Goucher Admissions Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a visit
Can I visit the campus and learn more about the college?
A visit to the campus can provide you with a personal experience that helps you better assess the educational environment at Goucher and its suitability to you and your interests. Personalized campus visits, scheduled in advance, may include a tour, class visits, and meetings with members of the community such as students, faculty, athletic coaches, and staff. Additionally, open house programs are scheduled periodically throughout the year, and tours are available on selected Saturdays during the academic semesters.
We encourage you to learn more about the opportunities we offer for our visitors. If you would like to visit Goucher, please call the main Admissions number at 410-337-6100 or 1-800- GOUCHER ext. 6100 and speak with one of our receptionists.
A reminder to our visiting guests, campus tours and information sessions can be scheduled up to one day in advance; however, class visits, overnight stays and professor meetings require two weeks' advance notice. We look forward to seeing you on Goucher's campus soon.
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Preparing for Goucher
What do you look for in an applicant?
The Admissions Committee seeks applications from students who have the ability to succeed academically at Goucher College and who, as individuals, feel they can contribute positively to the college's diverse community of scholars. Chosen from over 4000 applicants, the 400 new students attending Goucher represent 36 states and territories and 6 foreign countries. The most successful applicants to Goucher bring with them a commitment to their academic development along with a wide variety of talents, interests, and extracurricular involvement. The selection process at Goucher is highly individualized, and members of the Admissions Committee will read every application. All credentials are carefully reviewed, with particular attention paid to personal qualities and intellectual promise.
What classes should I take during high school to prepare for Goucher College?
The quality of courses as well as achievement is extremely important in preparing for Goucher. A sound preparation includes at least 16 units of college preparatory subjects, although most successful applicants offer beyond the minimum of 16. Since Goucher's program requires a distribution of subjects over a wide range of academic fields, the applicant's high school program should include at minimum the following (each unit equivalent to one year):
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English - 4 units
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Mathematics - 3 or 4 units: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry
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Foreign Language - 2 units, preferably in the same language
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Laboratory Sciences - 2 or 3 units, preferably Biology and Chemistry
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Social Studies - 2 or 3 units
At its discretion, the Admissions Committee may allow entrance credits for work in elected subjects not listed above or may accept a student whose school program does not include the usual number of entrance units. The quality and grade average of the candidates' secondary schoolwork are considered in relation to the standards of their programs, and of different schools. For example, a "B" in a fourth year of mathematics carries more weight than an "A" in a non-college-preparatory elective. Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and honors courses also carry more weight than standard courses.
What are the GPA and SAT requirements for admission?
There is no minimum requirement for GPA or SAT score at Goucher, and we no longer require the SAT or ACT for admissions consideration. The average GPA for our most recent class was 3.2 (unweighted, looking at core academic courses only). The average SAT score was approximately 1180, looking at the critical reading and mathematics sections.
What standardized tests does Goucher require for admission?
Beginning with the 2007-08 application cycle, Goucher adopted an admissions test optional program, where test score (SAT Reasoning Test and ACT with writing) submission is optional when applying for admission. You must indicate on the application supplement your preference for use of test scores in determining admission. Test scores must be submitted to be considered for merit funding, a process separate from determining admission. Scores submitted for merit funding consideration will not be used in determining admission to Goucher College. Applicants who are not native speakers of English are expected to submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 550 (213 on computer-based exam, 79-80 on internet-based exam) is necessary for application review.
Is the SAT II required?
SAT II Subject Exams are not required for admission consideration, but may in some cases provide the Admissions Committee with a clearer understanding of an applicant's skill level in certain academic areas, particularly in subject areas identified as strengths.
Do you accept AP tests for credit?
Goucher generally accepts scores of 4 or 5 on AP exams for placement and credit. Course placement is determined by the individual academic department.
What if I'm in an IB curriculum?
In addition to recognizing the rigor of the IB curriculum in the admissions review process, Goucher will grant credit for IB exam scores of at least 5 in higher-level subject areas. Students who earn a full IB diploma may be considered for sophomore standing; course placement is at the discretion of each department.
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The Application Process
I've heard about the Common Application. Does Goucher accept it?
Absolutely--and starting in Fall 2008, it's the only application form we accept. Over 90% of our applicants apply through the Common App website.
Is there any supplemental information required if I fill out the Common App?
Yes, but we promise it won't take too long to fill out. The supplement should be submitted along with your application. You can take a look at a printable version of the supplement (PDF), but we hope that you'll submit it electronically along with your Common App. Learn more about the Common App process here.
