Sarah Lawrence College
- 4 Year
- BRONXVILLE, NY
CollegeGrad School
Sarah Lawrence College
- grade B minusOverall Grade
- 4 Year
- BRONXVILLE, NY
- Rating 3.48 out of 5 575 reviews
Sarah Lawrence College Reviews
Rating 3.48 out of 5 575 reviews
This college has a disproportionate amount of socially awkward kids. The lack of things to do on campus (especially the weekends) make for an extremely boring experience. Sorry I choose this place.
Sarah Lawrence is an amazing opportunity to get a well-rounded, liberal arts education that allows you to explore several areas of academic interest. Academically, I love the unique classes and opportunities the small seminar classes provide. If you're unsure of what you want to study, or if you are interested in studying several different things, it's a great fit. It's a very small school and a tight-knit community, so if that's what you prefer it can be great, but if you're looking for the typical college experience that comes with a large school, you probably won't find that here (especially in terms of sports and parties).
As a recent graduate, I can say that Sarah Lawrence was the best investment I made for my future.
Academics are self-guided, but supported by faculty. Students produce semester-long research papers in lieu of final exams, which enforce skills of time management, written analysis, and consideration. Routine one-on-one meetings with professors are built into class syllabi, and faculty express a true passion for teaching and seeing others learn. No classes are taught by TAs, which is VERY rare. The college has strong connections to Oxford Univ. for study abroad.
Students have access to activities like theatre, sports, and clubs. On weekends some may choose to hang on campus, while others take a short train ride to NYC out of Bronxville. Housing is unique. My freshman year, I lived in a renovated apartment with a private kitchen and bathroom. The surrounding neighborhood is very safe.
I graduated SLC with an employment offer. Some of my friends went directly to phenomenal grad programs
Academics are self-guided, but supported by faculty. Students produce semester-long research papers in lieu of final exams, which enforce skills of time management, written analysis, and consideration. Routine one-on-one meetings with professors are built into class syllabi, and faculty express a true passion for teaching and seeing others learn. No classes are taught by TAs, which is VERY rare. The college has strong connections to Oxford Univ. for study abroad.
Students have access to activities like theatre, sports, and clubs. On weekends some may choose to hang on campus, while others take a short train ride to NYC out of Bronxville. Housing is unique. My freshman year, I lived in a renovated apartment with a private kitchen and bathroom. The surrounding neighborhood is very safe.
I graduated SLC with an employment offer. Some of my friends went directly to phenomenal grad programs
I really enjoyed my time at SLC. I had excellent professors, and got to take my education in the exact direction I wanted. Being able to do conference work made my work have a purpose. I will say that socially, things can be a little difficult. The school is full of introverted people so making friends can be difficult at times. Joining different clubs and student organizations was an excellent way to meet people and that definitely helped out.
I have had some really excellent professors who were really invested in my learning, and a few (mostly teaching lectures or in the film dept) who did not care about me or help me at all. I think the lack of structure and heavy writing workload could be very overwhelming if you’re unprepared for it, but I also think you can learn a lot here. Horrible administration. Beautiful beautiful campus, bad food. I live in Brooklyn now so it’s become a long and costly commute but I prefer it to living on campus. I wish you could take more theatre classes not as part of a theatre third. It’s exhausting
had I known these things before I went to undergrad I would have made a different decision
the last president invested poorly and lost a lot of the endowment. they have virtually no money or resources to share with students--there are few opportunities for grants, send students to conferences, auxiliary aid to low income students--vital services.
career services office is a joke. example: a friend got a paid internship with a photographer in nyc through the school's career services office. This woman never paid him (he asked repeatedly over months) so he quit and told the office what happened. They promised to take it off the website but didn't, and at least one other student I met had the same experience w this lady. Nobody got a decent job through them--only people with family connections.
Virtually no financial aid services to a student body in desperate need: SLC is a pit of despair.
credits don't transfer out when you decide you want to leave: no exaggeration, you're trapped
the last president invested poorly and lost a lot of the endowment. they have virtually no money or resources to share with students--there are few opportunities for grants, send students to conferences, auxiliary aid to low income students--vital services.
career services office is a joke. example: a friend got a paid internship with a photographer in nyc through the school's career services office. This woman never paid him (he asked repeatedly over months) so he quit and told the office what happened. They promised to take it off the website but didn't, and at least one other student I met had the same experience w this lady. Nobody got a decent job through them--only people with family connections.
Virtually no financial aid services to a student body in desperate need: SLC is a pit of despair.
credits don't transfer out when you decide you want to leave: no exaggeration, you're trapped
"As a freshman at SLC, I can confidently say that my first few months have been extraordinary. I was immediately enveloped by a sense of warmth and inclusivity once I stepped on campus.
I was welcomed by both fellow students and faculty members, who were always willing to lend a helping hand or simply share a friendly conversation. The small class sizes have allowed me to build meaningful connections with my professors and peers.
