Frequently Asked Questions RSC
RUSSELL SAGE COLLEGE
Women of Influence
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How large is the student body?
A. Approximately 800 women are full-time students at Russell Sage College.
Q. Where do students come from?
A. The RSC population includes women from throughout the United States and foreign countries. However, the majority of students are from the Northeast and Middle Atlantic States.
Q. Who is the typical Sage student?
A. There is really no typical Sage student in terms of background, beliefs or interests. Russell Sage College has a very diverse student body. Students embody the Sage motto, "To Be, To Know, To Do" in academics, athletics, club activities and community service.
Q: How do I arrange an overnight visit?
A: Overnight programs are scheduled in the fall. All students who have inquired about the college receive invitations in the mail. A student who is unable to come for a scheduled overnight may make other arrangements to visit by calling 1-888-VERY SAGE (1-888-837-9724).
Q. Where is Russell Sage College?
A. Russell Sage is located along the Hudson River in historic downtown Troy, New York, a city of nearly 50,000. Troy is located at the hub of air, bus, and superhighway transportation in the Capital District. Boston, New York City and Montreal are only three-hours away.
Q: What are the college's SAT cut-off scores?
A: Although we do not have cut-offs, the typical SAT profile is an average score of 1100. Other factors considered for admission include GPA (grade point average), interview, recommendations, activities, and essay.
Q: What GPA do I need?
A: The typical Russell Sage applicant has a B+ overall average in college preparatory classes.
Q: When will I be notified of the admission decision on my application?
A: Early decision applications must be completed by December 1. Decisions will be mailed December 15. Applicants whose credentials are complete will be notified of their status on a rolling basis -- as they are received and reviewed.
Q: What are the requirements for the Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy program?
A: To be admitted to the PT program as a first-year student, applicants must have at least an A- average overall; a minimum B average in biology, chemistry, physics, or advanced science courses; and be in the top third of her graduating class. SAT scores are also considered and must be at least 1100.
For the OT program, a first-year student must have an overall average of B+; a minimum B average in biology, chemistry, physics, or advanced science courses; and be in the top third of her graduating class. SAT scores are also considered and must be at least 1050.
Transfer students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. They are admitted with approval from the PT/OT faculty.
Q: Does the Creative Arts Therapy program require a portfolio/audition?
A: Yes. The CAT program requires a portfolio review for the art program and auditions for the dance and music programs. If it is not possible for the student to come for a live audition, she may send a tape.
Q: What about social life at a college for women?
A: Russell Sage shares the college town of Troy, NY with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and there are thirteen additional higher education institutions (and 60,000 students) within a fifty mile radius. The Capital District offers lots of social and cultural events such as concerts by Dave Matthews Band and Bruce Springsteen, exhibits and several minor league sports teams. Campus activities include student clubs and organizations such as language, ski and outing clubs (with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), career clubs, singing groups, religious groups, Black and Latin Student Alliance, and the United Nations club.
Q: What if my family circumstances change halfway through my college years?
A: Students may apply for financial aid at any time during their four years at Sage. If circumstances impacting your financial situation occur during the year, contact Office of Financial Aid.
Q: Will I have an advisor my first-year?
A: First-year students are assigned to a faculty advisor as well as a First-year Mentor Group with a faculty advisor and a peer counselor.
Q: What is the college's job placement record?
A: Within a year of graduation, over 90% of graduates are in a job related to their major or in graduate school.
Q: What is the academic calendar?
A: Since 1993, Russell Sage College has operated on a two-semester system. Two summer sessions are also offered.
Q: Can I take courses at other colleges?
A: Yes. Russell Sage belongs to the Hudson-Mohawk Consortium, an association of 14 colleges in the Capital District. If a student is interested in a course Sage does not offer, it is possible for her to take that course at one of the other Consortium schools. The student pays Russell Sage tuition and receives credit for the course, just as if she had taken it on the Sage campus.
Q: Do you offer ROTC?
A: RSC students may cross-enroll in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Air Force and Navy programs through Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). For details about these programs, please contact the Commanding Officer of the Air Force ROTC at RPI at (518) 276-6236 or the Commanding Officer of the Navy ROTC at RPI at (518) 276-6251. Students interested in the Army R0TC may contact the professor of military science at Siena College at (518) 783-2536.
Q: Does Russell Sage offer study abroad programs?
A: Sage sponsors several international study opportunities and is affiliated with other colleges for additional programs. Each year the College also offers a variety of foreign travel courses. For example, in the winter/spring of 2006 RSC offered students the chance to participate in short-term study abroad programs in Italy and Vietnam.
The Sage-sponsored program at the Center for Cross-Cultural Study in Seville, Spain, has become a tradition for a number of Sage students who can present satisfactory standing at the post-intermediate level of college Spanish. Students enrolled either in the sponsored or affiliated programs pay their regular tuition and room and board fees to Sage. Students are eligible to continue to receive financial aid during their time away from campus. Books, personal expenses, and the cost of travel are not covered.
Q: Can I get outside job experience in my field or major?
A: Yes. Most majors require an internship. Co-ops (paid internships) are also available. Last year one-third (1/3) of Sage students participated in internships at more than 900 sites.
Q: Can I transfer to Sage?
A: Yes. Transfer applications are accepted for all majors. Evaluation and placement are on an individualized and evaluated case-by-case; a GPA of 2.5 or higher is preferred, though some majors require a higher GPA. Courses with a grade of C- (2.0) or higher are considered for transfer credit. Transfer applications for all majors except Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information about transferring, call the Office of Admission at 1-888-VERY SAGE (1-888-837-9724).
Q. Is housing guaranteed on campus?
A. Housing is guaranteed for all four years. First-year students live together in Kellas-Slocum Hall. Manning Hall is available to seniors. Upperclass-women live in residence halls and brownstones. La Maison Francaise and La Casa Espanol are open to those students interested in modern languages and cultures. Students enrolled in the Honors Program may be eligible to live in special honors housing at Wool House. All dorm rooms are wired for cable, voice mail, and internet access. Students who live outside a 40 miles radius of campus are required to live on campus.
Q. Will I have a roommate? How are they chosen?
A. Most rooms are for two and some are for three students. First-year students can request specific roommates; however, most are assigned roommates on the basis of a questionnaire they complete. After the first year, students choose their own roommates.
Q. Can I commute to Russell Sage?
A. If you live within a 40 miles radius of campus, you can commute to RSC. Russell Sage College has a large, active commuter population. The new Buchman Pavilion, as well as the second floor of the student center (with lounges, lockers, and a kitchen) are specifically designed for commuting students.
Q. How's the food?
A. The food at Russell Sage is delicious, and there's plenty of it. The Sodexho Marriott Food Service provides fresh and healthy meals that are tasty and varied. Students with special needs are always accommodated. Five, nine, 12 and 19-meal plans are available to students with "munch money" options for snacks at the Sage Bistro Caf and Kiosk, located in the Buchman Pavilion.
Q. Is the campus wired?
A. The residence halls are all wired. All students, administrators, faculty and staff have access to the internet through Sagenet. The Academic Computer Center links terminals to mainframe computers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and to the State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany.
Q. May I bring my car?
A. First-year students are not allowed to have cars on campus. There is a shuttle between Sage campuses and public transportation (CDT) is easily accessible. Upperclass-women can bring a car to campus.
Q. How is security on campus?
A. Security at Russell Sage is excellent. The security program is staffed by knowledgeable security personnel some of whom are off-duty Troy Police officers. An escort service is available from dusk to midnight seven days a week. Emergency telephones, designated by blue lights, are located throughout the campus and residence halls are locked twenty-four hours a day.
