<p>I know that it isn't a very official way to find out about a college, but I was going through livejournal.com, looking at all the Sarah Lawrence-related groups, and I'm a bit unclear right now.
Several of the groups are full to the brim with sweet, funny, inviting people. Yet, on the main Sarah Lawrence group, there's a small bunch of especially rude, whining idiots.
I'm feeling this school, but at the same time, I want to know how the social life is at SL. Does anyone go there? Does anyone know anything in particular about its friendliness, its attitude? I really want some opinions other than the ones I'm going to get on the Admitted Applicants day, because those are obviously going to be somewhat biased.</p>
<p>Welcome to Sarah Lawrence. Well, seriously, the overall dominant additue at this school is indie-angst and "not going to give you the time of day" a*<em>hole stuff. That being said, there are a ton of really kind, interesting, fun people here, you just will really have to try harrd to make friends. I found that making friends at SLC can be very hard and VERY discouraging when you have bitter *really-wanted-to-go-to-NYU</em> kids blowing smoke in your face. But you have those people at any college. There are wonderful people here, some of the best I have ever met. Just keep in mind that it is a very small school (VERY) and you need to gauge whether you will be comfortable with the process of making friends in such a small, often difficult student body. But it can be done, trust me!</p>
<p>Abot the over all mentality here: it is more negative than positive. but it is really what you make of it.</p>
<p>good luck on admitted students day!</p>
<p>I know what you mean, Hyzenthlay. I'm most likely enrolling this fall, but reading the SLC livejournal does put me off a little. There are so many bitter, negative posts and they reply rudely to prospective students. I hope this year's freshman class will be positive! :)</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies, guys. I was sort of expecting this, but at the same time, it isn't exactly the most encouraging thing! I applied to Sarah Lawrence because I love the system and the writing, and only started researching the social dynamic later (stupid me).
You know what's interesting about the livejournal thing, though? It's only the one group that's bad - the closer to this year that you go, the nicer the people get. For instance, the people in the Class of 2010 Sarah Lawrence group seem much friendlier and more open than those in previous groups. I don't know if that's an indication that the older you get at SL, the grumpier you get, or if the incoming classes are simply getting more socially equipped. I hope it's the latter ;) Either way, a visit is in order, and maybe an overnight stay?</p>
<p>I wish I could visit to check out the social situation, but I'm a Pacific Ocean away. </p>
<p>Yeah, the various Classes LJs seem friendlier, but most of the posts in those communities occur in the first few months, when enthusiasm is still high. So yeah, I'm thinking it's the more senior you are, the grumpier you get. Lol. And this might come across as sexist, but could it have anything to do with the disportionate ratio of girls to guys? (Just wondering. I'm in no way saying that's the reason.)</p>
<p>Incidentally, I posted on the main LJ asking about the social 'coldness'. I got a reply that yes, some are cold, but many are perceived as unfriendly because they just have their own groups of friends, and do their own things. So, there won't be a tight-knit community unlike other LACs. I guess the key is to find your niche or your group of friends. Maybe the class of 2011 can change that!</p>
<p>Still, I'm 99% gonna be enrolling because of the rigourous writing programme and NYC and its myriad of opportunities.</p>
<p>My S is first year at SLC. His experience has been very positive. He has many good friends, kids from first year to seniors. He spends most of his down time on campus, and says that there are always things to do and kids to do them with. </p>
<p>I had been very concerned a year ago when he said that SLC was his first choice. The SLC reputation for coldness goes back to my undergrad days 30+ years ago. My S says that the reputation is pretty overblown. The academics are intense (but his written products are terrific). As a parent, I could not be happier to hear my kid say how happy he is a SLC when I (now and then) hear from him! Good luck.</p>