General information:
Sarah Lawrence College, founded in 1926 and routinely ranked among the top liberal arts institutions in the country, is noted for its innovative educational approach, rich history of passionate intellectual and civic involvement, and dynamic, successful graduates. The historic campus, located near the unrivaled attractions of New York City, is home to an accepting, intellectually curious, and diverse community. Sarah Lawrence attracts talented, creative students who want to be in charge of their education. Students design a rigorous, tailored course of study and connect their passions across a wide range of fields in close collaboration with their dedicated, respected faculty. Students graduate understanding how to use their knowledge, talents, and critical thinking in the real world.
History:
Since its founding, Sarah Lawrence College has been a leader in innovative educational programs. Sarah Lawrence began as a women's arts and humanities college, but it quickly expanded into a full-fledged liberal arts and sciences program, eventually committing to coeducation in 1968. Its methodology emphasized a rigorous customized approach to instruction, inspired by Oxford University's tutorial system and educator and philosopher John Dewey's views. At Sarah Lawrence, these instructional practices are still in use today.
Student Statistics:
- 1,377 undergraduate students
- 298 graduate students
- 10:1 student to faculty ratio
- 87.9% of classes with fewer than 20 students
- 25% POC students
- 14% international students
- Students from 53 countries
- 80% out-of-state students
- 76% female students, 24% male students
Location:
Sarah Lawrence College is located in Yonkers, New York, near the Village of Bronxville, just north of New York City, on 44 wooded acres. Its location, just 30 minutes north of Midtown Manhattan by train or vehicle, provides the best of both worlds—a convenient suburban setting and a great point of entry to one of the world's most dynamic cities.
Academics:
The academic programs at Sarah Lawrence are all based on the same guiding principle: students should be in charge of their own education. The Sarah Lawrence academic paradigm is based on this idea, which encourages experimentation, research, and the never-ending pursuit of knowledge in all forms. This goal necessitates both classroom and non-classroom experiences. Faculty members are committed to providing intellectual and artistic assistance to students, and the College's facilities and convenient location provide the ideal setting for personal development.
- 54.6% acceptance rate
- 73.3% graduation rate
Undergraduate studies:
Sarah Lawrence's academic philosophy has always been based on the ability to direct one’s own education. Students have the option of focusing on one or more of the college’s 50 disciplines. Rather than completing major requirements, students can explore numerous areas of focus, combining their interests to create a path of study that is completely theirs. By taking courses in three of four areas of study: Creative and Performing Arts, History and the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Natural Sciences and Mathematics, students receive the breadth that only a classic liberal arts education can provide. Students will benefit from a level of intellectual and creative partnership that is unrivaled in undergraduate education, with 90% of classrooms being small, roundtable seminars, and a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio that reaches 1:1 in bi-weekly conferences with their professors. Students are able to ask essential questions, challenge assumptions, get a better understanding of the world and their role in it, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that will be crucial in both their profession and life at Sarah Lawrence.
Areas of Study/Majors/Minors:
- Creative and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Filmmaking and Moving Image Arts
- Music
- Theatre
- Visual and Studio Arts
- Writing
- History and the Social Sciences
- Anthropology
- Asian Studies
- Economics
- Environmental Studies
- Geography
- History
- Politics
- Psychology
- Public Policy
- Sociology
- Art History
- Chinese
- Classics
- Film History
- French
- German
- Greek (Ancient)
- Italian
- Japanese
- Latin
- LGBTQ+ Studies
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Religion
- Russian
- Spanish
- Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Environmental Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- 73.3% graduation rate
- Other programs: Graduate Studies, Study Abroad and Exchange, Professional Development Programs, Summer Programs
Application Information:
- 54.6% acceptance rate
- SAT: Reading and Writing 640-720, Math 580-690
- ACT: 27-32
- Average GPA: 3.68
- Common App deadline: November 1st (Early Decision Round 1)
- Common App deadline: January 15th (Early Decision Round 2)
- Regular decision due January 15th
Requirements:
- Common application
- School report and transcript
- At least one teacher/faculty recommendation
- Early Decision Agreement (for ED1 and ED2 applicants)
- English Proficiency Testing Exam (for international students)
- SAT or ACT scores (optional)
- Essays
- Interview
- Arts Supplements
Double Major:
At Sarah Lawrence, students have the option of focusing on one or more of their 50 disciplines. Rather than completing major requirements, students can explore numerous areas of focus, combining their interests to create a path of study that is completely theirs.
