Bard: An essay is required for application to Bard College as a supplement to the Common Application. Please indicate your choice of option A, B, or C below.
If you select option C, you do not need to upload your response online. Instead, it can be sent via regular mail, not e-mail, to Bard College, Office of Admission, PO Box 5000, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504.
A) One hundred years ago, in 1912, the Austrian writer and social critic Karl Kraus, famous for his provocative aphorisms, wrote "Civilization ends, since barbarians erupt from it." Write a short commentary on what you think this might mean from your perspective 100 years later, and whether it makes any sense.
B) The Roman philosopher Seneca, writing in the first century, wrote a set of letters of advice to a young friend. In the 23rd letter he wrote, "Make this your business: learn how to feel joy...true joy, believe me, is a serious thing." Write a short response to these thoughts, indicating if you wish, the extent to which you may have come to realize that Seneca was right.
C) Submit a graded analytical paper (a thousand words or less) written in your junior or senior year (transfer candidates: from a college class). The submitted paper must include the teacher/professor comments, grade, and assignment.

289-word version
A ten minute coffee break while immersed in a difficult responsibility is one of the most joyous moments of my life. The fact that I like coffee is beside the point...