Goucher College Admissions

Most of our admissions counselors have returned from their hectic lives on the road and are now gearing up to read applications.  One of the common questions we heard this fall was “should I apply Early Decision?”

The Early Decision admissions program is designed for students who are certain beyond any doubt that Goucher is their number one college choice.  Early Decision is a phrase used by colleges and universities around the country to describe binding admissions programs, meaning that if you’re admitted, you’re making an (excited!) agreement to attend that college.  Therefore, students only apply to one college Early Decision, binding them to attend that college if admitted.  Applying as an Early Decision candidate is a great indicator to the Admissions Committee that Goucher is your first choice.  Our first round of Early Decision applications are due on November 15, and these students will hear from the Admissions Committee by December 15.

One of the common misconceptions of Early Decision programs is that they don’t allow students to seek financial aid.  Though we can’t speak for all colleges, at Goucher we know that’s not the case.  Our Early Decision applicants are treated the same way we treat the rest of our admitted applicants as far as merit- and need-based financial assistance is concerned.

We use the Common Application for admission, and in our supplement to the application we ask students what has motivated them to apply to Goucher.  A quick survey of responses from this year’s Early Decision applicants confirms that students consider Goucher for a wide variety of reasons, including our first-rate academic reputation and programs, our commitment to global perspectives through our required study abroad experience, our competitive and challenging athletics programs, and our values-oriented community.

If you have additional questions about applying Early Decision, post a comment and we’ll be happy to help you out!