Internships:
Students at Sarah Lawrence can fine-tune their professional interests while completing an enriching, multidisciplinary education through internships. Individual students work closely with the Office of Career Services to apply for and participate in internships across the country. Sarah Lawrence's 1:1 methodology contributes to students’ professionalism, which is attractive to future employers.
Sarah Lawrence acknowledges that not all students have the opportunity to participate in internships, which are sometimes unpaid experiences. It is critical for the community at the college to address this imbalance. Sarah Lawrence’s supporters have enabled their College Services Office to provide students with a variety of internship funding choices, ranging from the Fall/Spring travel stipend program to the summer internship awards. These initiatives provide students with hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for success beyond Sarah Lawrence.
Curriculum:
The following restrictions apply to the minimum 120 credits required for a BA degree:
A total of 60 credits in the creative arts are allowed.
In the humanities, you can take up to 80 credits.
In the social sciences, you can earn up to 80 credits.
A total of 80 credits in natural sciences and mathematics are required.
A maximum of 50 credits can be earned in a single discipline.
A minimum of two semester courses (10 credits) in each of the four disciplines listed below: natural sciences and mathematics, humanities, social sciences and history, and creative arts.
Language requirements:
- Students who have previously completed a semester of beginning language will have their credits evaluated as standard transfer credits.
- Students who have completed a semester of beginning language abroad and wish to continue the language at Sarah Lawrence will be permitted to do so, subject to the student's capacity to complete the course work and the availability of classroom space.
- French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Russian, and Spanish are among the languages taught at Sarah Lawrence.
Lecture requirement:
At Sarah Lawrence, students must successfully complete four lecture courses over the course of four semesters (20 credits). Five lecture credits are awarded for successfully completing a full semester abroad (15 credits). Ten lecture credits will be awarded for a successful year abroad (30 credits).
School Strengths:
- Institution of choice for a diverse group of intellectually ambitious, enthusiastic, and creative undergraduate and graduate students who are involved in their communities and want to leave an impact
- Proud, affiliated alumni are part of a supporting network that adds value to one another and their communities, both locally and globally
- Professional gold standard for great academics and artists who are passionate about teaching, learning, and student development
- Internationally renowned and acclaimed for its innovative educational method, which generates graduates with problem-solving skills and an entrepreneurial spirit far outnumbering their numbers
- Financially sustainable, with sufficient resources and qualified personnel to carry out its objective and increase its reach
Athletics:
- Physical Education classes available
- Division Ⅲ athletics
Varsity sports:
- Basketball (Men's and Women's)
- Crew (Women's)
- Cross Country (Men's and Women's)
- Equestrian (Coed)
- Soccer (Men's and Women's)
- Softball (Women's)
- Swimming (Men's and Women's)
- Tennis (Men's and Women's)
- Volleyball (Men's and Women's)
Athletic Facilities:
- Campbell Sports Center: The Caspar Whitney Fitness Center, two basketball/volleyball courts, elevated running track, swimming pool, squash courts, student lounges, rowing tanks, and a multipurpose dance studio are all part of the 48,000 square foot Campbell Sports Center.
- Casper Whitney Fitness Center: Treadmills, stair climbers, bicycles, ellipticals, rowing machines, and a Cybex weight-training circuit are all available in the Caspar Whitney Fitness Center. Users can enroll in ActivTrax for tailored workout routines, and student trainers are on hand to assist with equipment.
- Campbell Sports Center Pool: The pool has six lanes and is 25 yards long. It is a popular location for Physical Education classes and leisure activities in addition to hosting varsity practice and competition. Daily public swim hours are available; for further information, see the Building Hours page.
- Noyes Court: Two basketball courts and the Anne Beane Rudman Track are housed in the 11,400 square foot gymnasium. Basketball and volleyball games, as well as physical education lessons, leisure activities, and special events, are held at the gymnasium.
