Sarah Lawrence College Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Caitlin

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself to be open more quickly to new people and opportunities. I would tell myself that there is so much more to life then what you know right now. Let new people and experiences in without judgement and know that you are guarenteed make everyone proud even though your journey has only begun. Hold your head high, as you are strong, smart and capable of all of the new things you are about to experience. Additionally, always remember to be kind to yourself when things feel overwhelming. If you need to slow down, do so. If you want to try something new, don't let anyone stop you. You can do this, just believe in yourself and know that you're on the path to a wonderful and happy life. Finally, know that those around you love you. Always be grateful for their constant support, as not everyone is so fortunate to have the unconditional love your parents, boyfriend and friends constantly give you. And finally, don't overthink it. Today is the first day of the rest of your life; have fun.

Bront'e

Apply for more scholarships, and try to intergrate yourself into college life as early as you can. There will always be a place for you to feel comforable, so don't worry.

Natasha

If I were given the opportunity to go back in time, I would tell myself to be confident and willing to open myself to new opportunities and people, particularly on a social level. While I was adventurous academically, socially I kept to one friend group and shied away from joining different clubs and organizations due to my lack of self-assuredness. Knowing what I do now, the confidence that I had to learn my sophomore and junior year could have easily been learned during my freshman year if I had been willing to step outside of my comfort zone in order to meet new people and gain new experiences. This move toward making new friends could have saved me the trouble of friend drama, as well. Most of all, I would tell the younger me to believe in myself because my gut instincts combined with my dreams and aspirations are key to my future success.

Deena

It's important not to confuse intelligence with results. Just being intelligent is not enough to cut it in college. You will have to work much harder than you have before in order to get the same results that you're used to. While hanging out may be fun, you have to keep in mind that the reason you're at school is, well, school. The utmost important thing is your education. Nothing should come before that. But- it's imperative to learn how to break out of your shell. Even for people who are relatively outgoing, it's still a bit nerveracking to meet so many new people and realize that you have literally live with them. The people in your hall, or building, are the people you're going to see every day for almost a year. College is a once in a lifetime experience and it goes by quickly. My mother has always told me, "If you want to party hard, you have to work hard," and I'll never forget that.

Emily

I, like many other college freshman, have found that I have grown into a completely different person over the course of only a single semester. As such, there is certainly a great deal of advice I would wish to bestow upon my former high-school-senior self. Academically speaking, I would advise myself to stay focused on my schoolwork much more so than I actually did. While I, of course, completed all of my work and maintained my A grades, I know that I could have been substantially more involved with my essays and reading assignments. Doing so would have greatly prepared me for the vast amounts of individual responsibility suddenly placed upon students in universities. There are, of course, also certain pieces of advice that are more social in nature. For instance, I would tell myself not to get so wrapped up in the drama that seems to encircle all groups of friends during senior year, in order to avoid needless stress. A final piece of advice I would like to give to my high school self: Buy more fans for the dorm room. The sixth floor can get pretty hot in the middle of August...

Brent

I have learned that life cannot be planned. I was bred from the notion that organization is key. College has allowed the spotnaiety to resurface. If a person lives by an over-ruling notion, then he limits an entire world of ideas. Anything outside his principles are overlooked. The most riveting and profound idea cannot manifest. College has taught me to break my walls to overcome boundaries. It is an experience that does not discourage wackiness, but rather it recommends knowledge to understand ones own wackiness.

Maria

I have to say that college life is very different then high school, it is a lot harder then I would expect it to be. What I have gotten from being in college is that you need to take your time and study. It’s not high school where it doesn’t matter if you didn’t pass the class. You’re paying for college you’re paying to be educated for whatever degree you’re trying to earn. It’s best to attend college because you’re not going to go far in life without a degree, our economy now is depressing people are striving for jobs. It’s smart to find what you love and what your good at and go to school to pursue that career. I know that for me I am the not smartest person out there and for me college is hard and I have to work twice as hard. In the end it is worth it for me because I am going to school to become teacher. That’s my passion and that’s what I’m looking forward to become in the near future.

Shannon

I have learned how to be a responsible adult. College has taught me valuable lessons in the classroom that are related to my major and to life. In order to earn good grades, I had to learn to study and organize my schedule around more important things. My college experience has included successes and failures that I am able to learn from to apply to my life. It has been valuable to attend college because I know that I am securing my future and I will be able to expand my dreams.

