Reviews

Sarah Lawrence is all about learning. It is sort of the Juliard for writers. You get in based on your writing, and you do well acedemically because of it. There are very few tests, since most of the curriculum is based on essays. It is unlike any other school in that a professor becomes your mentor, your don, for four years and helps you with every major decision you make. The professors will know your name and will be as close to you as you want them to be.

Sarah lawrence is a great community for artists, writers, dancers, etc. Dance parties are very common!

It's pricey, but Sarah Lawrence gave me alot of financial aid.

Work really hard on your essay. Stress points similar to the philosophy of Sarah Lawrence-writing, independent thought, etc. Sarah Lawrence makes sure your thoughts are heard. They want to see your passion and creativity.

Writing, Art, Political, Dance, Theatre Majors
Students who think differently and want to do more than memorize facts for four years.

Sarah Lawrence is most definitely a challenging environment. It is very writing and reading intensive, and the small classes and professor mentorship foster a very personal and authentic education. Classes are generally a mix of grades, creating a high standard in discussion. Professors expect students to not only read and study the material, but to be able to synthesize, connect, and discuss the material.

Though it can be slightly restrictive socially, it is almost flawless academically. I would not trade the passion of the professors, the talented group of students, or the individualistic orientation of the SLC system of education for anything. The entire education is based upon creativity. It is about generating ideas, creating yourself, and connecting disciplines to understand the world more fully.

Although Sarah Lawrence is quite pricey (yes, in fact it is the most expensive college in the United States) it is most definitely worth the price. The personal contact with professors, premiere faculty, small class sizes, inspiring student body, location, and unique education is priceless. The college appears to cater to the more affluent, however, they do indeed offer a large amount of financial aid.

Do not fear the cost of tuition. Just apply. In your application, concentrate on your personal essay, as SLC does not consider standardized test scores. The college looks for independent, unique, and driven students.

Driven, independent, creative, unique, curious, active.

At Sarah Lawrence, not only do you learn a lot but you question everything you thought you knew. I have gained an incredible amount of knowledge since I began attending in such varied academic areas and I know I am gaining an extremely comprehensive education.

The campus is beautiful and New York City is easily accessible. You can always escape to the bright lights, but can easily come back to the trees and suburbs of Bronxville. The professors are great and really work to develop personal relationships with you -- a process also assisted by the small class sizes. I LOVE it here.

It really is the most expensive school in the United States so you're definitely paying, but the education is worth it. Also, need-based aid is fairly generous which allows many students to attend, like myself, who would not have been able to afford it otherwise.

Make sure you are prepared to read, write, and speak up in class. These skills are crucial to the kind of education you will receive here and if any of those aspects make you uncomfortable, this is not the place for you.

Independent, focused, motivated students who may not know exactly what they want to study but have varied interests and are inspired by the arts. Also, students willing to work to achieve their goals and who aren't afraid to be individuals.

Sarah Lawrence is a place for those who could picture themselves in a modern day Renaissance. It is full of philosophers and photographers, psychologists and painters, art historians and authors, and generally intellectuals and artists. The faculty here is astounding and anyone who chooses to come here and really engage with the learning opportunities provided is bound to expand their intellectual horizon.

Your essay MATTERS. Do not freak out about SAT scores. Do not freak out if you have a 3.5 GPA because you failed that one big chemistry test your junior year. You can redeem yourself with your essay, for one. But also, this college really looks at your application, and if you can show a true desire to attend the school and a true desire to expand your intellectual horizons, there is no reason why this school would not grant you admittance. I firmly believe that students who want to attend Sarah Lawrence and feel it is the perfect fit for them stand almost no chance of not getting in.

Be prepared to learn. Teachers here will throw text after text at you. They will expect you to read and be at least semi-fluent in what they have you read when you're in the classroom setting. Classes (seminars at least) tend to be dictated by the students. These can be amazing if the students have read and thought about what they have read in advance. They can be less than stellar if the majority if the class comes in ignorant of the text (which is, as one might expect, a rarity here). Nonetheless the teachers are amazing facilitators and you better be prepared to read and write your butt off if you come here.

There are some really bad places to live on campus. But they're all manageable and there's nothing like the 19th century tenements in New York City. You can always live off-campus and if you really can't stand your room and/or roommate, the campus is typically pretty good at moving you somewhere more comfortable. I mean, it is a college, don't expect a lavish luxury suite, but most rooms are decent here and there's nothing to overwhelmingly complain about.