- Mary LeVine Field: The Sarah Lawrence Campus boasts a magnificent softball field adjacent to Marshall Field House, our music facility, in addition to various lawns for sports and entertainment. It's a one-of-a-kind venue where sports and music frequently collide, and it's also the home of the Sarah Lawrence softball team.
- Rowing Tanks: The indoor rowing tanks are used by the Sarah Lawrence Crew team to supplement their winter training. Beginner rowing classes are also held in the tank. For on-the-water training, Sarah Lawrence and her friends share a boat house on the Long Island Sound.
- Tennis Courts: Three regulation courts with lights are available at the College. Team training and matches, as well as physical education lessons and recreational play, take place on the courts.
- Clifford Squash Center: The Clifford Squash Center, which is located on the main level of the Campbell Sports Center, has three international squash courts. Squash lessons are available as part of the physical education program.
- Wendy’s Studio: The studio features a suspended wood floor, mirrors, and a ballet barre, and is named after Wendy Green Rogers Lapp, '64. Aerobics, dance, martial arts, fencing, and yoga classes are also held there.
- Team Confidence Course: A team confidence course allows students to engage with others in a group setting. Contact the Department of Athletics and Physical Education or the Student Affairs Office if you want to use the course for an activity.
- Additional facilities-Numerous lawns dot the campus, providing a location for relaxation and friendly competition. Off-campus, the College rents nearby facilities for bowling, ice-skating, and other activities based on student interest.
Campus:
Buildings of Sarah Lawrence…
- Alice Stone Ilchman Science Center
- Alumni Relations
- Archive
- Art of Teaching Graduate Program
- Audio/Visual
- Bookstore
- Campbell Sports Center
- Career Services
- Summer Programs
- Center of the Urban River at Beczak
- Charles R. DeCarlo Performing Arts Center
- Child Development Graduate Program
- Child Development Institute
- Auxiliary Services
- Community Partnerships
- Controller’s Office
- Credit Union
- Dance Graduate Program
- Dance/Movement Therapy Graduate Program
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Dean of Studies
- Provost and Dean of Faculty
- Disability Services
- Duplicating Center
- Early Childhood Center
- Esther Raushenbush Library
- Finance
- Financial Aid
- Food Services (AVI)
- Fund for Sarah Lawrence
- Gift Planning
- Graduate Admissions
- Graduate and Professional Programs
- Health and Wellness Center
- Health Advocacy Graduate Program
- Heimbold Visual Arts Center
- Help Desk
- Human Genetics Graduate Program
- Human Resources
- Information Technology Services
- Marketing and Communications
- Marshall Field Music Building
- Music Program
- NYU Silver School of Social Work
- Operations and Facilities
- Parent Programs
- Payroll
- Physical Education and Athletics
- Post Office
- President’s Office
- Registrar’s Office
- Residence Life
- Campus Safety
- Siegel Center
- Special Events
- Student Accounts
- Student Life
- Student Employment
- Student Involvement and Leadership
- Summer Programs
- Global Education
- Theatre Graduate Program
- Title IX Office
- Undergraduate Admission
- Westlands Desk (College Emergency Number)
- Westlands Desk (Non-Emergency Number)
- Women’s History Graduate Program
- Writing Graduate Program
- The Writing Institute
Clubs and Extracurriculars:
- Over 150 clubs and extracurriculars
- Notable clubs: Hillel (Jewish Student Group), Activities Council, Student Government, “The Scribbler”, Cheddar Gibbous, Center for the Urban River at Beczak, Chekov Scene Study, Disability Alliance, Emanon, Filme Fatale Network, Kula, LGBTQIA+ Space, Queer People of Color, etc.
- Club sports: volleyball, indoor soccer, squash
- Greek life is nonexistent
Housing/Dorms:
Sarah Lawrence College's student housing options are as diverse as the students who live there, ranging from old private homes to apartment buildings to typical residence halls.
Returning students at Sarah Lawrence College are assigned accommodation through an annual room selection procedure that allows groups of students to pick residence for the following year. The College assigns first-year students, but they have the option of selecting roommates if they have someone in mind. On MySLC - Residential Life, you may learn more about the residential experience, as well as different types of residences and amenities.
