Goucher College Admissions

This year, we celebrate 125 years of excellence in education.  In keeping with annual tradition, we began this milestone year with our opening celebration. Our mascot, the Goucher Gopher, and our African drum ensemble Fritete led students in a parade of the classes, with each year dressing in a different color.  Following remarks from our Chaplain, Cynthia Terry and other faculty, staff, and student speakers, the entire community enjoyed an outdoor barbeque.  Wouldn’t you like to be a part of this?

The students march down our major footpath, the Van Meter Highway:

Some intrepid seniors (in red) overtake the lead from the freshmen (in blue):

Michael Curry, France-Merrick Professor in Service-Learning, addressing the community:

We’re thrilled that our students have returned to campus for the start of the new school year.  Here are some photos documenting their experiences checking in:

Orientation committee members helping a first-year student check in:

Families started lining up well before check-in began:

Checking course schedules:

SGA President Evan S. helping students check in:

This year’s first-year class continues Goucher’s tradition of academic excellence, and we are excited to welcome them into to the Goucher community.

At Goucher, we firmly believe that your major does not dictate what you’ll be doing for the rest of your life.  It’s a way to focus your undergraduate studies, but it will not limit the rest of the classes you can take, or the careers you can pursue once you graduate.  We asked some of our students to share their experiences with choosing and declaring a major at Goucher:

When I first came to Goucher, I was really interested in International Relations. I am a part of the International Scholars Program, which means I still get a global perspective in other parts of my academic life. I started taking voice lessons the beginning of my sophomore year with Prof. Betty Ridgeway and I was hooked! She came from Morgan State University, with loads of experience and advice (which I really needed) and I knew quickly that music was what I was most passionate about. I had always been on the fence about pursuing a career in music because you don’t really know what to expect.  I think it was my destiny because no matter what I do, it always comes back to music.  So, before I left for Ghana this semester, I officially declared a Music major with a concentration in Vocal Performance.   - Nenelwa T. is a junior from Tanzania (by way of Massachusetts)

At Goucher, you are not required to declare a major until the end of the spring semester of your sophomore year.  This gives you four semesters to take pretty much whatever you want – lots of time to dabble in many different areas.   Even if you come in knowing exactly what your major is going to be, use this time to explore some other courses of study.  Take photography.  Take horseback riding.  Take the course on Russian fairy tales.  Take whatever you want!  You might find you want to major in something completely different from what you had originally anticipated.  Once you are certain of a major, you need to select a faculty advisor in that department.  Typically, this is a professor you have had for at least one course in the department – hopefully someone you are familiar with, and who is familiar with you.  There is a form you will need to have signed, both by your new advisor, and your previous one (the one you’ve had since freshman year).  You drop the form off at Student Administrative Services, and congratulations! You are declared.  - Claire R. is a senior from Florida

When I first entered Goucher, I wanted to major in Business Administration… but when I took the introductory course in Psychology I fell in love with the curriculum and the professors in the department.  I found all of them to be very warm and accessible.  I feel that it is important for every student to feel welcomed in his field of interest, and here at Goucher you get just that.  Although you are required to declare your major by the end of your sophomore year, you are still free to explore classes in any other area.  - Angelo H. is a senior from Maryland

I am pursuing a double major in English and Sociology.  For me, senior year is class-cramming time.  I’m taking four English courses and one Sociology course.  I finished all of my general education requirements and don’t have time to take classes just for fun.  I am a double major and I studied abroad for a semester in Italy, so every semester has been really packed for me.  It was worth it, though.  I am taking Short Story Writing, Literary Theory, Creative Nonfiction, an Oscar Wilde seminar, and a seminar on the Sociology of Mental Health.  All are required for my two majors.  - Jaime B. is a senior from Connecticut

Although most students do not know what they want to major in when they first arrive on campus, I did.  I absolutely love being a Music major! I find it both challenging and rewarding.  Within many majors, there are specializations called concentrations. In Music, you can have a concentration in instrumental or vocal performance, music theory & composition, music history, computer music, jazz studies, musical theater and music and arts administration.  Although you are majoring in a particular department, that does not mean that you can only take courses in that field.  Although I am a Music major, I have taken business courses, sciences courses, philosophy courses and literature courses.  The beauty of a liberal arts curriculum is that you can take a slate of diverse classes that contribute to a well rounded person.  Do not stress over your major! If you do not know when you come in, that is just fine! After taking courses the first year and a half you will begin to get a feel of what subjects and areas you enjoy.  - Arreon H. is a senior from Maryland

Tags: Angelo H., Arreon H., Claire R., Jaime B., Nenelwa T.

