<p>Hello, Our son was accepted at Goucher and we are planning a visit, but are wondering if there are any kids out there who can tell us a bit about the school campus, students, Writing program etc. Thanks for any thougts!</p>
<p>Well, not a student...but my daughter is finishing her first year there.</p>
<p>Goucher is a well regarded private liberal arts college in the northern suburbs of Baltimore. It is in Towson, MD just inside the Baltimore beltway. Towson is a relatively large town with a business district, shopping, decent residential community, nightclubs and Towson University (a large public institution two miles down the road). Students have no problem walking to shopping and entertainment venues. The Goucher campus is approximately 500 acres and is very attractive, most buildings are stone. The college is in the process of constructing a new 100K sq feet multi-purpose building - the Athenaeum, scheduled for completion next year (don't let the construction scare you away). Even though its sits in the middle of a large town, the campus itself is very private and includes some surprises, like the riding stables (Goucher has a ranked equestrian team). The attractions of Baltimore are 15 - 20 minutes away. The dorms/apartments are probably a little nicer than what you will find on most college campuses. The overwhelming majority of students (90%) live on campus. Approximately 65% of the students are female, stemming from its history as an all-girls school before 1986.</p>
<p>Goucher is primarily an undergraduate school (with a few graduate programs). The student body is relatively small, like 1600 undergraduates, which is definitely a consideration. I have met and talked at length with at least two dozen students (hosting dinners, etc) and have found these young men and woman to be very passionate and caring, more so than what one would expect. Overall, Goucher students seem very happy at this school. Academics are strong, although not overly rigorous. In spite of its size, the campus always has cultural events going on throughout the week. I understand the Writing program is very strong. Sports is not a big deal on campus, but are available. The president, Sandy Ungar, seems to be very well liked by the students.</p>
<p>Goucher definitely offers its students the personal attention of professors and administration. Its advising is excellent. The College goes out of its way to make students feel welcome and to engage them in their passions. </p>
<p>Our daughter is very happy there.</p>
<p>I lived at Goucher as a student attending Towson State back in the 80's (Towson rented dorms from Goucher at that time). It was a beautiful campus with delicious food in the dining halls and spacious dorm rooms with built in cabinetry. It was an oasis in a suburban area. I remember that equestrian activities, fencing & archery were all offered on campus. The student center was a modern & friendly place to hang out & eat pizza. The buildings were picturesque & built of stone. Smaller student body, private campus, good academics. Also, a yummy summer BBQ. I wish I'd picked Goucher myself! Good luck with your son's search.</p>
<p>Thank you both for your insightful comments. We are planning to visit early this week. We will let you know how it goes! Our son went to a high school specializing in Writing and aside from one college has been disappointed at a few others for their Writing programs. We have heard Goucher has a wonderful program. It is not that he wants to major in Writing, but he wants to maintain his skills. </p>
<p>If there are any Goucher students out there, we would love to hear from you also! Thank you both again for taking the time to write. It is much appreciated.</p>
<p>We are visiting tomorrow with Jr. D. She is interested in creative writing and continue with the Oboe so I hope she likes the campus and the students. Please post here after you visit with your thoughts.</p>
<p>I have a Freshman D at Emory so we've been to few campuses already so will have some basis to compare what Goucher has to offer.</p>
<p>Did anyone get a merit scholarship from Goucher? What were you stats?</p>
<p>I’d also like to know about merit aid.</p>