The process of preparing a path to graduate school can begin as early as a student’s first year on campus. The critical thinking, independent primary research, experiential learning, and analytical skills at the heart of the Sarah Lawrence education are essential ingredients to one’s success as a graduate student. Still, because graduate school course requirements range from none to several specific prerequisites, it is important to know graduate program requirements. Students who begin exploring program options early in their college careers are in a better position to make informed course selections that provide the necessary foundation to become a competitive graduate school applicant. Students should seek the guidance of their dons, who can serve as an important resource for how best to research and approach their applications.
Sarah Lawrence College provides three pre-professional advising programs for continued study in education, health, and law to support students in their professional development.
The Office of Career Services can also assist with the application process through individual counseling and workshops.
Five Year Programs
Undergraduate students can begin graduate work during their senior year and earn their master’s degree in their fifth year through four of Sarah Lawrence College’s unique graduate programs: The Art of Teaching (BA/MSEd), Child Development (BA/MA), Dance/Movement Therapy (BA/MS), and Health Advocacy (BA/MA). The Art of Teaching master’s program prepares students for the three exams necessary for New York State certification in Early Childhood/Childhood Education, providing them with the flexibility to work in pre- schools, elementary schools, and middle schools. The Dance/Movement Therapy master’s program prepares students to take the New York State licensing exam for creative arts therapists and to receive the R-DMT credential from the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) upon graduation.
Students apply in the early Spring of their junior year, no later than March 1. Students studying abroad during their junior year are encouraged to apply early.
Students interested in applying to one of the five year programs should attend a Five Year Programs Info Session and speak with the Program Director before applying. Applications should be submitted in the early Spring of the student's junior year (no later than March 1). Students' applications will be reviewed by both the graduate program and by the Dean of Studies office. Students should plan to complete at least 90 undergraduate credits before entering their senior year and the five year program.
For more information, please contact the Graduate Studies Office at 914-395-2373 or at gradadministration@sarahlawrence.edu.
Pre-Health Program
The Pre-Health Program in the Dean of Studies Office strives to guide and support students each step of the way as they explore and pursue a career in the health professions. Through individual advising, group advising sessions, workshops, and programming, the Pre-Health Program provides students with a rich array of academic and advising information and resources.The goal is for students to feel connected, integrated, and supported by our pre-health community of students, faculty, and staff.
The Pre-Health Program partners with faculty and many campus offices to offer pre-health students academic guidance and scholarly opportunities; access to clinical, research, and community programs; and support in preparing for application to health professional programs. Students in the program have significant contact with the pre-health adviser, Dean Melinda Perlo Cohen, to receive guidance and advisement.
Prerequisites and Recommended Classes
To meet the course requisites for the majority of health professional schools in the United States, students supplement required courses in biology, chemistry, and physics with additional courses offered by the division, as well as courses in social sciences and the humanities. This course work will also prepare students to successfully complete the standardized entrance exams (e.g., MCAT, DAT) required by medical and dental schools. In addition, conference work provides students with opportunities to develop original research projects, pursue independent learning, and critically examine professional literature—skills fundamental to future success in health professional programs.
The majority of medical and dental programs in the United States require/recommend applicants to successfully complete the following courses:
- two semesters of general chemistry with labs
- two semesters of organic chemistry with labs
- one semester of biochemistry
- two semesters of general biology with labs
- one to two semesters of upper level biology (strongly recommended)
- two semesters of physics with labs
- two semesters of writing and/or English (may be satisfied by your First-Year Seminar, may use AP/IB credits)
- one to two semesters of calculus and/or statistics (may use AP/IB credits)
- one to two courses in social or behavioral sciences (strongly recommended)
- One to two semesters of SLC EmbeddED (strongly recommended)
For students interested in pursuing veterinary medicine, physician assistant, nursing, or other allied health programs (e.g. physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc.), please consult with the Pre-Health Program and the individual programs’ admissions websites as prerequisites may vary.
More information about academic preparation as well as all other aspects of the Pre-health Program can be found on the Pre-Health Program MySLC site.
Questions? Contact Dean Melinda Perlo Cohen at mcohen@sarahlawrence.edu or 914-323-6230.
TThe Student Pre-Health Alliance of SLC
he Pre-Health Alliance, our College’s pre-health student organization, serves to promote a community for pre-health students to engage with one another. The Alliance is governed by a student board to encourage leadership and teamwork. The Alliance meets biweekly and engages in a variety of activities, such as study groups and workshops. In addition, they cosponsor an annual alumni program in the spring open to the entire Sarah Lawrence community. The Alliance board members also serve as an advisory board to the Pre-Health Program, advised by Dean Melinda Perlo Cohen. The advisory board ensures strong lines of communication between student leadership and the administration to meet the interests and needs of the student community. If you are interested in joining the Pre-Health Alliance, please contact prehealthcommunity@gm.slc.edu.
Orientations, Workshops, Guest Speakers, and Other Programs
Each year, the Pre-Health Program offers an array of workshops and programs to guide and support pre-health students and alumni, including an annual event with the Office of Alumni Relations. During registration week, the Pre-Health Program hosts an orientation session for all incoming students as well as a session dedicated to returning students. Throughout the year, there are several workshops and programs geared toward supporting students and alumni preparing for their application to medical school.
Committee Letter of Evaluation
Sarah Lawrence students and alumni applying to medical and dental schools are eligible to receive the College’s Committee Letter of Evaluation. This institutional letter is composed by our College’s Pre-Health Advisory Committee, which includes our science faculty and administrative deans, and serves to holistically assess an applicant’s level of preparedness and fit for entry into their desired health professional program. Our Committee Letter of Evaluation is highly valued by health professional schools’ admissions committees.
Applicants wishing to receive a Committee Letter of Evaluation must declare their intent to apply in the fall semester prior to the summer in which they plan to apply to medical or dental programs (for example, applicants wishing to apply to medical school in the summer of 2021 to matriculate in 2022 must inform the Pre-Health dean of their intent to apply in fall 2020). For more information, please contact the Pre- Health Program at prehealthadvising@sarahlawrence.edu.
What to Do Next – Students wishing to join the Pre-Health Program should visit the program website and check out the “Getting Started” checklist to connect with the program and its resources. You can also e-mail any questions to prehealthadvising@sarahlawrence.edu.
Pre-Law Program
This program offers a variety of panels to provide insight into the work of lawyers and the demands of a legal career, legal education, and anticipating law school. Receive individual counseling and access group meetings with programming that focuses on the law school admission process and the field of law in general. The pre-law advisers provide a full range of information and counseling to help you plan your legal career: course selection, resume building, LSAT prep, and assistance in helping you explore your interest in a legal career.
Call or e-mail to make an appointment with either of our pre-law advisers:
Angela Cherubini
Director of Career Services
914.395.2566
acherubini@sarahlawrence.edu
Mark Shulman
History Faculty Member
917.400.1879
mshulman@sarahlawrence.edu