What do I need to submit for admissions consideration?
In Goucher's selective review process, members of the Admissions Committee read every application carefully. The application process differs depending on your education history.
A complete first-year student application includes:
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Common Application form and Goucher supplement
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$55 application fee or NACAC/College Board fee waiver
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essay with a minimum of 500 words (from the Common App)
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official high school transcript (grade 9 and up), listing courses in progress
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Secondary School Report with letter of recommendation from your college counselor or adviser
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recommendation letter from an academic teacher
A complete transfer student application includes:
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Common Application form and Goucher supplement
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$55 application fee or NACAC/College Board fee waiver
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essay with a minimum of 500 words (from the Common App)
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official college transcript
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official course descriptions
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recommendation letter from an academic teacher or professor
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official high school transcript (for applicants applying with fewer than 30 attempted credits)
A complete international student application includes the above requirements, and:
A complete home-educated student application includes:
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Common Application form and Goucher supplement
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$55 application fee or NACAC/College Board fee waiver
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essay with a minimum of 500 words (from the Common App)
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home-educated transcript (with a description of the educational program, a listing of courses taken, and grades and/or progress reports from ninth grade onward)
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two letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, coaches, or community service leaders who are not immediate family members
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on-campus interview
In addition to confirming a student’s continued success throughout the last year of secondary school, a final transcript is required for students wishing to be considered for federal financial aid. For home-educated students without a final transcript from an accredited curriculum, we expect formal documentation indicating completion of a homeschool curriculum approved by the state or local board of education, or a GED.
Does Goucher require the SAT, SAT II, or ACT?
Beginning with the 2007-08 application cycle, Goucher has adopted an admissions test optional program, where test score (SAT Reasoning Test and ACT with writing) submission is optional when applying for admission. You must indicate on the application supplement your preference for use of test scores in determining admission.
What if English is not my native language?
Applicants who are not native speakers of English are expected to submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as part of their application.
How can I receive an application?
We encourage you to use the Common App to apply to Goucher online. Not only will this process save time otherwise spent in front of a dusty typewriter, it is also equipped with an error checker and does not require any postage! However, if you prefer to submit paper documents, you can print them from the Common App website, in addition to our application supplement.
What are the deadlines for first-year applications?
It's important to keep in mind the following dates and deadlines when applying to Goucher:
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Non-Binding Early Action
- Application + supporting materials due December 1
- Notification by February 1
- Candidate reply due May 1
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Binding Early Decision I
- Application + supporting materials due November 15
- Notification by December 15
- Candidate deposit due January 15
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Binding Early Decision II
- Application + supporting materials due January 15
- Notification by February 15
- Candidate deposit due March 15
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Non-Binding Regular Decision
- Application + supporting materials due February 1
- Notification by April 1
- Candidate reply due May 1
What are the deadlines for transfer applications?
It's important to keep in mind the following dates and deadlines when applying to Goucher:
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Fall Semester Admission
- Application + supporting materials due May 1 for priority consideration
- Notification on a rolling basis
- Candidate reply due two weeks after notification of admission
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Spring Semester Admission
- Application + supporting materials postmarked by December 1 for priority consideration
- Notification on a rolling basis
- Candidate reply due two weeks after notification of admission
Will Goucher College waive the application fee?
Goucher will waive the $55 application fee for students who qualify for and submit a NACAC or College Board fee waiver, as well as those students with a family member who is a current member of Goucher's faculty or staff. Goucher does not waive the application fee for students applying online, nor do we waive it for applicants with an alumni connection to Goucher.
Where should I mail additional application materials?
All application materials should be sent to the college, to the attention of our office:
Goucher College
ATTN: Undergraduate Admissions
1021 Dulaney Valley Road
Baltimore, MD 21204
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Funding Your Education
What are the total costs for Goucher College?
Please refer to the Goucher College Billing Office tuition & fees schedule for current tuition cost information. In addition to tuition, room, and board, students should also include in their budgets costs associated with transportation, the purchase of books, and miscellaneous expenses. Modest annual increases may be expected.
What kind of financial aid do you have?
Numerous financial assistance options are available to families concerned with meeting college expenses. Goucher College offers a competitive and comprehensive financial assistance program consisting of need-based and merit-based awards. In addition to federal grants, Work-Study, and institutional grants and scholarships, there are options such as federally backed low-interest loans and tuition payment plans for families who do not qualify for need-based aid. In 2008-09, approximately 85% of undergraduates received some type of aid, including over $15 million in institutional grants. Goucher is committed to maintaining the level of funding you receive for four years provided that you meet the academic requirements necessary to retain your aid, and your family's financial situation does not change.
