Sarah Lawrence College - Any Insights?

[Anonymous]

Considering the name recognition and generally solid reputation, I'm surprised that SLC's ranking isn't higher. My DC is looking for a very liberal, diverse SLAC with good bio/biochem/enviro science programs. We know students who have gone there and enjoyed it. Is the ranking lower than expected because they eschew the typical ranking metrics? Or some other reason? Yes, we know about the sex cult thing- that's not going to have an impact on rankings, so please don't mention it.

[Anonymous]

Toured last spring. I was surprised at the shabby state of the physical plant. Almost every building had water stains on the ceilings. It made me concerned for the financial situation of the school. Luckily, DC didn’t like the vibe of the other prospective students and took it off the list.

[Anonymous]

Creepy middle aged men living in the dorms and recruiting young girls into sex cults.

[Anonymous]

For years, many with experience in education have stated that Sarah Lawrence needs every tuition dollar that it can get.

[Anonymous]

My student did a summer writing program at SLC and it’s on the list. It’s a pretty campus and the proximity to NYC is appealing. My kid would be more interested in arts than science. They love the open curriculum and overall educational approach at SLC.

I do have some concerns about the school’s financial status and future, plus it seems a bit insular. The Barbara Walters Campus Center is really nice and they just renovated the HUB, another student center (with other ongoing renovation projects across campus, which seems promising). I think maybe the school had its glory days in the past and is kind of trying to find its way a bit.

[Anonymous]

My DD did a summer program at SLC and enjoyed it. It is in a beautiful college town.

[Anonymous]

Would your student be interested in Vassar, Skidmore, or Oberlin? I think those are all similar to SLC in certain respects but more reputable (and possibly stronger in science fields). How about a women’s college like Bryn Mawr or Mt. Holyoke?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would your student be interested in Vassar, Skidmore, or Oberlin? I think those are all similar to SLC in certain respects but more reputable (and possibly stronger in science fields). How about a women’s college like Bryn Mawr or Mt. Holyoke?

Yes- Vassar and Oberlin are her #1 & #2 choices right now. She also liked Mt. Holyoke and Smith, and looking to visit some additional schools this spring. Just trying to help her build a list that's realistic, while she's a strong student (3.9 UW) with great ECs, she will be applying TO, so looking to cast the net widely. I really appreciate the suggestions! SLC's reputation is strong, people have heard of it (unlike some of the other SLACs in that 100-120 range) so I wondered if there was more to the picture. Same thing with Bennington in VT, seems like a great, funky little school but after digging around found that it wasn't a school we'd consider.

[Anonymous]

My DD is a grad and had a great experience there. She loved her Don and conference system. She did an exchange year at the New School, which she also loved. It's not for everyone, but was a good fit for her.

[Anonymous]

Toured it but found it to be surprisingly rundown as someone else said upthread -- especially after touring Mt. Holyoke, Smith, Vassar. The facilities just appeared inferior.

[Anonymous]

My DD was focusing on women’s schools (and ended up at one). SLC was a safety. We thought the campus was nice and the approach was interesting. Ultimately, my DD just thought others were a better fit. She has 2 friends that went there and they seemed to enjoy it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD was focusing on women’s schools (and ended up at one). SLC was a safety. We thought the campus was nice and the approach was interesting. Ultimately, my DD just thought others were a better fit. She has 2 friends that went there and they seemed to enjoy it.

Just want to mention although SLC skews heavily female it is not a HWC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DD was focusing on women’s schools (and ended up at one). SLC was a safety. We thought the campus was nice and the approach was interesting. Ultimately, my DD just thought others were a better fit. She has 2 friends that went there and they seemed to enjoy it.

Just want to mention although SLC skews heavily female it is not a HWC.

I know (I’m the quoted PP). I meant my DD really wanted a women’s school and applied it a bunch and then had SLC as a safety even though it is co-ed. FWIW, SLC actually was a women’s college until the late 60’s.

[Anonymous]

Macallister is nearby slac.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DD was focusing on women’s schools (and ended up at one). SLC was a safety. We thought the campus was nice and the approach was interesting. Ultimately, my DD just thought others were a better fit. She has 2 friends that went there and they seemed to enjoy it.

Just want to mention although SLC skews heavily female it is not a HWC.

I know (I’m the quoted PP). I meant my DD really wanted a women’s school and applied it a bunch and then had SLC as a safety even though it is co-ed. FWIW, SLC actually was a women’s college until the late 60’s.

Understood. Do you mind sharing where she ended up? My daughter is interested in SLC, several women’s colleges, and a couple of the other open curriculum and artsy schools mentioned in this thread.

She liked Bryn Mawr, which kind of felt like a more polished version of SLC when we toured.