Goucher College
Baltimore, MD, USA

Reviews

Goucher College

Grace from Philadelphia, PA

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Goucher is a place where students honestly learn as much inside as outside the classroom about people, society, and our country's role in the world. My professors were all incredibly accessible and ready to answer any questions i had and offer any advice or help with papers and projects. They also presented the information in invigorating and interesting ways, which helped me gain a greater sense of the topic, even in the case of topics i had studied before. This was the case for my American History class as well as parts of my Sociology course. Outside the classroom, the people you meet are all from different places and are intelligent as well as funny and often a tad outlandish.
Am enjoying being here
As mentioned above, the people are really what make Goucher such a positive environment to learn and live in. I met my two best friends in the early arrival dance program, so we got really close even before school officially started. Goucher is an incredibly easy place to make friends, both close and casual, fast. The only big downside for me is lack of diversity, both physically and socioeconomically. I'm used to going to diverse schools in a diverse city, so going to a mostly white, middle class school in the suburbs was a pretty big adjustment for me.
Bang for the buck
Goucher is an incredibly expensive institution, but i really do believe that the combination of academics, students, teachers and staff make it worthwhile. Everyone is truly there to help you succeed, from the admissions staff to your professors. The friends you meet here will change your life.
Tips for prospective students
Keep an open mind. When and if you visit, you will most likely people dressed as pirates, hear people singing opera on the walkway, or see some interpretive dancing in the gazebo. One of the great things about Goucher is how individual its students are, and everyone stands out in some way, either big or small. Also, remember every single extracurricular you've done, and a lean towards social justice and/ore improving the world in some way as well as any travel you've done is always a plus( though please have it be genuine).
Great for these types of students
People who were the odd kids in high school, people who like debating and discussing (which most classes are based on), people who dance, people who excel at and/or enjoy writing and reading.

Tianna from Pitcairn, PA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Goucher is a place where the weird kid from high school can come to be themselves. There is so much freedom here and you are encouraged to plan any kind of events you want. The campus is full of life.
Tips for prospective students
Don't bring too many things with you, leave your door open and people will come to talk to you, and don't feel bad if your friends from home don't talk to you as much.
Academic Rigor
The classes are pretty challenging here, but it's not hard to pass if you simply attend class. Most teachers are willing to help you boost your grade and they'll take any suggestions to make the class more interesting.
Dorm Life
Dorm life here is pretty great. Even if you're put into a triple, you will have people to meet and places to go and won't spend that much time in your room anyway. The bathrooms are not bad, and the dorms are pretty spacious.
Food and Dining
As a vegan, food and dining was really important to me when choosing a college. Bon Appetit really does a great job with providing vegetarian and vegan options and plenty options for those who are neither.
What to do for fun
The mall is in walking distance, or you could rent a zipcar and bring your friends somewhere. You can also get on the Collegetown Shuttle and visit somewhere in Baltimore, but from personal experience it's nicer just to stay on campus with friends.
Bang for the buck
Goucher is expensive, but they do a great job with making you feel it's worth it. The events they hold are spectacular and most of my friends do not doubt the amount of money they pay to come here.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Every year we have GIG, or Get Into Goucher day, where there is face painting, free food, and inflatable things to climb on. We also have unique early immersion programs where one can get acquainted with the staff, and the trails are a great place to go to walk out any stress.
Great for these types of students
LGBTQ, hippies, eccentric, enthusiastic people
Clubs and Activities
I am co-president of PRISM, Goucher's queer student union. We have weekly meetings and pull a lot of LGBT students and allies together, which is a great feeling. There are a lot of active clubs on campus.
Greek Life
Greek life doesn't exist here.
Campus Safety
I would say campus is pretty safe. I've always felt safe walking back to my dorm at night and there are boxes all over campus where you can call Public Safety, who always helps you out.