- Specialized housing: Students with documented disabilities who are unable to reside in regular housing arrangements at Sarah Lawrence may request for housing accommodations through the College's Specialized Housing Policy. The Sarah Lawrence Office of Residence Life is committed to ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities and does not discriminate against them. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act, the College provides disability housing accommodations (FHA). Sarah Lawrence has allocated at least four dorm rooms with accessible restrooms that meet the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards to serve students with mobility challenges. At the start of each semester, students with mobility difficulties are given first priority for these rooms.
- All-gender housing: All-gender housing, which has been in effect at Sarah Lawrence College since 2004, allows two or more students to share a bedroom and/or toilet space regardless of gender identity. Most on-campus residence halls offer all-gender accommodation, allowing students to choose the housing that best matches their lifestyle without regard to gender boundaries. Every student benefits from having the option of choosing a roommate with whom they feel most at ease.
- Graduate housing: During the summer, a Graduate Housing Coordinator is available to assist students with housing resources in Westchester County and the New York City area, including information from landlords and notices from persons looking for roommates. The coordinator can also help you find a roommate.
Popular areas for graduate housing:
- Lower Westchester County has a vast range of housing possibilities, as well as a large range of rent charges. Before beginning their home hunt, students who are unfamiliar with the area should pay a visit.
- Manhattan: Rents are normally pricey, but if students are prepared to share an apartment, there are lots of possibilities.
- Brooklyn and Queens have lower rents than Manhattan, but public transit takes an hour or more to get around.
- Woodlawn & Riverdale: Rents are less expensive than in Manhattan and Westchester County, yet it's only a 15-minute commute to college.
Food and Dining:
Sarah Lawrence College has a variety of eating options, each with its own menu. All on-campus dining, vending, and catering are managed by AVI Fresh, a food service company. On-campus eating options include:
- The Barbara Walters Campus Center Dining Pavilion & Cafe
- Bates Dining
- Hill To Go
Surrounding Area:
New York-
New York City is yours to explore, 24 hours a day. Think of it as an extension of the Sarah Lawrence campus—a cultural, research, social, and career resource without peer.
Enjoy a Michelin-starred pizza at Babbo or grab a kimchi-stuffed taco at the Korilla BBQ truck. Haunt the vinyl racks at a record store in the East Village or head to the legendary Village Vanguard to hear some great jazz. Make your way uptown for world-class music, ballet, or opera in and around Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.
Better still, take advantage of the discounted tickets Sarah Lawrence makes available to many of the City’s most desired destinations. Free shuttle vans take students to the Bronxville train station and back to campus seven days a week from 5:45 PM to 2:15 AM.
Bronxville-
Bronxville is a one-square-mile neighborhood with elegant mansions, stylish restaurants, and tiny boutiques that are often described as "quaint" and "charming." This well-established suburban enclave offers the feel of an English village, with Tudor, Colonial, and Victorian architecture tucked among groomed lawns and gardens on one side and the Bronx River on the other.
Sarah Lawrence students enjoy Bronxville eateries like Slave to the Grind, go to a fine arts theater to see foreign and new films, and buy produce at the village's spring and fall farmer's markets. Students can also be spotted waiting for the Metro North train to downtown Manhattan beneath the tile roof of the Bronxville train station.
Yonkers-
Yonkers, a historic city undergoing rehabilitation, is recognized for its ethnic diversity, historic charm, and riverfront landscape, which includes a spectacular view of the Palisades across the Hudson.
Yonkers has a variety of amenities, including the Cross County Shopping Center, which has brand stores including The Gap, Macy's, and Sears, as well as restaurants, a multiplex cinema, and even a hotel for out-of-town visitors. The Yonkers Waterfront is bustling with activity and offers stunning views of the Hudson River. Yonkers is home to various enterprises, including the bakery that manufactures the fudge brownies for Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
Westchester County and Hudson Valley-
Many more cultural events, historical landmarks, and recreational possibilities can be found in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley's towns and cities.
Sources:
https://www.sarahlawrence.edu/
https://www.sarahlawrence.edu/student-life/nyc-and-local-area/
https://www.sarahlawrence.edu/student-life/housing-and-dining/
https://www.sarahlawrence.edu/student-life/housing-and-dining/residence-halls.html
https://www.sarahlawrence.edu/student-life/student-involvement/clubs-and-organizations.html
https://www.sarahlawrence.edu/about/visit/
