Common Questions

You're familiar with the deadlines, you know how to apply and what to send to us, and you've read the FAQ... but you probably still have questions.  Below, you'll find some of the common concerns that we hear in our office.

I don't understand test-optional admissions.  Can you explain it?
We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications, focusing on your intellectual and academic promise, as well as your demonstrated leadership and other traits.  We don't require that any student submit scores from the SAT, SAT II, or ACT in order to be considered for admission to Goucher.  There is nothing that you need to submit in place of these standardized test scores - we'll just review your application without them.

Do I need to submit test scores to be considered for an academic merit-based scholarship?
Yes!  We only review a student for an academic merit-based scholarship if these test scores are on file, though they are not the determining factor for these scholarships. We'll also require these scores if you end up enrolling at Goucher, so that we can continue to keep up with our institutional research.  Therefore, we recommend that every applicant submit test scores, even if you don't want us to use them in the admissions process.  You can make your choice clearly known to us by carefully reading through our application supplement, which every student is required to submit as part of the Common Application.

How do I know if Early Decision is right for me?
Early Decision is right for you if you know, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that Goucher is your number one choice and if you don’t need to compare offers of financial assistance.  Know that we treat students admitted through our Early Decision options the same way we treat the rest of our admitted applicant pool as far as merit and need-based financial assistance is concerned.  You can apply to only one college or university as an Early Decision candidate, and if admitted, the binding nature of Early Decision requires you to enroll and withdraw applications to all other colleges or universities.

How do I know if you've received all of my supporting documents?
Can I call to see if my file is complete?  Can I check the status of my application?
Some days we receive just one tub of mail, and other days we receive many, many more--so it's understandable that it might take some time to enter all of your documents into our electronic database.  Please do not send duplicate copies of any document until you've heard from us in writing that your file is incomplete.  Applicants can check here to see what documents are missing from their files.

What happens once I submit my application?
We can't process your application file until we receive the application form itself.  Once we receive your application, we can begin to piece together your entire file.  First, we'll send you an email to confirm that we've received your application.  If it's been a few weeks and you haven't heard any confirmation from us, contact our office to make sure we've received your application.

It's the day before your deadline.  Should I send my application by next-day courier?
No.  It is not necessary to send materials overnight.  If you'll be mailing documents, please use regular first-class mail.  It's most important that you send your actual application form by the posted deadline.  It's also best if you can get us your supporting documents (transcript, recommendations, etc.) by the deadline, but we'll still put together your file if you're a little late.

Will you still consider my application if some of its components are late?
We can't begin to process your application file until we get your actual application form, so it's very important to get us your application as soon as possible.  However, as long as your supporting documents (recommendations, etc.) get to us relatively quickly, we'll be happy to consider your application.  Keep in mind that if your file is incomplete after our deadline, it may take us a little longer to get you a decision, but we'll still be happy to consider your application file as soon as it's complete.

I haven't heard a decision yet, but some of my classmates have.  Does this mean I won't be offered admission?
No.  It may mean that it took a little longer to complete your application - remember all those mail tubs?  Also, there are many factors that go into making an admissions decision, and we may need to be in touch with you, your counselor, or another one of our colleagues.  Keep in mind that every application goes before at least two readers, and sometimes the entire admissions committee, and this can take some time.  We know that you've taken care to put together an application that best represents you, and we'll be sure to take the time to get to know you.  We thank you for your patience as we give your application file thorough and careful consideration. 

I just got my acceptance letter.  Did I receive an academic merit-based scholarship?
All students eligible for a Global Citizens or Dean's scholarship are notified in the acceptance letter. Although we don't require standardized test scores to review your application, we do require that you submit them to be considered for merit-based scholarships.  Therefore, you should make sure to send us a copy of your scores, even if you don't want us to use them when reviewing your application for admission.  There is no special application for academic merit-based scholarships, and all students with test scores on file are considered for these scholarships. If you would like to discuss this with your admissions counselor, don't hesitate to call or email us.