Julia from California

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Goucher is a welcoming communal environment. It's rare to find a community that is so warm and friendly and becomes a home so quickly. It is a safe place to explore your future pursuits and have all the support you need through that journey!
Tips for prospective students
Here are some tips for prospective students:
. Talk to students currently attending if you have the opportunity! It's wonderful to have the voice of someone who experiences Goucher first hand, and they could definitely help you out with any questions!
. If you can, come visit! The campus is absolutely beautiful here (I didn't get to visit Goucher before I accepted, but when I came to campus I was taken away by its beauty!). Also, if it's out of your reach financially call Goucher, they sometimes are able to help prospective students out with visiting the campus.
.Look at all our courses and clubs- we have a pretty amazing list!
Academic Rigor
From my experience, Goucher's academic life is not one to be missed. Professors are so encouraging and helpful but they don't forget to push you further than you thought you could go!
Dorm Life
For freshman students, about 80% live in triples, however before you panic, it's not as bad as it sounds! Living in triples definitely has its benefits, such as splitting the cost for things you all want to share, and you could be introduced to more friend groups from your roommates! Also, in the case that you do have problems with your dorm mates, we have really cool community advisors! With regards to our dorm floor they're also usually very communal, occasionally we have study nights in the hallway and are currently trying to plan a floor dinner for everyone!
Food and Dining
Luckily at Goucher there are plenty of dining options on campus! Here they are:
. Stimson- The main dining hall! It has a variety of all sorts of food and on the weekends they have an amazing brunch selection!
. Huebeck- Another one of our dining halls, mostly vegetarian and Asian food and are known for their fantastic stir fry!
. Alice's- The cafe in our library, great for late night bites and morning breakfasts, you can usually get a bagel, sandwich, or muffin from here, as well as their delicious frozen yogurt, yum!
. Gopher Hole (GoHo)- The Gopher Hole is also a great spot for late night bites and has a very wide dessert selection!
.Pearlstone- Another dining hall, mostly Mexican food as well as a whole section of food and drink ranging from salads to cereals and Naked Juice to chocolate milk.
What to do for fun
There are so many fun things to do both on and off-campus, here's a list:
.On-Campus
- Play on the tire swing by Van Meter! ( We also have a sea saw and a tiny regular swing set near our tennis courts)
- Join a club! All of our clubs are super fun, I personally recommend Ultimate Frisbee for a great source of exercise and fun!
- Go to the Gopher Hole for open mic night and the occasional spin art and shirt dying!
- Lay out on the great wide lawn and hang out with friends.
- Also, our Student Government is constantly sending out emails letting students know what fun events they have planned on campus (examples range from 90's dance party night to movie night on our Residential Quad).

.Off-Campus
-Fells Point
-The Baltimore Aquarium
- Visiting Washington DC (it's about an hour away so get some friends for a cool day trip!)
-Hampden
-Inner Harbor
- The mall right near campus ( which includes and P.F. Chang's and Cheescake Facotry)
- Not to mention there are some neat little thrift stores near by if you're interested!
Bang for the buck
Goucher- Because it's worth it!
(I hope you got my L'Oreal reference).
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
At the beginning of each year we have a really fun grade competition. Each class has to dress in their assigned color and we all gather in the auditorium. We are then each told to shout at separate times and whichever class is wearing the most of the color and is making the most noise gets a $500 dollar prize for their grade! Afterwards there is a ton of free food and desserts and everyone gets to hang out and eat!
Great for these types of students
Goucher is great a for someone who is looking for a small, close community! Everyone is super friendly and welcoming here as I mentioned before so I wouldn't say that Goucher accepts one set type of student.
Clubs and Activities
There are SO MANY clubs here, and if there's something they don't have you can always start your own club!
Greek Life
None.
Campus Safety
Our campus safety is awesome!

