<p>I am currently filling out the supplemental essay for SLC and I still don't understand the whole self-directed program aspect of the college. What exactly does this mean? When I think of self-directed I imagine the students deciding everything for themselves with no assistance from the teachers but I doubt that's true. I have visited the campus over the summer but since school wasn't in session, I only got to walk around and tour by myself. Thank you for your help!</p>
<p>There are no majors at SLC. Thus, students must make their curricula intellectually coherent without the formal structure of a major; they must be self-directed in that sense. There is help, of course. The first year experience, when you take class with an adviser - “Don” - for an entire year, works quite well in forging a close ties with a faculty member. And the small size of the place, the “conference” system etc., also helps students bring their disparate interests together into something sensible. The flexibility can be both liberating and energizing for the self-directed. </p>
<p>Okay, that was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much!</p>