In preparation for fall orientation, we asked one of our tour guides, Jaime B., to give us her tips for incoming students.

My first bit of advice is not to have any expectations.  There are a lot of things out there like Facebook, websites that rate professors, websites that rate schools themselves…none of that matters.  It doesn’t matter because none of those people who said all of those things about Goucher, whether awesome or atrocious, are you.

You will not be able to predict what your experience at Goucher will be like until you come here and take the time to find out.  You don’t know which classes you’ll like, what your professors will be like, or most importantly, the people that you will meet.  You don’t even know what your day-to-day schedule will be like.  So, don’t arrive at Goucher with a set scenario in your mind.  Don’t expect specific things to happen.  Whatever you’re thinking isn’t reality, it’s a day dream.  What happens when you come to Goucher is reality, so let it happen.  Embrace the change and remain open to new people.  It’s the best way to accept and adapt to everything around you.

Also, don’t worry about making a set group of friends right away.  I made three close friends first semester of freshman year, but I don’t recall being that close to anyone else.  They were and still are some of best friends, but I wanted to meet other people.  And I did.  Getting acquainted with a college is a process.  It takes time.  Don’t think that you’re the only person who isn’t finding their niche, or that you’re the only person who doesn’t exactly like their situation at Goucher.  It takes months to get comfortable and even longer to make your experience your own.  I didn’t start finding my way at Goucher until sophomore year.  Now, I still have those three best friends in addition to a ton of others.  I know what role I play on campus.  I have no doubts that this year will be amazing.

Jaime B. is a senior from Connecticut.

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We’ve welcomed hundreds of visitors onto campus this summer, all of them excited - and many of them nervous - about the college search.  We asked one of our summer tour guides, Arreon H., for his tips on the college search:

First, I think that before you delve too far into your college search, you should compile a list of what is important for you to have in a college. Things that could be included on this list are: possible majors, sports (check to make sure that your prospective school has your sport), clubs, religious life, social environment, location, etc.  Just figure out what you want from a school.  (Please notice that I left finances off that list.  I will explain that later.)  Once you have your list of things that are important to you, make that your checklist for the schools that you will research.  If a school does not have one of the things on your list, that’s OK, but do take note of it.

My next piece of advice is for you to truly narrow down the schools that you think you would like to apply to and/or visit.  Narrowing your list down early will relieve a lot of stress when it comes down to visiting schools and ultimately making your decision.  Applying to fifteen schools and having to choose between them is stressful!  The most important part of researching schools is VISITING the school.  Visiting the school will give you a feel for the campus, the area where the campus is located, the students, the professors and how classes are taught.  No matter how much you look at a school’s website, the best way to get a sense of a school is to visit.  Take a tour of the school, ask questions.  If there is something on your checklist that is not offered, bring that up when you talk to your tour guide or admissions counselor.  After you have done all of your research, decide which schools you want to apply to.  Try not to apply to too many schools as it can be overwhelming.  Make sure you keep track of the various application deadlines, not only for admissions but also for financial aid.

So, let’s talk about financing your education.  To be considered for financial aid at Goucher, you’ll need to submit a few different documents, and you should be in touch with the Office of Student Financial Aid if you have any questions about filling out those forms.  The Admissions Office also awards merit-based scholarships every year.  There are also many outside scholarships available, through various organizations or programs.  Apply for as many scholarships as possible and see what turns up.  In the end, you will choose a school that you feel is the right fit and that is affordable.  I have to say though, it is better to take out a few loans than to go to a school where you know you won’t be as happy.  The entire college search can be confusing, scary and downright ugly!  Just stay organized and keep track of deadlines and you will be just fine.