Zoe from Arlington, TX

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A quirky, small environment that allows you to do most anything. The amount of extracurricular activities is stellar, but some can feel limited when it comes to the academic majors provided. Still, Goucher College is a wonderful experience in a beautiful area.
Tips for prospective students
Be involved in the community. There's so many things to do.
Academic Rigor
A lot of really good teachers and the ability to really think for yourself are two of the main aspects.
Dorm Life
There are lots of forced triples; however, the rooms are bigger than I've seen at other colleges and the apartments and potential for singles is nice.
Food and Dining
There are so many different options.
What to do for fun
Baltimore is only 30 minutes away and you can get there for free on the collegetown shuttle. If you can't find anything to do, you really aren't trying hard enough.
Bang for the buck
Goucher College is expensive, but they provide a lot of opportunities and scholarships.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Humans versus Zombies was invented at Goucher College and is a staple of every semester with games having sometimes 200 or more players. It gets intense.
Clubs and Activities
So many different clubs and it's easy to start one if you don't find one you like. Current clubs are Bollywood Dance, Pokemon League, Tabletop Gaming, 2 Acapella groups, Pizzazz which is a musical theater groups, Chemistry Club, Russian Club, Zumba, Camping, Rock Climbing, Fencing... and that doesn't even begin to cover it.
Greek Life
None
Campus Safety
Public Safety is on call 24-hours a day.

Kirsten from Pennsylvania

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Goucher is perfect for those looking for a solid liberal arts background with opportunities to pursue one or more interests in depth. Though small, Goucher has a large and vibrant network of students, faculty, and alumni that love learning and sharing their knowledge with others. Any interest, whether academic or extracurricular, can be pursued at Goucher.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you visit before applying! Goucher is full of quirky, weird, eccentric students, giving it a unique atmosphere. No matter how good the academic program looks on the website or sounds in a book, you won't know if the Goucher community is one that you fit into unless you come check it out for yourself.
Academic Rigor
Goucher is by no means the most academically rigorous school, but if you are willing to work hard and pursue your interests, there is no limit to what you can glean from a Goucher education. All the educators that I have encountered genuinely want there students to really get into the material and understand it not just in a general sense, but as it applies in a historical, a current, and a personal context. I find that this mindset encourages me to study harder, read more, and conduct independent research in topics that I might not pursue if not challenged in this way.
Dorm Life
Freshman force triples are not the greatest, but are not unlivable, and once you get through freshman living, almost all dorm options are comfortable, spacious, and homey. Goucher goes to great lengths to make every dorm feel like a community, and at times (having to go to 9pm meetings with your dorm mates every Tuesday night of first semester) this can be annoying, but in the grand scheme of things, it makes dorm life far more enjoyable than going through an entire year without ever knowing or speaking to your neighbors, and often does lead to close relationships that span the entire college career.
Food and Dining
If you're a fan of food like I am, then you'll probably like Goucher. Between our five dining halls, there are a lot of options at just about every meal, and all the food is quality. The healthy living dining hall is great for vegans and vegetarians (and also got me eating more vegetables than I ever did at home), the kosher dining hall is great for Jewish students, and the main Stimson dining hall always has the best comfort food and desserts. At times, the lines at the smaller dining halls can get long and cause delays, which makes planning meals tricky when you have several classes back to back, but the quality of the food and the service is always excellent.
What to do for fun
If you're looking forward to huge frat parties or concerts by top bands, then Goucher is not the school for you. People who want to party go off campus or have small parties in their rooms. The activities council plans several activities on weekends or week nights, most of which are poorly attended, with the exception of certain dances or activities held in conjunction with another special event or holiday. Luckily, with plenty of transportation options, several larger schools around, and endless opportunities for fun in and around Baltimore, there's always something inexpensive and fun to do on a day or evening off. In my experience, as long as you get involved in a number of clubs or activities in addition to your academics, you will have very little time to be bored, and will enjoy being on campus working and or playing with classmates, teammates, and friends.
Bang for the buck
This category could get a rating of anywhere from one star to five stars. It's all up to you. If you take a full academic course load, join clubs or teams, attend events and lectures sponsored by the school and its clubs, and enjoy the food and other commodities offered, then Goucher is a bargain and you won't regret shelling out tens of thousands of dollars each year. If you'd rather take a minimum course load and then spend the rest of your time in your room or off campus, I suggest looking for a less expensive school.
Great for these types of students
Driven, self-motivated students; students with diverse interests; students who consider themselves weird or different.
Clubs and Activities
There's a ton of clubs at Goucher, and it's really easy to start a club if you have an idea for one and a couple of friends who like your idea. The only downside to having hundreds of clubs at a tiny school is that if you're trying to get a club going, you'll be competing with lots of other clubs for meeting times and members, so it can be tough to get people to commit. Still lots of clubs - from tea club to ultimate Frisbee to Dr. Who club - means lots more opportunities, events, and fun stuff than fewer clubs.
Greek Life
There is none!
Campus Safety
Our campus safety is kind of a joke in terms of their ability to deal with actual threats, but, like all campus staff, are very friendly and willing to help if you have an injury or minor problem at any time of day. Luckily, intense security and public safety officers are hardly a necessity, as Goucher is a safe and quiet campus where students' safety rarely feels like an issue.

