Bennington College

Bennington College emphasizes a “Socratic, discussion-driven classroom structure,” meaning “there are almost no traditional lecture classes or seminars” (with a few exceptions, like neuroscience). On the whole, these “small and generally engaging” classes provide “excellent, hands-on opportunities to use their knowledge in a field that moves them,” helping them better understand “what their strengths are in the working world.” This approach is supported by Bennington’s distinctive Plan process, which eschews official majors in favor of a program tailored “toward the individual student’s interests and goals.” Students note that those who benefit the most from this educational model tend to be “self-driven, focused, and have a clear idea of how to apply one’s learning beyond Bennington.” In other words, the school’s “adaptable and creatively rigorous” Plan process is “exactly what you make of it.” Another hallmark of a Bennington education is its nearly 100-year-old Field Work Term program, during which students spend six weeks each year in what the school calls a “high-impact learning experience,” ranging from internships to independent research. In this independent, yet supportive environment, it’s assuring to hear that the professors “all love teaching, are enthusiastic about our contributions to courses.” These teachers “make learning fun and engaging in a way that encourages deep and critical thinking as well as providing resources and opportunities to students who ask for them.” Ultimately, the school works to “support and nurture the endeavors of every student,” and as Bennington’s biggest fans put it, these “life-changing” academics and teachers result in “incredible work being created on campus every single day.”

Bennington is driven by the particular blend of “artistic, funny, creative, and engaged” enrollees in any given term, so the focus of activities is “constantly changing.” That’s not a negative; students “make the environment their own and are not afraid of shaking expectations and the status quo.” At the same time, certain core values remain consistent. The school is widely described as inclusive and “queer-friendly.” It’s also said that “international students play a huge role in the soul of the Bennington community,” and “unity in diversity” is emphasized. Students describe themselves as “kind and supportive and a little bit weird in the best way possible.” Many of these characteristics also lead to a robust sense of activism: “We have deep ethical and political commitments.” Bennington is made up of people who “genuinely want to be here,” creating an environment where students feel free to “be yourself and be as creative as you want.”

Bennington is a “beautiful hilltop with access to pathways and hiking trails,” and students say that “students, staff, and faculty make [the school] come alive in our small part of the woods.” Consequently, “in the spring and fall, folks will be on the lawn, picnicking or playing instruments,” alongside pickup volleyball and soccer games. (There’s not a lot of talk about sports beyond that they’ve “only recently become a thing” in some circles.) And while there’s no Greek life, “club culture is big.” This emphasis on campus-based activities suits students, who “spend a lot of time practicing their craft and sharing it with others.” Moreover, because the school doesn’t have traditional dorms and instead places students in cooperative houses of between 30 and 45 students, there tend to be a lot of house activities. Some houses host “parties on campus every week, which most of the campus attends,” thanks to their “very strong and unique themes,” with annual standouts like “Dewey’s wedding theme” and the “Swalloween Halloween party.” No wonder, then, that there’s not a lot of traveling into town or nearby Albany: “the vast majority stay on campus.” Those who look for things to do will find plenty of support and, through the constant events, “opportunities to come together as a community.”

Bennington is the only college in the country that has required an internship since its founding. Those Field Work Term experiences are practical, automatic entries on any graduate’s “impressive professional résumé.” The results show: 97 percent of employers say they are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their Bennington intern . This gives students “learning experience within the ‘real world’ with the safety of an end date and a chance to adjust … academic work accordingly.” It’s also “encouragement to delve deeper [and] form stronger connections.” The Office of Career Development and Field Work Term helps guide students into internships, fellowships, and campus work experience, with required reflection and learning goals incorporated into each. Professors are also there to provide “contacts and resources that help us use the skills we learn in class in the field to understand the practical applications of the knowledge.” No matter where you turn, Bennington provides you “with the support … to study what you want to.”