The food here is average. It's really the only part of this school I would ever describe as average. On the bright side there are a lot of decent food places around campus and, well, the City is only about a 20-minute train ride from here. The food is hit or miss in the main dining area, but there are nights where the special looks delectable. The Pub, which is an area where food is grilled/prepared right in front of you, has a wonderful staff, but the ingredients they're provided with are often less-than-stellar. Nonetheless, it's easy to stay full on this campus and that's not necessarily easy to say at every college.

God, this is hard. Fun?!?!?! At Sarah Lawrence?!?!?!? Though honestly there's quite a bit. There are a lot of clubs and activities. There are plenty of lectures given by off-campus professors, editors, authors, even politicians. There are open mics and plenty of on-campus theater productions. There are movie nights and there are parties. They're not your typical Greek Life parties that you might find at a state university, but there are a variety of quirkier, smaller party settings that seem to befit the majority of Sarah Lawrence students. You'll find things to do, even if it is just chilling in your room scrolling along your dashboard on tumblr or playing Slenderman over and over again until you're no longer freaked out.

This school is amazing. I feel I've learned more here than I learned in the eighteen years I spent in school before I came here combined. I feel I have actually better learned *how to learn*. But this school is extremely expensive, and though financial aid is attainable, it's still straining me economically. It's tough to say the price tag is completely worth it, but this school is truly one-of-a-kind. If you can afford to come here, even if it's a close call, I still recommend you do. The price tag seems hefty at first, but you really get so much for your money. The staff here is amazing. It's just an intellectual haven, and though I wish it wasn't so expensive, it is what it is, and if it's what you truly want, go for it.

I will just say this is *not* a place for people who stick to one line of thinking and refuse to budge. This *is* a place for people who want to broaden their intellectual horizons. People who are willing to see things from more than one point of view. If you consider yourself a deep thinker, you'd definitely fit in here. Hell, if you consider yourself an overthinker you'd probably fit in here. If you consider yourself a theater nerd, you'd definitely fit in here too though. Really any type of artist or intellectual would fit in here and would probably love it here. There aren't many places where you get to work with such amazing professors who are truly top-of-the-class in their fields.

There's a lot to do here. Maybe not as much as a state university, but that's solely because there are far fewer kids here. And honestly, if you like something and there's nothing for it here, it's really easy to start up a club or an activity and you're bound to find others who are interested in joining you in whatever it is. From ultimate frisbee to drama clubs to book clubs to stitch n b**ch to intramural basketball, there's plenty to do here.

Completely non-existent. My friend and I once started a small three-person frat called the Jew Tan Clan. It lasted one day before dissolving.

There have been some weird incidents since I've been here, but it's a very safe campus for the most part. Security is everywhere and if a threat ever arises, they seem to take care of and eliminate it. Any incidents here tend to involve students drinking too much, which is something you see at any college. So if you watch what you drink and maybe watch the company you keep, you have nothing to worry about. And honestly, it's a good idea wherever you're living, not to walk alone really late at night. But even then, security is out 24/7 and if you're within the perimeter of the campus, they've got your back, I can tell you that.

Sarah Lawrence is a haven for individuals. If you are seeking intense discussions, self-discovery, and a community of free-thinkers, this school meets and often exceeds that criteria. Every student is a character, every professor a source of enthusiasm, inspiration, and guidance throughout your four years.

Sarah Lawrence certainly houses a competitive, active learning community comprised of people expressing their novel approaches to courses. In the first conference--individual meeting outside of class time--with a don or professor, he/she will inquire about your interests and initial impressions of the course. Intuitive and apt, professors can attain a great sense of your academic personality, or how you work and interpret the lessons, and of your potential.
Most classes, creative or academic, will have hefty amount of reading. You really learn how to manage your time, where on campus you focus best, and how to prioritize some work over others. It is important to stay on top of weekly assignments so you can remain an active participant in discussions and conference. Even the lectures section off some time for student input, which soon becomes a forum for both listening to other students and contributing your own opinion.
Professors are usually approachable enough to confide in if you're lost or encountering problems outside the classroom. When writer's block hits, your professor can assist you in narrowing your focus, drafting an outline, and reviewing rough drafts of your conference paper step by step.
Some professors encourage interdisciplinary work, while others prefer you remain within the confines of the course topic. Either way, when you hand in the final twenty-page paper or large work of another medium, you may just pinch yourself that you accomplished something you are truly passionate about.

