Sarah Lawrence College vs Bard College at Simon's Rock

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the core academic philosophies of Sarah Lawrence College and Bard College at Simon's Rock?

  Sarah Lawrence College emphasizes individualized learning through small seminar classes and close faculty mentorship, particularly through the conference system where students meet one-on-one with professors. Bard College at Simon's Rock, on the other hand, is specifically designed for students who are ready for college-level work after the 10th or 11th grade. It offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with a focus on early intellectual exploration and development within a close-knit community.

• How do the student bodies differ between Sarah Lawrence and Simon's Rock?

  Sarah Lawrence attracts a diverse student body with a wide range of interests and backgrounds, typically entering after completing high school. Simon's Rock students are unique in that they are generally younger, having entered college after completing the 10th or 11th grade. This creates a distinct atmosphere of precocious intellectual curiosity and a shared experience of accelerated academic growth.

• What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio at each college?

  Both colleges pride themselves on small class sizes. Sarah Lawrence typically has an average class size of around 12 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 9:1. Simon's Rock also maintains small classes, with an average of around 10 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of about 10:1. This ensures personalized attention and close interaction with professors at both institutions.

• How do the campuses and locations compare?

  Sarah Lawrence College is located in Bronxville, New York, a suburb of New York City, offering students easy access to the city's cultural and professional opportunities. Bard College at Simon's Rock is situated in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, a small town in the Berkshires, providing a more rural and intimate setting conducive to focused study and community building.

• What are the most popular academic programs at Sarah Lawrence and Simon's Rock?

  Sarah Lawrence is known for its strong programs in the humanities, creative arts (writing, theater, dance, music, visual arts), and social sciences. Simon's Rock offers a broad liberal arts curriculum, with popular programs including literature, political science, history, and the arts. Both colleges encourage interdisciplinary study and allow students to tailor their academic paths.

• What is the social atmosphere like at each college?

  Sarah Lawrence has a vibrant social scene, with many student-led clubs, organizations, and events, taking advantage of its proximity to New York City. Simon's Rock fosters a close-knit community due to its smaller size and residential focus. Social life revolves around campus events, student groups, and activities in the surrounding Berkshire region. Students at Simon's Rock often form strong bonds due to their shared experience of entering college at a younger age.

• How does the application process differ between the two colleges?

  While both colleges use a holistic review process, Simon's Rock specifically seeks students who demonstrate readiness for college-level work at an earlier age. Their application process often involves submitting high school transcripts from 9th and 10th (or 11th) grade, along with essays and recommendations that highlight intellectual maturity and readiness for college. Sarah Lawrence's application process is more typical of a four-year college, focusing on a student's overall academic record, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays.

• What are the postgraduate opportunities available to graduates of Sarah Lawrence and Simon's Rock?

  Graduates of both Sarah Lawrence and Simon's Rock pursue a wide range of postgraduate opportunities. Sarah Lawrence alumni often go on to careers in the arts, media, education, and social justice, as well as graduate studies in various fields. Simon's Rock alumni frequently attend top-tier universities for their bachelor's degrees (after completing their associate's degree at Simon's Rock) and pursue careers in academia, law, medicine, and other professional fields. The early college experience at Simon's Rock can provide a strong foundation for future academic and professional success.

• Do Sarah Lawrence and Simon's Rock offer athletic programs?

  Sarah Lawrence College participates in NCAA Division III athletics. Simon's Rock, due to its smaller size and academic focus, offers a range of recreational and intramural sports, but does not participate in NCAA intercollegiate athletics. Students interested in competitive athletics may find Sarah Lawrence a better fit.

• What kind of financial aid and scholarships are available at each institution?

  Both Sarah Lawrence and Simon's Rock are committed to making education accessible and offer need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships. The specific types and amounts of aid vary, so it's best to visit their respective financial aid websites and use their net price calculators to estimate the cost of attendance based on your family's financial situation. Both colleges encourage prospective students to apply for financial aid if needed.