Sarah Lawrence College
- Inside Scoop

Distinct, for Better or Worse (And Often Both)

Sarah Lawrence has many distinct qualities and quirks to it. Academically, being in small classes and having the opportunity to meet with professors has made my academic experience more immediate. As well, being able to interview for classes before signing up for them has been something I've appreciated (though it isn't foolproof).

Socially, there are lots of small groups of people rather than huge social scenes, parties and such. Though this can frustrate people, it seems that with time, more and more people find a social spot they like.

There's also the part where Sarah Lawrence is a half hour train ride away from midtown Manhattan (though most people here don't seem to take advantage of this nearly enough.)

Academics at Sarah Lawrence College

The academics at Sarah Lawrence are rigorous. However, with the conference system in which you study one-on-one with each of your professors, it's hard not to find yourself studying something you're incredibly interested in.

Nowhere else are you able to design your own major while planning a custom academic track. The general requirements are minor, giving you, as a student, total control of your academic plan. Your three registered classes equate to that of six at any other college or university, as you attend each class two or three times a week, and meet one-on-one with professors once a week to devise an independent research project somewhat relating to the respective subject of the class.

Unique Academics

SLC is known for its unique academic system, which features small, discussion-based classes, a lot of one on one time with brilliant and dedicated professors, and in-depth research papers. The workload and what you get out of your education is what you make it to be. In my opinion, the class discussions are slightly overrated, with a lot of people voicing irrelevant opinions. But sometimes you have an amazing discussion which reminds you just why you came here. What's really special about SLC are the conferences, which are an opportunity to gain expert-level knowledge about a subject. Most professors are fantastic.