The dorms are scattered throughout campus and your living experience really depends on which building you reside in that year. The architecture, like the student body, is rather eclectic, ranging from converted old tudor-style houses, actual houses on a street running alongside main campus, constructed townhouses, and even a 6-story apartment building. Due to this, there is no unified dorm life�. Small communities among the residents tend to form, and are fostered by the Resident Advisors. For example, the students living in the top floor of Westlands, the admissions building, often become their own little family.
Students residing in the admissions building may sound odd, but several dorms have faculty offices and classrooms nestled among the students� rooms. It is rare that these will cause much disturbance, as the offices are usually on the ground floor or accessible through a separate entrance while the living spaces are in the upper floors. Two residential buildings also feature dance studios on their ground floors. Because many of the dorms were built over a century or two ago, they are more prone to issues with plumbing and radiators than the newer buildings on campus, but these disturbances are usually fixed within a day or two.
In terms of social life, frequent parties and simple get-togethers take place in dorms, or at least begin there. Some houses suit small get-togethers in the common areas or rooms, while others can hold larger groups of people. Hill House, albeit far from main campus, forms a community within its walls. Students can take the elevator/stairs to friends' apartments, or just walk down the hall to pay a visit.
However, there are specified quiet and substance-free floors and buildings if you prefer to abstain from parties. If you live in one of these spaces, and happen to spend a night out with friends, it's comforting to come home to a silent building so you can sleep peacefully.
With most buildings featuring ful...

In the past year, Sarah Lawrence has been making great strides in providing healthier, more diverse food options for its students. Every facility offers distinct services, which diversify a student's choices for each meal:
In the Pub, students can purchase a meal, or just a snack in between classes. There are options for vegans, vegetarians, those on gluten-free diets, and those who eat Kosher. Bates is the main dining hall, with a buffet-style self service and three seating areas. One nice treat here are the themed meals, from an Italian night to a Latin-American night, which feature specialty foods and music blasting all around. There are meals for holidays and before the Formal dances as well. Just try not to overeat and be aware of what you are eating.
The Black Squirrel is a great hang-out spot with a student-run milkshake bar that offers both regular and non-dairy shakes, as well as cookies, popcorn, ramen, and bagels or toast. It all depends on what they have in stock for that week.
The Atrium Cafe, located in the Visual Arts Building, mostly serves coffee and tea, but has some snacks and breakfast pastries for sale as well.
The library's Copyright Cafe, installed summer 2014, was a massive hit this year. It provides smoothies of all kinds--even coffee smoothies�as well as coffee and hot chocolate. Students can do work here, and during conference week it is often home to special items such as free coffee and donuts or free granola balls.
Finally, Hill2Go is located in the Hill House dorm, and is a miniature grocery store available to all students.

There are weekly dances, open mics, arts & crafts, movie screenings, and various other activities to attend. Sometimes clubs will host dinners or informal events, and theater or dance productions are open to all. There are craft talks, discussions, carnivals, and barbecues when the weather is nice. Watching sporting events and the halftime shows is a hidden treat for those who attend.
Bronxville is a lovely town just a 10-minute walk away, where SLC students can find discounts in several stores and restaurants. On the other side of campus, the Cross County Mall in Yonkers is right across the way from Hill House. Each town has its own train station following the Harlem line, which students frequently take to spend a day in NYC.

Every Halloween, aside from some alternative costumes parading around campus, there is a screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show with a full shadowcast performing along with the movie. This event attracts a pretty large audience, and students have a ball screaming out the callbacks and cheering on their friends.
Another tradition takes place at the beginning of every conference week: Midnight Breakfast. Beforehand, there are performances by the school's male and female a cappella groups, then students surge through Bates' doors to find an array of breakfast foods and music blasting all around. Toward the end of the event, when everyone is done eating, they form dance circles in the middle of the dining hall and release any stress before buckling down to work.

There is no Greek Life, but students can socialize through clubs, parties, events, classes, and daily interactions. Sarah Lawrence students can be both extroverted and introverted, and the student body caters to this. Never is there an obligation to join or participate in anything, only to love and express who you are however you want.

