Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in the Summer Writer's Workshop for High School Students at Sarah Lawrence College. We have put together a list of the most common questions we receive about the program. Still have questions? Please contact the Office of College Events at collegeevents@sarahlawrence.edu or (914) 395-2412 and we will be happy to answer them for you! 

Q: Can you house my student on campus?
A: Unfortunately, we do not offer housing for students participating in the High School Writer's Workshop. The workshop offers the ideal opportunity to visit the NYC and Hudson Valley area. Most of our out of town participants stay with family and friends or at one of our area hotels. If you are interested in a residential writing program, please explore the other programs we offer for high school students and adults.

Q: Do you have a list of available housing in the area?
A: While we do not offer housing or have a list of available housing, we do have a list of hotels in the area. Many offer discounts to Sarah Lawrence College visitors. When booking the hotel be sure to inform them that you will be participating in an SLC program and would like to take advantage of any discounts offered. View area accommodations»

Q: What is the daily schedule?
A: Here's a look at a sample daily schedule:

Q: Can my student purchase food on campus?
A: Lunch and snacks are provided daily at no additional charge. The cost is included in the programming fee. Please alert us to any allergies or dietary restrictions before arriving to campus.

Q: Do parents need to accompany students to check in?
A: Parents and family members are invited to attend the welcome orientation on the first day. While not required, we do hope you join us. At the orientation you will hear from our directors, faculty and staff, as well as receiving additional information about the student’s time with the program. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and take a tour of the campus. There is no need for you to accompany your student to morning check-in for the remainder of the program.

Q: Can my student receive school credit?
A: We do not offer college credit for this program, though if requested we can send a letter to your student’s school confirming participation in our summer program.
 
Q: Will my student have homework?
A: Students typically do not receive homework but may be asked to come prepared for the next class with fresh ideas. It is important to note that each workshop is run independently and the work they will be asked to do is dependent on the faculty members.

Q: How many students per class?
A: Each workshop/group has 15 students that work closely with three faculty members.

Q: What is the age of the students in the classes?
A: The program is open to students entering 10th, 11th or 12th grade in the fall. Each group consists of equally distributed ages to bring a range of different voices and experiences to the class.

Q: Does my student need to be an advanced writer?
A: This program is for anyone who has a desire to become a writer—to discover or fine tune the skills they already have. Whether the student is a beginner or an advanced writer, the faculty works with each student to create and move toward individual goals in a supportive, noncompetitive environment.

Q: What is the theatre component of the program?
A: In the writer’s theatre workshops the creative process is explored in an intuitive and spontaneous fashion through improvisation, group projects, and games. Faculty and students participate together to give form and shape to both individual and collective expression. No prior theatre experience is necessary.

Q: Does my student need a computer?
A: Students are not required to bring computers and will have access while on campus to our Electronic Classroom in the Esther Rauschenbush Library. Individual student requests to use a computer should be discussed and arranged on the first day with workshop faculty.

Q: What should my student bring to campus?
A: Students are provided with a notebook and pen at orientation. Nothing else is required. Please do not bring valuables. We cannot be responsible for items that are lost or stolen on campus.

Q: Who are the instructors for the program?
A: Our courses are taught by dedicated education professionals and Master of Fine Arts Writing Program candidates from Sarah Lawrence College. We also have a large support staff available to you and your student to assist with any questions that may arise.

Q: When will I hear back about admission?
A: Upon receipt of your student’s application you will receive a confirmation e-mail either admitting your student to the program or placing the student on the waiting list. Admission is on a first come, first serve basis, and the program does fill up quickly. Those placed on the waiting list will be offered a place in the program on a rolling basis depending on availability.

Q: After my student is admitted when will we receive further information?
A: Admitted students and their families will receive an information packet in April that will contain an invoice, forms, preliminary schedule, and campus arrival information. All completed forms and payment must be returned to Sarah Lawrence College Office of College Events by June 4 to finalize participation in the program.   

Q: When will I hear back about scholarship acceptance?
A: Scholarships are offered on a first come, first serve need basis until all scholarships have been allocated.

Q: What transportation options are available for my student to get to campus?
A: Sarah Lawrence College is located in proximity to various transportation systems. Students can take the Metro North commuter rail to the Bronxville train station and take a 10 minute walk or three minute cab ride to campus. The Westchester Bee-Line Bus operates from Bronx subway stations to campus and throughout Westchester County. For complete schedule of the local bus and commuter train services and local cab company please refer to the links below.

If you are interested in carpooling please note that on the application. Once we have a complete participant list we will facilitate the sharing of contact information with participants coming from the same areas. We cannot guarantee carpool arrangements.