<p>My daughter (from UK) has been offered places at McGill and Sarah Lawrence. Any advice on factors to take into account in choosing? Other than money - we know SLC is MUCH more expensive!</p>
<p>McGill and Sarah Lawrence are polar opposites in terms of environment. McGill is a large research university, SL is a small liberal arts college with a “quirky” reputation. Has your daughter visited both schools? </p>
<p>McGill is also in downtown Montr</p>
<p>Hello my name is Bisrat (Bissy) and I’m a second year at Sarah Lawrence College. I will try to keep this as brief as I can. I’m originally from Eritrea, East Africa; moved to Bay Area, California is 2007 and came to Sarah Lawrence College in 2009. I lived in many countries away from my parents while I was in tradition in coming to the U.S. As soon as I found my nest it was time to go away for college. I limited my college list to only California schools just so I can stay home near my mother, but my guidance counselor advised me to put a variety and add Sarah Lawrence College to my list, and I’m till this day I’m glad I did. I sent in my confirmation letter at the last minute not knowing what I was walking into, what the system was, what the campus look like and I just dove into the pool. The first day I saw this campus was the day that firs-year students moved in, and from there I was welcomed by the community, I felt at home and at easy and here I am today finishing my last semester as a second-year. You’re not just a number here at SLC, your an individual who one way or another contributes to the community that goes beyond the walls of SLC.
The academic system is a unique one: we don’t have majors or minors, but we do have concentrations in which students can combine the four disciplines (Humanities, Social Sciences, Creative Arts, and Natural Sciences and Mathematics). Keeping in mind that many do not have a set path to follow, Sarah Lawrence provides a safe space for people to explore and discover and create their own paths. Education is not limited here at SLC, one does not have to give up one thing to do the other, it’s all exploratory which is exactly what an undergraduate program should be
SLC is an individualized education where students craft their own academic experience and come up with a research topic which develops throughout the semester while meeting with the instructor one-on-one. The results that students come up with are very fascinating, like I have mentioned before, students can do an interdisciplinary project; for example if a student is in a dance course and in a biology course, he/she can combine the two and come up with a research project that satisfies both disciplines. The Donning system is also one of many key factors of SLC. A Don functions as an advisor, counselor, a friend and a mentor. Same applies with all faculty member here at Sarah Lawrence. Everything is personal: there is no distinction between students’ social life and academic life, everything is interwoven.
Because of the location (Broxville) you can go into the city easily; it’s only a 30 minute train ride (we have two train stations that are within walking distance). We have campus shuttles running from campus to the train station until the last train which stops at 2:00 am. In addition to that, every Saturday we have access to campus vans that transport students back and forth into the City and back. Personally, I would not have appreciated the City nor the college/campus experience if Sarah Lawrence was to be located in Manhattan. There are so many internship placements through our Carrier Counseling Office that provide services for students who are looking for internships in New York City or in the area of Weschester.
Our Campus Safety Officers are very efficient: rigid and flexible at the same time.
Hope this answer’s your question about the college, it is a difficult decision to make as I was in your daughter’s shoes two year ago. Please don’t hesitate in asking for more information or clarification.</p>
<p>Best,
Bissy</p>
<p>Thanks for all the advice - very helpful!</p>