How and when do I apply for financial aid? Do I need to reapply every year?
The priority deadline for new students filing financial aid forms, as well as for returning enrolled students, is February 1st. Freshmen will need to submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. After you have submitted these forms, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail. It is very important that you read the SAR very carefully, as it contains additional information regarding the financial aid application process. If this report says you have been selected by the federal government for verification, you will need to submit additional documents which can be obtained from the SAS office. In order to receive financial aid, you must file these documents every year.
Does Goucher College offer financial aid for international students?
International students who are not permanent residents of the United States are not eligible for government assistance but are considered for institutional merit-based scholarships and, on a limited basis, for institutional need-based grants. International students should check out our special section just for international students.
Where can I find out more about financial aid?
You can find out more about financial aid at Goucher by clicking here.
What merit-based scholarship programs does Goucher College offer?
Designed to reward and encourage our brightest and most talented applicants-and make Goucher a very realistic choice for your education-these awards are based on your academic achievements and leadership in high school and your potential to succeed in Goucher’s rigorous intellectual environment. They do not take into account financial need. Our merit-based scholarships range from $5,000 to $32,168 (full tuition for 2008-09) annually.
Global Citizen Scholarships
Goucher awards Global Citizen Scholarships to students who have demonstrated academic promise through their secondary school achievements and college admissions tests. These awards may be maintained through all four years of college (eight semesters) by maintaining a Goucher GPA of at least 3.00. Depending upon each student’s eligibility, the Global Citizen Scholarship will be offered at levels between $10,000 and $15,000. There is no additional application procedure for Global Citizen Scholarship consideration. However, students must submit SAT Reasoning Test or ACT scores to be considered; these scores will not be used to determine admission, if the student has made this preference clear on the admissions application.
To be considered, you must attain:
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unweighted secondary school GPA of 3.2 or higher (in core academic subjects only, cumulative in grades 9-12
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combined score of 1200 or higher on the SAT Reasoning Test (Critical Reading and Math sections only), or ACT score of 24 or higher
Dean's Scholarships
Typically, ten to twelve Dean's Scholars enroll each year. These students demonstrate exceptional academic ability and talent. These awards may be renewed through all four years of college (eight semesters) by maintaining a Goucher GPA of at least 3.20. Depending upon each student's eligibility, the Dean's scholarships will be offered at levels of $21,000 and $32,168 (full tuition value) for the 2008-09 academic year. There is no additional application procedure for initial Dean's Scholarship consideration. However, students must submit SAT Reasoning Test or ACT scores to be considered; these scores will not be used to determine admission, if the student has made this preference clear on the admissions application.
To be considered, you must attain:
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unweighted secondary school GPA of 3.5 or higher (in core academic subjects only, cumulative in grades 9-12)
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combined score of 1350 or higher on the SAT Reasoning Test (Critical Reading and Math sections only), or ACT score of 30 or higher
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top 10% secondary school class rank, where available
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significant participation in school and community activities
Rosenberg Scholarships in Music, Dance and Visual Art and Wilhelm Scholarship in Theatre
To reward and promote strong potential and talent in the arts, Goucher awards 13 scholarships each year to first-year and current students of high academic standing who demonstrate both a strong commitment to further developing their artistic talent and strong leadership qualities. Each winner will receive an award of $5,000 for one year to use for tuition. This scholarship may be a component of a comprehensive need-based and/or merit-based Goucher College financial aid package. Recipients must enroll in college in the fall after the award is offered. Each applicant must submit a completed Scholarship in the Arts Application along with the supplementary materials required for each kind of scholarship. Applicants chosen as finalists in music, dance, and theatre will be invited to audition on campus in late spring. For detailed application instructions, please review the scholarship form available here (PDF).
Are there transfer merit-based scholarships?
Goucher offers several partial-tuition, merit-based scholarships for transfer students. In general, applicants with grade point averages of 3.25 or above are considered for these awards. Transfer students are also eligible to compete for the Rosenberg and Wilhelm Scholarships in the Arts.
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More about Goucher
Does Goucher College offer a summer academic session program?
Goucher College does not offer undergraduate academic courses or programs during the summer.
How do I learn more?
You can find out more about Goucher College by clicking here.
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