Alyxandra

My college experience means more to me than anything at this point. It has given me the freedom to explore my ideas, the courage to stand in front of a crowd and perform, and the strength to do things I could never do before. The journey that is my college life has given me a new perspective, a more positive perspective on the world around me and has wiped the slate of my past completely clean. In essence, Sarah Lawrence College has given me a second chance to become a less jaded adult, has given me a second chance at being a kid, and has changed me for the better. Sarah Lawrence has taught me the value of being an adult, but never being too grown up to enjoy the world around me. I hope for more happy years there.

Veronica

If I could go back , I would tell myself that a higher education really is important. I would telll myself to quit goofing off and actually put effort into my work. I would inform myself that goofing off got me a not so great job in a carpet mill. Back in the day I didn't place much value on college, I assumed that I would end up in the carpet mill like everyone else in Calhoun. I realize now that I ended up in the carpet mill because I didn't place any value on college. I would tell me to get my butt in gear, don't take the easy classes. Take the honors classes that you were offered. They will get you out of the carpet mill. I would also mention that in college your not as supervised so get in a habit of doing your work now instead of procrastinating. The bottom line is you are only cheating yourself and your future by not applying yourself! All of these things that I would tell myself are the very thing that my parent and teachers told me, I only wish that I would have listened to them.

Melinda

Immediately, I would tell myself to chill out. Applying to college was stressful, but I did not have to make it into such a horrible process. If I had been more organized and aware of deadlines, I wouldn't have been up late at night scrambling to finish an essay. Also, if I had been aware that most major scholarships were due even before applications were, I would have been able to apply for more. Furthermore, I would have told myself to not worry about getting rejected from a school. Colleges know which students fit their educational pedagogy best, and if they feel that you would not fit with their type of program they're most likely right. Applying to a school for status or just to see if you can get in is not the right way to approach the college application process. Applying to schools that make you excited, and even nervous, are the right places to apply.

Suzie

First of, relax, this is just the beginning and its not as scary as it sounds. Leaving home will be alot easier than you think it will be, yes you will get homesick, but it passes, and mom is always there for a phone call to cheer you up. Friends will be the hard part, you're leaving some behind and making new ones. The really important ones will stay in touch and the rest will fade away in the background of your new life. The transition will be alot easier once you join the swim team. From there on you have a new family and encouragement and a reason to succeed. It will make your college experience amazing and will convince you to stay. Lastly, have faith in yourself, you are a good person and a good student and everything will fall into place because of the hard work you did.

Christina

Don't panic. There really isn't such a big difference between high school and college. The only difference that springs to mind is that people have matured a little more, and behave a little more like adults. All that time spent worrying over whether or not you'll fit into college life, or make friends is better spent elsehwere, in more pleasant activities. You managed it once before when you started high school. You can manage it again, and probably do an even better job upon starting college.

Whitney

Going back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to relax. For months I was nervous about making the college transition. I didn't know what to expeect socially or academically. I was frightened that I was not prepared to handle the college work load or the competition in the theatre department. In January I began to re-write my papers multiple times and stay awake till dawn going over class assignments. Over the summmer, I would work myself into a panic while practicing monologues. During July I wrote a tweny page, so I wouldn't lose practice on writing a essay. After beginning my classes at school, I realized that managing my time properly would allow me to balance my academics and theatrics. If I had been confident in my capabilities over the summer and the end of my senior year, I would have been relaxed and secure with my transition.

Audrey

Think about what is REALLY important to you: large or small student body? Small classes or large classes? Writing papers or taking tests? Socially active or acadmically rigorous? Think about what you enjoy now--these are the same things you will enjoy in college. ALSO: give yourself some time to adjust. If you don't love it immediately, you are not doomed. In fact, you are just like everyone else.

Nasrene

Visit, visit others and then visit again! Sit in on a class or stay overnight and feel what it would really feel like to go there. Also, save money problems until the end so they don't interfere with a student's initial interest/decision in attending a school.

Erin

DO YOUR RESEARCH. Think back to your high school education and examine what parts of it worked best and worst for you. List what characteristics are crucial when it comes to higher education. Use these qualities when researching schools and try to find those that match most accurately. During this process, take advantage of the internet! There are multiple websites that students can use that are similar to matchmakers, and colleges all have their own websites so don't ignore these useful tools. After this process, make a list of your top schools and visit them. I made a list of my top seven colleges and decided against applying to three of them after touring. Nothing compares to seeing the campus with your own eyes and talking to current students. You can get an inaccurate view of the community from admissions representatives and no one knows better than you what is right for your future. Good luck!