Arreon H. is a senior from Columbia, MD

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To get a sense of a typical weekend at Goucher, we asked a few students and our Director of Athletics to give us the inside scoop on weekends, from their perspectives:

To have a good time at Goucher what I can tell you is this: weekends are as fun as you make them. Goucher is not a party school, that much is for certain. You don’t have to stay on campus to have a good time, and often it’s more fun to break up the monotony of dorm room parties by hopping on the Collegetown Shuttle and riding it as far as the Inner Harbor. Last week, a few of my friends and I took the Shuttle to Hopkins to watch their improv comedy troupe “Buttered Nibblits”. They were hilarious, and it was very easy to get there (and only cost this poor college student $1 to get in). On weekends that I don’t get off campus, which is most of them, what I do with my time depends on what time of the year it is. During volleyball season, my weekends are typically spent traveling with the team or just trying to catch up on the homework I couldn’t finish while trekking across Pennsylvania in a cramped bus. In season we also have a “48 hour rule” before games, which basically translates to a dry season. So, no drinking, just a lot of sober team bonding. Spring semester leaves me with significantly more free time and no rules about when I am required to be sober (aside from the basic, legal ones). Therefore most of my weekends are spent drinking in a dorm with a few friends, and then once we’re warm and mellow we wander around campus, meeting up with friends and joining random parties. It’s a different weekend college atmosphere than any school with frat houses or athlete houses, but it can be just as much fun. As long as you don’t hole up in your room and wait for the party to come to you, you’ll be well occupied during your weekend nights. - Rebecca S., a sophomore from New Jersey

A typical athletic weekend in the Spring here at Goucher means a few teams are home and a few are away. At this time of year it is not uncommon for us to have a home men’s lacrosse game at 1:00 pm with approximately 450 spectators in attendance, and a men’s and women’s tennis match that begins at noon. Students will normally stand at the fence for lacrosse games, and cheer on their friends and classmates. Fans at tennis matches are more subdued and they generally cheer for a specific friend. When the weather is nice it is normal for fans to sit on the grass and watch both contests. Our athletic facilities open up at 10:00 am on weekends so students will begin trickling in as they wake up and then traffic will become heaviest in our Cardio Fitness Center around 1:00 pm. Sundays are a big day for intramurals: soccer, ultimate Frisbee on the fields, beach volleyball in the residential quad. - Geoff Miller, Director of Athletics and Physical Education

I would like to warn you that this does not happen every weekend; it varies depending on how difficult my week was, or how lazy I feel on a particular weekend. Friday afternoon is usually my favorite part of the weekends. It usually feels like I have accomplished something during the week and a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. After my last class, I usually slide under my very warm and comfortable sheets and take a nap, not worrying about dinner, or anything else. I am a night owl, and it has not hurt me yet (and hopefully, I’ll get better at planning before it actually hurts me). But, I would not advise anyone to do the same because it’s probably not healthy. I am trying to do my homework on Friday nights to avoid a fatal situation; that is probably the best route to succeed at school, and still have an enjoyable weekend. Saturday morning I clean my side of the room, think about starting my homework, and get ready for fencing practice at 2. Afterwards it’s usually dark outside and I don’t usually want to go anywhere else, so I usually watch more movies until I fall asleep. When Sunday comes around, I am usually worried about not having enough time to do my homework (this happens every Sunday, and for some reason, I always have the same reaction…). Some Sundays I go to Church and others not, depending of how I feel. Nonetheless, Sunday is the most important day of my weekend because I have to get all my homework done for the next few days. - Sophia A., a transfer student from Florida (by way of Haiti)

Last semester, I was constantly going to parties held all over Baltimore in a bunch of different clubs. These parties are usually advertised on Facebook. At these parties there are a whole bunch of different college students from around the Baltimore area. I’ve met students from Loyola, Towson, and Morgan; we’ve had it poppin in the clubs few times and have become real cool with each other. However, I do think that the parties on campus are quite interesting. Last semester, HOLA (Hispanic Organization for Learning and Awareness) threw a glowstick reggaeton party down in the Gopher Hole and it was one of the best parties I’ve been to this year. There were students from Morgan and Towson mingling right along with Goucher students. Then sometimes I hear about a party thrown in someone’s room and that’s usually just everyone being packed in a room, drinking and dancing (not necessarily at the same time or in that order). You get to meet different people from different groups. You’ll find that you guys have a lot in common, and will ask each other “Why haven’t I met you before?” Then you guys will be hanging out (its extremely hard to stick-out and not find friends here). And some weekends I just like to chill with my friends. Sunday where the library is my home though, but that only because once I’m done with my Friday classes, school work becomes a secondary obligation. The library may sound boring, but I go there with friends and we chill out after a long weekend and get our work done. I think Goucher location is perfect because eventhough I am in the “Goucher Bubble” I find it easy to get out, allowing me to party hard and still keep my grades up. - Jenn I., a sophomore from Maryland

