Europe · Fall 2027 entry
Bard College Berlin motivation statement
Bard College Berlin asks why you want to study there, how its academic offerings fit your plans, and why you want to join its international community. The separate graded writing sample should show analysis and include a teacher's comments and grade; applicants without a suitable sample can request alternative essay prompts.
Writing format
250–500-word motivation statement and separate graded analytical writing sample
Academic integrity
Bard College Berlin says using generative AI undermines its review of the graded writing sample. Write your own responses and follow its current application rules.
What to prepare
- 1Explain why Bard College Berlin fits an academic interest you have already explored.
- 2Connect a concrete academic offering to your aspirations and next steps.
- 3Describe how you would participate in an international community in Berlin through an experience or perspective of your own.
How to approach the writing
- Use the 250–500 words for a focused motivation argument rather than repeating the graded sample.
- For the separate sample, choose analytical classwork with its original teacher feedback and grade; request the school's alternative prompts if you lack one.
Before you submit
Common App applicants type the motivation statement into Questions; Bard online applicants upload a PDF. The graded sample is a typed PDF no larger than 500 KB. Confirm the current deadline for your application route and the alternative-prompt process if needed.
Read Bard College Berlin BA application requirements ↗Official source checked 2026-09-25.