Bennington College
- 4 Year
- BENNINGTON, VT
CollegeGrad School
Bennington College Reviews
Rating 3.54 out of 5 222 reviews
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I just transfer her this fall and so far things are going well. I can say that have integrated into the community. I have writing the plan essay that helps each students break down how their studies will correspond with future career goals. I big reason I wanted to come to Bennington is because of the field work term period during the winter where all students participate in an internship of their choice. The Bennington education is very student driven and that can be changeling, but with a rich history of artist development behind the school its very exciting be here with a focus in the arts.
Bennington was a great opportunity even before the pandemic. Once the world shifted, the mentors and staff truly made the experience as personal as possible. Even when we couldn't make it to campus they included us in every activity to make the experience better. The professors care and the community is beautiful.
For such a progressive community, this school is beyond closed-minded. The best way to describe the students here is- a bunch of kids with a superiority complex who think the world revolves around them. This school is so isolated with no college town, let alone town at all. I wouldn't even say the "town" in Bennington could qualify as such. As a queer woman majoring in visual arts I felt this school was a perfect fit for me. But here I am, after one year there, having dropped out, and now intend on transferring. There are good people here if you search hard enough, and luckily I found my people. But if you end up at Bennington, get ready to settle for a bunch of superficial friendships with people you probably dont really like. Oh, and I didn't even mention the food. I lost 10 pounds in my first semester and spent probably hundreds of dollars ordering food if that tells you anything. I will say the campus is gorgeous, so that's campus.
For such a progressive community, this school is beyond closed-minded. The best way to describe the students here is- a bunch of kids with a superiority complex who think the world revolves around them. This school is so isolated with no college town, let alone town at all. I wouldn't even say the "town" in Bennington could qualify as such. As a queer woman majoring in visual arts I felt this school was a perfect fit for me. But here I am, after one year there, having dropped out, and now intend on transferring. There are good people here if you search hard enough, and luckily I found my people. But if you end up at Bennington, get ready to settle for a bunch of superficial friendships with people you probably dont really like. Oh, and I didn't even mention the food. I lost 10 pounds in my first semester and spent probably hundreds of dollars ordering food if that tells you anything. I will say the campus is gorgeous, so that's campus.
To anyone considering applying: please do so! It’s funny; I remember reading these reviews before applying and now am currently writing one. Honestly, some of these comments scared me, but I have had such a beautiful experience at this school. I genuinely love it. Not going to lie, it takes time to find your people, but once you do, you’re home. There’s no comparing the access to faculty and the ample resources available to you. Since class sizes are so small, you’re able to have conversations with professors and get direct feedback. Bennington is also doing a lot better with its approach to mental health and supporting underrepresented students. Our campus and houses (we don’t have traditional dorms, we live in houses!) are gorgeous. Also, the financial aid alone was reason enough for me to attend. Though there are some issues with Bennington, in my opinion, it’s a lot of the same problems you get at other schools :))
As a visual arts student, it was hard to translate my classes to an online format. However, I felt that most of my professors were flexible and adaptable.
Bennington is a great place for those who are self-driven and creative looking for a small, unique community. Because of its small size, Bennington is somewhat limited in classes and resources and the social environment tends towards cliquishness.
Online learning has been tough for everyone, but Bennington made the transition really well. However, I think it is tough being a zoom student trying to seamlessly join an in-person class, so unless the entire class is zooming, it doesn't work really well.
Bennington is a really, really special place. I transferred in because I wanted a place without requirements, majors, etc. For that reason, it's perfect--if you're a self-directed, independent thinker who is positive about whatever classes they get and you're able to enjoy a wide variety of topics, the academic environment is awesome. I love the faculty and every course I've taken has been interesting.
Socially, I'm sure you've been told it can be tough if you're not a certain type of person--but if you're like me and you enjoy rich discussion, walking outdoors, house parties, being open, etc., it is a place where you can really thrive.
I give it five stars because it is very literally perfect for me, but Bennington isn't for everyone. It requires flexibility and openness to thrive. But, if you feel attracted to the idea of being self directed and living in an isolated community in rural Vermont, you probably belong here. I think it was truly the best decision I ever made :-)
Socially, I'm sure you've been told it can be tough if you're not a certain type of person--but if you're like me and you enjoy rich discussion, walking outdoors, house parties, being open, etc., it is a place where you can really thrive.
I give it five stars because it is very literally perfect for me, but Bennington isn't for everyone. It requires flexibility and openness to thrive. But, if you feel attracted to the idea of being self directed and living in an isolated community in rural Vermont, you probably belong here. I think it was truly the best decision I ever made :-)
Overall Bennington has been a dream! I am able to study exactly what I want and professors are excited to help me. I do with that there were more 4000 lvl digital arts classes.
Bennington enables students to pursue their passions, learn and practice professional skills, and create close communities both in and out of classes.
transferred out after Freshman year -- too cliquey and not enough classes to get a well rounded education. Impossible to get the classes you wanted, and they only offered like 50 classes overall. Campus so cold that everyone spends time inside, and if you don't have a group of friends by the first few weeks and it gets cold, you're stuck alone inside your house. Your house is the only good part about Bennington -- its your community like a little fraternity. I miss that part and that part only.
Overall it was pretty enjoyable to be here. It's been great so far for me academically, the teachers are super super friendly and approachable. The resources are adequate. Only major downside is the local area is pretty barren, and it can get pretty lonely here during the winter, which is like most of the school year.
What I like about Bennington College is the ability to combine different areas of study in order to create a major you are satisfied with. The small student body is also advantageous in the classroom where students receive more attention. What I wish would change about the college is that there would be more sports to participate in.
Bennington is an amazing school when it comes to academics and helping freshmen find their way through school. Not only are the professors understanding, but they are also always open to talk to students when they are having trouble. Also, advisers for first year students know how to help with any situation you have or are there if you just need help choosing classes.
The school administration is deeply out of touch with the student population. I would recommend, if choosing to attend this school, that you do take grades the first semester or year that you attend, because if you do decide that the environment is not for you, it will be difficult to escape(transfer) without any grades on your transcript.
This school is set in beautiful Vermont farmland and has a fun artsy environment much of the time, but a lot of students are depressed and overworked and it shows.
This school is set in beautiful Vermont farmland and has a fun artsy environment much of the time, but a lot of students are depressed and overworked and it shows.
Only welcoming if you fit in - which is VERY difficult based on what "fitting in" is here. People dress like a combination between your grandfather and a wealthy socialite. If you don't look like them good luck. It is really difficult to make friends once the first ten minutes of orientation are over. The food is awful... only okay when parents are visiting. The campus is beautiful but there is nothing going on unless you enjoy going to lectures. The town is boring unless you really enjoy going to Walmart because that is all that is here to do. Parties are people running drunk off their asses, couples making out on the dance floor, and people outside chain smoking cigarettes. If you don't smoke don't bother coming here. If you don't speak enough in class you fail which is tough because the environment in most classes is too overwhelming to get a word in. You either love it here or you hate it there IS NO IN BETWEEN.