Tags: Jenn I., Rebecca S., Sophia A.

First impressions mean a lot - maybe not everything, but a lot. Think of the first time you step onto a college’s campus. What do you see? How’s the weather? Can you see yourself here? In their own words, here are three of our students’ first impressions of Goucher…

When I came to Goucher for the very first time there was an unseasonable rain storm that came down in sheets and soaked clothes within minutes. Needless to say, my tour was a haphazard running between buildings and dripping on to the tiled floors yet it didn’t put a damper on the way that felt about this school. Despite the inclement weather, I fell in love with the campus. It was a little gorgeous corner of earth right next to a big city and I thought it was perfect. I could just imagine the students sitting on the quad studying or playing volley ball on a warm spring day just like my tour guide described and I knew that I wanted to become a student at Goucher. As soon as we got in to the car and drove to the hotel, I turned to my grandma and said to her that I really liked this place and could totally see myself going to school at Goucher. A lengthy conversation ensued, banter about what dorm I wanted to live in , if I would do sports here, what kind of classes interested me and the fact that I wouldn’t have to deal with nearly as much snow as at home. She also told me that this was her third time visiting the school. I was so surprised by that and she explained that both she and my mother considered attending Goucher, and that she regretted not coming here. Her revelation really resonated with me; I knew that I didn’t want to pass this opportunity up and I’m so glad that I didn’t. - Abby C., a sophomore from Massachusetts

My first impression of Goucher was most definitely influenced by my total lack of sense of direction. I was scheduled to meet a volleyball player, Rachel, at the Sports and Recreation Center (SRC) that morning. For some reason my mother and I could not figure out where we were going as we drove around the campus loop road, trying to figure out which building was the SRC. We thought we had found it, but weren’t sure, so we drove the loop… again. When Rachel (my current friend and teammate) called to figure out where my mother and I were, we discovered that somehow my mother and I had ended up behind the SRC near the dance studios. Needless to say, I was sure that I was never going to be able to figure out where I was going on campus. It was the middle of February, it had snowed the night before and the campus was covered in a layer of snow that was mostly undisturbed. I remember wishing I had brought a hat, but also being shocked by the fact that my guide, despite it being 9 in the morning, seemed genuinely interested in making sure that I enjoyed my experience that day. I felt welcomed and could tell that she sincerely enjoyed meeting me. It was a sharp contrast to some of the other schools I visited where I had to follow the volleyball coaches around to get them to acknowledge my existence, or when the other schools’ official tour guides presented a “holier-than-though” attitude that made me feel unwelcome. - Rebecca S., a sophomore from New Jersey

My First Impression of Goucher… hmmm! I do not think that there is one particular word for it. Being at Goucher is like being at home away from home. I personally like to think of Goucher as the land of opportunity: Anything is possible. I am an introverted person, and believe it or not, I was able to find comfort in this little community that I like to call my “second home.” At first, I was extremely skeptical, considering I’m from Florida, and I did not know anyone here. As you may have imagined, the cold was a welcome to be remembered, but it would take more than that to discourage me. If you are like me, reserved, adventurous, and love to travel, Goucher as I found out, is the place to be. The school sight is splendid. Even if you don’t like nature, you’ll learn to appreciate its beauty. I remember thinking, “Is this really a college?” Becoming a student at Goucher is like becoming part of a big family. My advice is to be open-minded, and try different things; it’s only a matter of time before everything comes together. - Sophia A., a transfer student from Florida (by way of Haiti)

Tags: Abby C., Rebecca S., Sophia A.