Visit Report by PMcMScot (Member since March 11 2005 with 83 posts) Visit Date - April 2008
Visit to Goucher College in April 2008 by PMcMScot (Parent of Student, HS Class of 2009)
Visit Activities:
Admissions Interview:
No - We're not offered during the Goucher Day admissions tour in April, but strongly encouraged for applicants. Information Session:
Yes - Went a little long, but the Admin. Director and Pres. had a lot to say that was worthwhile. Especially enjoyed the Goucher students who spoke. Very impressive group. Info session lasted an hour. Campus Tour:
Yes - Our first tour guide was lacking energy and hard to hear, so we snuck over to another group. We were glad we did, as the new guy was so energetic. Beautiful, beautiful campus. Just the right size. Classroom Visit:
No - Toured buildings, but no classes in session on Saturdays.
Goucher College Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students: 5 - Excellent -
My D was most impressed by the student body. Seems like there's a place for everyone. Very happy, energetic kids with a lot on the ball. Most impressive student body I've seen yet.
Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff: 5 - Excellent -
Clearly, this is the real virtue of a small school like Goucher.
Appearance of Campus: 5 - Excellent -
Stunning. It helped that it was a gorgeous spring day. The new Atheneum is scheduled to open next spring, and it promises to be something! New library (badly needed), new restaurants, etc.
Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness: 3 - Good -
Residents Halls we saw were very nice. Atheneum will be magnificent. To be truthful, the academic buildings seemed tired and some real time and money needs to be focused here.
Dormitories: 4 - Very Good -
Some newer ones, and the older ones seemed attractive. Some overflow housing is being included in brand new apts. that are across the street from campus. Our guide is looking forward to living there.
Security/Safety: 5 - Excellent -
Requisite blue safety call lights seemed plentiful. Area seemed safe.
Overall Campus Impression: 5 - Excellent -
Again, stunning.
Off-Campus:
Area Immediately Around Campus: 5 - Excellent -
D was thrilled by the Towson village-like area adjacent to campus, and thinks the CollTown bus loop (Towson, Loyola, Goucher) that runs back and forth to B'more and the Marc line is a great idea.
City/Town/Community: 5 - Excellent -
Again, D liked the area of Towson that is just ouside the Goucher gates. Students can walk to the mall at Towson Center, and a 12-screen AMC theater across from the mall. Plenty of stand-along dining.
Campus Visit Notes for Goucher College:
Visit Description:
D loved Goucher, and it moved to the top of her list. I can see her there. Honestly, cost figures large. We won't qualify for financial aid. When considering merit scholarships, Goucher requires a min. of a 3.5 and they UNWEIGHT AP and IB HS grades and recalculate the GPA. This will hurt D and most likely take her out of contention for a merit scholarship. She's ticked, because all of her academic courses are IB, and she works hard for those Bs, and (at least according to Goucher) she'd have been better off taking regular level courses and getting As. Goucher's admin officer stressed that course rigor is a huge factor when considering admissions, but that's small consolation for D. She is likely to be admitted on the strength of her schedule (with at 3.8-.9 HS GPA), but that will be discounted when merit aid is awarded.
Fortunately, other schools on her list don't re-calculate GPA for merit aid.
Hotel/Lodging Recommendations or Comments:
Day trip
Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:
N/A
Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):
N/A...easy drive from northern VA.
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My D was most impressed by the student body. Seems like there's a place for everyone. Very happy, energetic kids with a lot on the ball. Most impressive student body I've seen yet.
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Residents Halls we saw were very nice. Atheneum will be magnificent. To be truthful, the academic buildings seemed tired and some real time and money needs to be focused here.
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Some newer ones, and the older ones seemed attractive. Some overflow housing is being included in brand new apts. that are across the street from campus. Our guide is looking forward to living there.