. We continue to monitor emerging recommendations from the FDA and the CDC.  We are committed to working with students who may have trouble accessing a vaccine before they arrive on campus and with those who have qualifying exemptions including, for example, medical and religious reasons.

I have my visa, but what if I cannot travel to the US due to restrictions in the US or in my own country?

At this point we are hopeful that travel restrictions will be eased over the course of the year. If that is not the case, we will hold your place at Bennington and defer your enrollment by a term or year until you are able to join. 

If I enroll and am able to travel to Bennington, will I be housed over breaks if I am unable to travel home due to travel restrictions or safety concerns in my home country related to COVID-19?

In general, limited housing options may be available on campus during breaks for students in special circumstances. In case of an emergency, travel restrictions, or other situations that prevent a student from returning home, students should meet with the International Student Services advisors to find an appropriate solution.