Katherine from Easton, MD

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
The classes are tough, but interesting. Most of the professors embody the one-on-one attention reputation that Goucher tries to advertise. Studying abroad is a big plus in learning something that's not found in a textbook.
Am enjoying being here
I love it. Goucher was a perfect fit for me and if you figure out that Goucher is for you, join our lovely little community!
Bang for the buck
I'm not going to lie: Goucher is expensive; it's a private school ,but it is still the only school that requires international studies and gives a substantial support system for it. Take advantage of everything Goucher has to offer now and that'll help lift your spirits when your student loan bills roll in later.
Tips for prospective students
Become a well-rounded person by trying new things and being open to new ideas. There are many different types of classes, people and opportunities at Goucher. If you want to come to school at Goucher, there are people who can help with the finances, so don't panic! (written previously)
Great for these types of students
There are a wide variety of people at Goucher, but almost everyone likes to travel, try new things and explore new ideas within and outside of the classroom. Quirky, maybe kind of nerdy kids are the norm. Lots of hipsters go here.

Caroline from Palmyra, VA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
I'm looking forward to finding out for myself next fall! I've been to visit Goucher twice and each time the teachers I've met, as well as the students, have so much to say and are willing to discuss whatever comes to mind. There is no doubt that I'll be stuffing my mind with knowledge for the next four years (or more if I apply for on of their Masters programs). Goucher offers a variety of courses and allows students to take classes that have nothing to do with their major or minor. There are plenty of out-of-class learning experiences and opportunities too!
Will enjoy being here
Absolutely! Baltimore is a spectacular city and it's close to Goucher. The campus is beautiful and the students are friendly. There is so much to do and the guest speakers and lecturers are well worth seeing. There are so many extra-curricular activities and in-class activities to participate in.... so no need to lounge in the dorm night and day pitying a boredom.
Bang for the buck
Yes, Goucher is an expensive school.... but it is definitely worth it. A world class education focused on the world and the way we interact with and within it, as well as plenty of opportunities to study a huge variety of subjects.... what more could a student want?
Tips for prospective students
If you apply, don't let your application be skimpy. Goucher wants to see a well-rounded student with a genuine interest in the world. Volunteer work and community service are something I definitely recommend. And as for writing the application essay.... write about what you believe in.
Great for these types of students
-Interested in the world
-Loves to travel
-Wants to save the world
-Not afraid to be different