Jamelah

Don't worry about the name of the school, or the prestige it has. Try to sit in a class and a lecture, try to see what work the Prof. are doing/creating. Answer these questions: Do you want to be able to talk to them? What are your goals for life? Do you want to be challenged academically, intellectually? Do you want to ensure you have a job after graduation? Look at alumni, and what they're doing. Talk to career counselling, and see where they've placed people. Go with your gut instinct! And don't worry excessively!

Rebecca

VISIT THE SCHOOL! sit in on a class, make sure they see a dorm room. Once you've picked a school and you attend, meet people, go to every event to see what types of things you like. Talk to everyone to see what kind of people you like. Join alot of clubs to see what you want to do. One of best things SLC taught me was that I can change my environment. Never pick a school where you feel like you can't bring anything to the table. You should be taking and recieving from your environment.

Holly

It works out in the end. Don't be discouraged.

Hannah

Unfortunately, you cannot know if a college is right for you until you get there. Sarah Lawrence is a very special school for individuals who want a truely unique experience, unlike any other university. It worked for me, but it doesn't for many students who decide to go to this school. The only thing I can recommend is to visit the universities if possible, because if you are anything like me, when I stepped onto the SLC campus I knew that it was the college for me.

rory

Just have fun and do the homework

EMmalee

Figure out who you are and what you want to do before going to college. Then, you'll understand your purpose there instead of just dicking around.

Angela

Go to college.

Tamara

Go with your gut feeling.

Ansley

Cast your net wide.

Molly

You can always transfer.

Zoe

Go with your gut. Your gut will tell you where you will learn the most; and in the event that you would be happier somewere else--don't think for a second you haven't grown substantially from that experience. There is no right or wrong, it's just about growing and learning. It's not about the name or the state or even the major because it's almost certain you will be a different person after your first year. Lastly, there's every reason to be afraid of something so new, and I advise you not to quell it, but use it as a vice from which to conquer new boundaries. Then you will blossom beautifuly.

Dakota

Choosing the right college is a very exciting and at times frustruating experience. The process asks of you to dig deep into the crux of what makes you who you are and ask yourself what it is you really want out of your education. There are so many colleges and universities out there so that beginning the process can seem extremely daunting. Therefore, it is crucial that you visit as many schools as possible.. The experiance of visiting colleges will tell you so much about your inner desires for your college. You can learn so much about what kind of environment you want when exposed to enviroments that you know arent for you. In regards to the college experience, I think there is often a lot of stress upon it. Many different voices are coming from different places in your lives that try to put the experience in a box. College, in my opinion is not the same for everyone. However, I can confidently say that it is not meant to be the answer to who you are and where you are going. College helps you to ask that question and can guide you in the direction of your dreams.

Gloria

Take your time and start your search early. Visit the schoola nd don't be afraid to ask questions. Talk to student at the college you are thinking of applying to.

Cori

You won't find the perfect school. There's no such thing. What you will find are teachers, classes, subjects, and people who will inspire you. You will find a way to be happy, have fun, learn as much as you can, and win arguments with your parents over the holidays. Just don't fool yourself into thinking it will be all fun or work - it will challenge you to develop yourself and discover what your priorities are. It isn't real life, but it teaches you more about yourself than you'll realize. Just don't tolerate meal plans.

Rachel

FOCUS! Work hard, it goes by quickly. Remember why you're in school, and how much money it is costing your parents. You literally pay for every absense.

Evelyn

For parents: Understand that college is your childs choice. You can help them and guide them to the best of your ability but ultimately they should make the desicion of where to go, or even if they want to take a gap year. For students: You will most likely end up loving whrerever you go, if not there is the transfer option of course but if you take a step back I think that you can make the most of wherever you are. Its college, its supposed to be the best years of your life. So, yes, study hard, do well but also remember to take a break every once in a while and have fun

Meaghan

Go and see the college. Any and all of them, with or without your parents (I took a college trip with my mom and we saw over 12 campuses). If you can't physically go and see them, try to get in touch with both admins and students. Don't be afraid to ask questions - ask, anything and everything that might be on your mind. College is something that will shape the rest of your life, so it's important to find someplace where you'll be challenged, and learn as much as possible, but also have a wonderful fun experience you'll want to remember. And also... don't stress too much. It's a processes, but be yourself, and you'll find someplace where yourself couldn't be better!

Rebecca

I would recommend that you visit a variety of schools to get a feel for the campus atmosphere, and talk to students there about what their lives are like. Think about what you want to do after college, and pick a university that is strong in that field. What you get out of college is what you put into it. The harder you work, and the more open you are to new ideas and thoughts, the more beneficial the experience will be for you. Develop strong bonds with your professors, and attend alumni events for networking purposes. Make a financial plan for yourself after college, and begin saving for life after graduation, particularly in your junior or senior year. Build yourself a safety net through campus jobs or working over the summer so that you will be comfortable when looking for a job after college. Educate yourself about managing everything from credit cards to your checking about to give yourself a strong financial foundation for the rest of your life. But most of all, have fun and enjoy your four years!