Sarah Lawrence is like no other school. Students here are intellectually engaged, and have a passion for what they study. With the lack of requirements, students are able to take classes in whatever they want, resulting in classes filled with students who want to be there, eager to learn the material.

Take a tour. You'll know if you'll love it here.

Despite the small social scene here, with rumors of students flocking to the city for the weekend, there is a party community on the weekends, with school sponsored events sometimes being a main attraction.

There is a quaint tea house that is small and pretty (and functional!) and gets much attention from those touring the campus.

Students who want to be academically challenged, want to learn from their peers as well as their professors, and students who want to write a lot should all consider Sarah Lawrence.

If you want to find a group of people who share your interests, there is a club for it. And if there is not a club for it, there is a way to make one. There is much freedom in this department.

Greek Life is not a part of Sarah Lawrence College, and most students here would say this was a good thing.

Although most emails received from the Safety Operations at Sarah Lawrence are comical, there are a few unsafe incidents at Sarah Lawrence. Kimball Avenue, a main street that intersects parts of Sarah Lawrence, does have the occasional rowdy driver-by who likes to shout or throw things, but overall Sarah Lawrence could not be seen in anybody's eyes as an unsafe school.

Sarah Lawrence is the safest place to explore all aspects of yourself. The faculty and staff are more helpful and loving than you can imagine and the friends you'll make here are the truest ones you'll make anywhere. If that isn't enough, the beautiful campus itself will provide all the support and nurture you need to make it through the arduous winter and the late night conference paper cramming.

Give up any notion of what you think college should be like and you'll be surprised with how much Sarah Lawrence has to offer you and how much you can give back to it. The passion with which you'll learn to devote to yourself and your aspirations will be well worth all that it takes to get you here. For the admissions process, truly just concentrate on being yourself and throw caution to the wind in your essays and you'll know whether or not it's a fit.

Perhaps even more so than most places, Sarah Lawrence is what you make it. With no core curriculum, it is entirely up to you to construct your education and build your path. The teachers will work you, but even more, they'll teach you to work yourself.

Truly depends on where you live. The dorms range from incredible to lacklustre but even the far away land of Hill House has something to be desired. After your first year, you'll be able to have a bit more control over where you live.

Dining options are not the best, but that's really not the reason you'd choose to come here anyway :)

There are always campus events, such as dances, open mic nights, folk concerts, etc. New York City is a hop, skip, and a 25-minute train away, so you'll never be stranded with nothing to do.

Worth every penny - and it's a lot of pennies, so be sure you MAKE it worth it.

Unspeakable, but great. You'll have to come see for yourself.

Individuals who want to be pushed to their limits.

Non-existant - we like it that way.

Fantastic staff, very professional and caring and always respond to emails expediently. Great financial aid. Beautiful campus.

Sarah Lawrence highly values how passionate you are about attending this school. Make sure your application reflects that. It is extremely writing intensive, you will be doing a lot of work comparatively, but it is a fantastic learning experience.

Academically rigorous. Conference work is a lot like graduate school work.

The dorms are spacious and if you stay in the houses, they are old and gorgeous.

the food is largely tasteless most of the time but it is edible.

there are always things going on in the campus, they have events almost every other night. The city is also really close so there is always that.

Expensive.

We have a fox on campus that everyone is always looking for. It has its own facebook page and is subject to a lot of conversation.

If you love to write and read, like cozy atmospheres and calling your professors by their first name.

NONE

This school offers a very broad range of interesting courses. Its really beneficial to not have general education requirements. I can't imagine myself being happier at any other school.

This is a very independently driven environment. You have to be very self motivated to succeed here.

There is a lot of work involved- especially reading and writing. It's all worth it though because the classes are great.

Could be better. Not the worst, but definitely not the best.

Only two actual dining venues on campus. It would be nice to have a few more options.

There are always events going on, it's not hard to find fun things to do, alone or with friends.

Though it's quite expensive, you won't find more in depth classes or more dedicated teachers than what you find here.

This is a very unique campus in multiple ways.

Self motivated, driven, passionate, a desire to learn about and explore new interests.

Every club imaginable, and easy to start a new club of your own.

None.

Security is always driving around campus.