Clara from Concord, NH

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A vibrant student body with lots of opinions. If you are accepting, then people will accept you. There are loads of ways to get involved, both on and off campus, but you have to do a little bit of work to find them.
Tips for prospective students
Everyone here has their own perspective and diversity is really valued among students, staff, and faculty. It can be tricky to get involved on campus at the beginning, but make sure that you join clubs at the fair at the start of campus!
Be prepared to feel a little trapped on campus if you don't have a car because Goucher can be isolating and the city may feel intimidating. The shuttle into Baltimore is a wonderful resource (even if it's not super punctual) and a great way to get to know the more vibrant parts of Baltimore!
Academic Rigor
First-year courseloads often feel underwhelming. Professors really tend to go easy on first years, especially in the humanities. Due dates are always flexible and grading is usually not too tough. After your first year, however, things really take off and professors will start to ask a lot more from you.
We have some really wonderful resources on campus, like our Academic Center of Excellence, which help students prep for tests or plan how they will get all of their work done!
Dorm Life
Goucher is in the midst of building a brand new first year village. The first building has been open since Fall 2016 and the last two are set to open in Fall 2018. They are incredibly fancy and feel more like hotels than dorms!
Every floor at Goucher has at least one Resident Assistant, and they are a great resource for everyone on the floor. The plan programs and help sort out conflicts with roommates.
Most of Goucher's students live on-campus all four years, so, in addition to normal double or single dormrooms, there are also many suites and apartments on campus!
Not many students party at Goucher, but you can find it if you really want it. Usually parties consist of rap music, beer pong, and standing around.
Food and Dining
Goucher's food is great! At the moment we have two main dining halls and two other grab-and-go locations on campus. There is a lot of diversity and accommodations available and it's hard to get sick of the meals! Our current dining halls are Stimson and Heubeck!
Stimson is buffet style. There is a daily special (anything from roast beef, to mahimahi, to some obscure curry you've never heard of), a huge salad bar, Pizza and Pasta station, burger station, and made on the spot stir fry. The best part of dining at Goucher is the brunch held every Saturday and Sunday. It's a really fun way to connect with the community and eat great food!
Heubeck is a big grab-n-go style dining hall with a sandwich and salad bar, burrito/taco station, milkshakes, soups, and pre-made selections.
What to do for fun
Get involved! There are so many awesome clubs on campus, from cooking club, to the Dancers of Color Coalition, to the Ultimate Frisbee team! This is the best way to meet new faces and make friends.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Twice a year our campus goes full zombie-apocalypse-mode for the intense game of Humans vs Zombies. Humans are on the run when they aren't in safe zones like academic buildings and dormrooms and have to shoot zombies with nerf guns. If they get tagged, humans have to join the zombie ranks!
Great for these types of students
Self-motivated, multipotentialites, people looking to be a part of a community

Destiney from Denver, CO

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Goucher is a school for those in search of incredible opportunity. Their travel abroad and arts programs are what caught my eye initially, but now the close-knit community feel and beautiful campus has me excited about attending this school, too. The people are friendly, the location is beautiful, and majors are exciting.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the colleges you're interested in. I'm so glad I was able to visit Goucher and see it with my own eyes. Being up close and personal with a college visit is always a surefire way to know of you belong there or not.
Academic Rigor
Goucher seems like a very well regulated and rigorous education facility.
Dorm Life
I have yet to reside in the dorm rooms, but I saw a few while I was visiting the college and they were pretty nice.
Food and Dining
Goucher's dinning halls are not only unique, but delicious.
What to do for fun
There was a huge concert hall and open field, so lots of people were playing frisbee, sun bathing, blasting music, and having a good ol' time.
Bang for the buck
Definitely. I haven't even attended yet, and I know its going to be worth it.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Their arts center is pretty amazing. Its got an art gallery, as well as a few concert halls/performance places.
Great for these types of students
Artists (in all aspects of the word)
Adventures (hence their impeccable travel program)
Explorers (those who are ready to try new and different things)
Clubs and Activities
Oh, I'm sure there are plenty to chose from.
Greek Life
Not too sure about the Greek life.
Campus Safety
It was pretty safe when I saw there, and the other students thought so, too.

Kera from Baltimore, MD

a current student here
0 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Goucher is incredible professional. They are very accepting. They will put your brain to the challenge in many different ways.
Tips for prospective students
Be prepared to work hard but do not forget to have fun. Joining clubs and playing Humans vs Zombies is the best way to meet people.
Academic Rigor
Goucher is one tough cookie.
Dorm Life
I love my roommate and community living knows how to put people in a place where they'll be happy.
Food and Dining
The catering is amazing.
What to do for fun
Play games, going to club meetings, going to the gopher hole, and the mall is right next door!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Humans vs Zombies started here!
Great for these types of students
Hard working creative and fun loving students.
Clubs and Activities
They have everything.