Questions about SLC's Social Scene

Colleges and Universities A-Z Sarah Lawrence College
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<p>Hello,</p>

<p>This is my first time posting on CollegeConfidential, so I hope I am doing things right. </p>

<p>I am a current senior in Arizona, who schools via distance learning, and due to some personal issues postponing things, I will not be finishing my classes until fall. I will then be doing a post-graduate year, before going to college in the fall of 2013 (there is also a possibility that I may be going to my local public university in the winter of 2013, before transferring someplace else in the fall). From an academic/arts perspective, Sarah Lawrence looks perfect for me. I have a strong passion for theatre and writing, and I'm really looking for a small place that wouldn't force me to choose between either of these passions (something I don't like about conservatories) and that focuses more on the individual person than the grades. My goal is to learn, not simply work on my GPA. I also want a place that is flexible, as this is something I have had trouble with at schools before (hence my decision to do distance learning). In addition, I am attracted by SLC's close proximity to NYC, despite it not being an urban campus, as it's important to me that the school I go to is close to a large city of some kind, and I love NYC. </p>

<p>Now, I'm not too worried about being accepted, as, due to some of my more unique artistic achievements and steady grades/college prep background, I feel that I have a pretty good shot. I also feel that I will be able to hack it financially. However, I am more concerned about the social scene, something I have struggled with at my previous schools in the past.</p>

<p>First of all, I should mention that I do consider myself a fairly liberal person. As a theatre geek, I have lots of gay friends (though it pains me even to label them as such, as I don't think people should be labeled based on their sexuality!) and usually lean more on the Democratic end politically, especially when it comes to social issues. However, I am also an introverted, reserved person, who prefers a small group of friends to a larger one. I'm not really interested in the drinking/drug/smoking/hooking up/partying scene, since, although I do not have anything against people who do indulge in it, it's simply not "me."</p>

<p>I guess my question is whether someone like me would be able to find a niche socially and whether there are students at SLC who also are a little more removed from the larger social scene as a whole. I've heard things about smoke being very prevalent on campus, and I just wanted to know if smoking really is something "everyone" does or whether there are people who don't do it. Really, any information about the social scene from a current student's or alumni's perspective would be helpful.</p>

<p>Thank you so much! I am planning to visit SLC, hopefully sometime in May, so it will, of course, be easier to make my own judgment when I've actually seen the college.</p>

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<p>Hi! Even though I’m not a current student per se, I’ll jump in here because a) I was accepted early decision for Fall 2012, b) I’m also a senior from Arizona and c) I’m a lot like you describe yourself: introverted, socially liberal, prefers small groups to large groups, etc. </p>

<p>I’ve visited SLC twice and spoken with a number of students. From what I can gather, most of the people there are pretty much the same as you and I. (SLC even made The Huffington Post’s list of most socially awkward colleges!) Granted, there are always exceptions, but I think the unique structure of the college itself inherently attracts such people. </p>

<p>As for the drugs/smoking/drinking scene, it seems to be kind of take-it-or-leave-it. You can find stuff if you want, but you can just as easily ignore it. And actually, there was even a brief discussion about this in the class of '16 Facebook group. A number of people said they weren’t interested in drinking, smoking or drugs.</p>

<p>Again, this isn’t from firsthand experience, but to my knowledge it’s fairly accurate. I hope it makes you feel a little better about SLC. (:</p>

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<p>hey, i know this post is pretty old, but I just wanted to confirm littlemiss’s suspicions from the sound of it, you needn’t worry about finding a niche :). I’m also from Arizona, and a rising sophomore! pm with any questions if you’d like!</p>

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<p>Posting as a parent of current SLC undergrad so perhaps I have no credibility at all, but just wanted to second all of the above. My kid is not a smoker, not a hipster, just a very laid back, inquisitive, kind individual and he has definitely found his place at SLC. A visit is a must, I think, as the campus has a definite vibe and you’ll know fairly quickly if you’re comfortable or not. And I’m glad you’re confident about getting in and most likely you will with those unique accomplishments you allude to, but just wanted to warn that admissions is quirky and I hope you’ve got some true safeties lined up. Best of luck!</p>