Overview
Sarah Lawrence College is a moderately selective private four-year institution in Bronxville, New York. The school accepts 49.9% of applicants and enrolls 1,468 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 49.9%
- Average SAT
- 1,355
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,260–1,450
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 31
- Total Enrollment
- 1,468
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Sarah Lawrence College operates without distribution requirements, letting you design your own academic path through individual conferences with professors instead of traditional majors. Your application should showcase intellectual independence and genuine curiosity about creating unconventional academic combinations.
Write about specific interdisciplinary connections you want to explore. The college's conference system pairs each student with faculty for personalized research projects, so mention particular professors whose work aligns with your interests. Reference specific courses like "The Science of Cooking" or "Psychology of Criminal Behavior" that blend disciplines in ways you cannot find elsewhere.
Your essays matter more here than at most colleges. Sarah Lawrence requires a graded analytical paper from high school along with your personal statement. Choose your strongest piece of writing that shows critical thinking, not just good grades. The admissions committee reads extensively, so avoid generic college essay topics.
The campus attracts students who prefer seminars over lectures and want professors to know their names. Class sizes cap at fifteen students, creating an environment where quiet students cannot hide and discussion-averse applicants struggle. You will spend significant time in small groups analyzing texts, presenting research, and defending ideas.
Sarah Lawrence students tend to be politically engaged, artistically inclined, and academically unconventional. The college draws future writers, therapists, and social workers more than future investment bankers or engineers. Greek life does not exist, and traditional college sports play a minimal role in campus culture.
Apply early decision if Sarah Lawrence ranks as your top choice, as the college admits a higher percentage of early applicants. The application opens in August with a January deadline for regular decision. Submit your graded paper early since formatting and uploading can create technical issues.
Financial aid tends to be generous, but run the net price calculator before applying. The college meets full demonstrated need for most students, making it accessible despite the high sticker price.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $21,132/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $63,678
- Students Receiving Aid
- 13%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 70.0%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,603/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 84.4%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sarah Lawrence College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Sarah Lawrence College is test-optional and does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
Does Sarah Lawrence College offer Early Decision or Early Action?
Sarah Lawrence College offers Early Decision I (deadline November 15) and Early Decision II (deadline January 15). Both are binding admission options with higher acceptance rates than regular decision.
What is the application deadline for Sarah Lawrence College?
The regular decision application deadline for Sarah Lawrence College is January 15. Early Decision I is due November 15 and Early Decision II is due January 15.
Can transfer students apply to Sarah Lawrence College?
Sarah Lawrence College accepts transfer students for fall and spring semesters. Transfer applicants must submit college transcripts and typically need at least 24 college credits to be considered for transfer admission.