Heidi

College is expensive wherever you go, so looking at colleges and deciding soley based on financials is somewhat less important to consider. Most students will come out of school with debt, but enjoying four years at the right place is more important than four years at a good deal.

Leah

follow your instinct. let your children chose what is right for them. if your child is not ready for college, let them take a year off so that when they return for college they know what they want to do and are able to do it. i would advise schools where students can be themselves and dont rely on frat activity. a commuter school is great, being outside of the city but close enough so that it is easy to access the bonuses of city life without it being a distraction from studying.

Annalee

I didn't know I wanted to go to SLC until after I had been accepted. Almost randomly, I chose a number of schools in and around New York, as it was my dream to live there. I never attended a prospective students day, or spent the night - in fact Inever set foot on campus until the day I arrived for orientation. But, after (fortunately) being denied from NYU, which I had thought to be my top choice, I began doing research, and after just a few paragraphs and one picture of the campus, I was intrigued. Any school's promotional material is going to be somewhat biased, though, of course, and so I went to the source - I found information from students themselves. There are dozens of webpages (livejournal, facebook, and other blogs and non-official sites) where you can talk to students about their real opinions, and find out firsthand if a school is right. I think the best plan is to look around, do research, and to never ignore an option, even if it is not your top choice. And always remember, the perfect school for someone else (even your parents!) may not be perfect for you.

sarah

do your research, know what you're looking for, and don't compromise.

Blaine

Welcome to the guide to finding the right college. Please answer all questions as thoroughly as possible. 1.List the majors or areas of study you are or think you may become insterested in. Then add a few more. 2. List the amount of people you want in your school (300 or 30,000?). In your classes(15 or 100?). In your dorm room as a first year (2, 3, or 4?). 3. Choose one from each group: Structure or Flexability? Tests or Papers? City, Suburb, or Both? Close to home, Not too far or Far far away? Artsy or achidemic? Frat parties or House parties? 4. Where do you feel most comfortable? What kind of people do you feel at home with? What kind of place would you feel bad about leaving in four years, and may even consider failing a class to stay that one more semester? Now take these answers and compare them to your potential schools. When you find the one that fits the most or, hopefully, all of your answers, you wont need to try to make the most of it. You'd have to be forced not to.

John

Don't apply to schools based on who you want to be, apply based on who you are.

Rebecca

Do lots and lots of research! Visit schools you thought you'd never consider, and when you get there, TALK TO THE STUDENTS! They are the best source of real information about the school, and won't regurgitate the spiel that the admissions people give you. Look at the course catalog, eat at the dining hall. Try to put yourself there as a student, instead of a visitor. Pay attention to everything, because it may be your new home!

lenna

Do not take what is said on the tours and in question and answer sessions with the administration of the college as complete fact all the time. Remember that when you're going into college interviews and on tours the school is trying to sell themselves to you, their college is like a product. Think about what matters to you, what do you do for fun at home and at school and see how easily accessible those things are; do not let people talk you out of things that you enjoy doing by asking you if you really plan on doing the forever or by saying that you'll not have time for something that you love. If you love something chances are you'll be doing it no matter what in college. College is what you make of it. You can always transfer. No matter where you go you'll be able to find friends, you chose that school for a reason, and even if you're not going to stay there are other people in the school that you will be able to be friends with. Don't let making friends be the reason you pick a school.

Gabrielle

Applying to college is stressful, confusing, and overwhelming. But don't let it scare you; you can handle it. The best possible advice I can give about choosing the right school is this: visit the school. Places give vibes the same way people do; when you find the right school then everything about that place will come together and click for you. The other important thing to do is ask questions - this is difficult; I didn't know what questions to ask until I was already in college. Beyond class size and availible majors, find out what the community on campus is like, what the housing is like, whether the campus is active on the weekends, when campus facilities and services are availible (and where they are). My last bit of advice, speak to a student who does not work for the administration office. Your student tour guide will give you a rose-tinted picture, but a student just hanging around campus is likely to be honest - this helps you avoid disillusionment when your first week of school isn't as charming as the tour.

Catherine

let your kids do what they feel is right. in the end the parent isnt the one going to school, it's the kid! and he/she needs to feel comfortable, ready and most importantly excited.