The emphasis on interdisciplinary learning has broadened my understanding of various subjects and encouraged me to think critically and creatively. The freedom to design my own course of study enabled me to pursue my passions and gain a well-rounded education.
The vibrant arts scene and the numerous cultural events provide ample opportunities to immerse myself in a variety of artistic and expressive experiences. The support services and resources available to students are also commendable. I love being here and I'm so glad I made this choice.
I was welcomed by both fellow students and faculty members, who were always willing to lend a helping hand or simply share a friendly conversation. The small class sizes have allowed me to build meaningful connections with my professors and peers.
The emphasis on interdisciplinary learning has broadened my understanding of various subjects and encouraged me to think critically and creatively. The freedom to design my own course of study enabled me to pursue my passions and gain a well-rounded education.
The vibrant arts scene and the numerous cultural events provide ample opportunities to immerse myself in a variety of artistic and expressive experiences. The support services and resources available to students are also commendable. I love being here and I'm so glad I made this choice.
SLC feels like a "fake college." there is a very empty and depressing feel to the school. none of my classes were interesting or engaging and the "personalized education" approach is more annoying than anything. i had a terrible don and it ruined my entire academic experience. it's never good when your education centers around the influence of one person. not to mention, the administration is AWFUL. super mean and just overall uncaring. don't go here. this school is not what it's made out to be.
Great professors- some odd cliques. However, I’m so glad I went there. You can be who you are without much judgment
I enjoy the sense of community among Sarah Lawrence students; however, it could be stronger. Some ways that could be accomplished is by listening more to the students and showing that you care about all of them. There's a vibe from the school that they care more about their appearance and public perception rather than how they actually treat their students. If you're not a freshman, it feels like Cristal couldn't care less about you considering how housing has been handled in the past and upcoming years. Staff is underpaid and fleeting, but I don't completely blame the school for people leaving. The school overall has gone downhill and is continuing to decline. If nothing is done about the glaring issues that the school tries to cover up through investing more in the campus's appearance rather than the actual problems (such as accepting way more students than can be accommodated), then I can see the school's prestige escaping them along with it's respect. Think about ALL the students.
Really enjoyed my classes and got to build great relationships with my professors. The open curriculum system worked really great for me, however, it might not be the best option for someone who has absolutely no idea what to major on as it can result in feeling a bit lost, or for someone who is very sure about a specific major they want to pursue, as you are encouraged to explore multiple disciplines and can't exceed a certain amount of credits on some areas of study. Social life can be very cool and there are some amazing people out there, but it also tends to be very cliquey since the first day, so it can be kinda hard to start socializing the first few days.
My overall experience at Sarah Lawrence College is positive! The community is welcoming and my living conditions were adequate. I have gained a lot of connections at this college and have been involved in a lot of community activities such as seasonal concerts for students to attend as well as Sarah Lawrence's choir and Blues Ensemble. Although I am enjoying myself at Sarah Lawrence College I do see room for improvement to happen within the communities at school; with Sarah Lawrence College being a predominantly white institution, there is a lot of ignorance regarding racial, religious, and gender equity. I am lucky enough to have not faced it with the community I am a part of, but this ignorance bleeds into classes run by racist, homophobic, transphobic, etc. professors who seek little to no want to change. This affects the school community greatly, and needs to change for everyone to work in harmony!
I love Sarah Lawrence and couldn't imagine studying anywhere else. My professors are brilliant in their respective fields and their passion is infectious. It's an incredibly sophisticated pedagogical system and for this reason it certainly isn't for MOST students. If you're looking for greek life, or high school 2.0, this isn't it. That aside, it gorgeously caters to those who are intellectually precocious; aspiring academics, directors, artists, writers, and veritable polymaths. For this reason, too, SLC ranks in the top ten for undergraduate colleges who produce the most PhDs. I could sing Old Sadie Lou's praises all day and all night.
The educational experience at SLC is unmatched. Professors are 100% dedicated. Students are encouraged to create their own path, narrowing their focus of study each semester through independent study (conference work). Campus life is what you make it. Many students opt not to be involved in clubs and activities but they are there if you look for it. The school actually dedicates a considerable amount of funding to student programming; It’s a shame more students don’t take advantage. It’s proximity to NYC paired with its beautiful and secluded suburban setting provides the best of both worlds. Administration is the Achilles heel; pervasive disorganization, lack of responsiveness can be very frustrating. Also campus dining is seriously limited and lackluster. But if you are looking for an educational experience like no other, SLC is the ultimate choice.
The school environment is fun and often full of life. The academics are hard but challenging and fun rather than overwhelming. The food could be better, but you are very close to New York City so there are always cool things near by.
Great professors and class options. The food is mediocre at best and the organization of the administration is lacking.
I definitely made the right choice by going to Sarah Lawrence. I've made the closest friends of my life here, and everyone I've met is incredibly kind and friendly. The academics can be a lot at times considering the importance of conference work (basically independent research outside of your course work) but being able to research your interests with the help of your professors with almost 0 restraints is incredible. If you felt out of place and in high school I really recommend going here, I finally feel like I fit in.