How to strengthen your Lawrence application

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What Lawrence weights most

Lawrence favors intellectually curious students with clear academic and creative interests, especially applicants who can contribute to its conservatory and cross-disciplinary liberal arts programs. They value demonstrated musical achievement or sustained commitment to an art, evidence of collaborative leadership in small-group settings, and academic curiosity that fits a seminar-style curriculum; they are looser than peers on single-minded STEM trajectories but stricter about fit for conservatory-level music and ensemble participation.

Supplemental essay strategy

For essays, name specific Lawrence resources you will use, for example the Conservatory of Music faculty, the Artist-in-Residence series, the New York Times Institute partnerships, or the Off-Campus Study options, and explain a concrete plan for participation in ensembles, chamber groups, or cross-college projects. If applying to the conservatory, include recordings, repertoire choices, and brief context about training; if applying to the LAC track, show how you will integrate music or another campus strength into your academic program.

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Where to focus next

If you only have time for one thing this month, do this:

1. Read 2 admitted-student essays from Lawrence (search official admissions site or Reddit r/lawrence). Notice the level of specificity — that's the bar.
2. Write the ‘why this school’ supplement first, before anything else. If you can't fill 250 words with school-specific reasons, pick a different school.
3. Find one current student to ask about their experience — admissions offices often connect prospective applicants with current students. The follow-up email becomes specific essay material.