Sarah Lawrence vs. Bard. vs. Oberlin

Midwestmomofboys
Tue, 23 Mar 2021 14:15:56 +0000

Bard and Sarah Lawrence are each “distinctive” in terms of the college experience, with a more unusual academic structure compared to many other LACs. At Bard, students go through “moderation” at the end of their second year to apply for upper level status and be admitted to their major. We understand from students and faculty we know that some departments, especially in the arts, are very very competitive, and students may not be accepted. Sarah Lawrence is more interdisciplinary, tutorial style learning, much more student-directed – great for the kind of student who flourishes in that environment. As both schools are so different from other LACs, some students may transfer out after realizing it is not the right fit for them.

Oberlin would be the most “traditional” LAC of the three, though certainly an artsy and intensely academic community. Oberlin requires 2 courses in 3 different areas of study, plus assorted quantitative and writing requirements. My kid went to another Ohio LAC with similar requirements and never found them difficult to meet, plus he enjoyed taking classes in different fields and meeting students from other disciplines. We’ve visited Oberlin a lot, between both our kids who considered it, including one who went through athletic recruiting there. Campus has a range of architectural styles, and the town green is the college’s “front yard,” with town shops right there. While not as easy as an Amtrak ride from Boston, Boston to Oberlin wouldn’t be bad, with a non-stop flight and then campus shuttle to/from airport which is about 30-45 min. Oberlin seems like the least risky, most “moderate” choice for a student who has not been able to visit. The other two are very distinctive and a student either loves them or is left cold by them.

At each school, do double check on how financial aid/merit aid works for study abroad programs.