<p>So, I was accepted to UCSB, UCD, UCSC, Goucher, and Sarah Lawrence (a motley bunch, I know). After a lot of thinking, I've crossed the California schools off of my list and am now considering between Sarah Lawrence and Goucher.
I still have yet to visit both (which I'll be doing on their respective Accepted Applicants Days). Sarah Lawrence gave me a reasonable financial aid package, but at the end of the day, I'd still be in much more debt going there than I would going to Goucher (which also gave me a good aid package, and is overall cheaper). I've been to Baltimore (Goucher) and New York City (quite close to Sarah Lawrence) on numerous occasions, and I enjoy both - though I favor NYC, for obvious reasons. The colleges are around the same size, both small.
Now, I love the Sarah Lawrence system of academics, modelled after the Oxford tutorial method. I also adore how much emphasis and strength it has with regard to writing, since I want to be an English/creative writing major. And I love the idea of going to a quaint, personal college and then being able to take a relatively short train ride on the weekends to NYC, which Sarah Lawrence offers.
However, how can I judge Goucher? Can anyone vouch for it? I really want someone to tell me it's amazing, because the money issue is clenching my family pretty tight. I'd hate to make my parents pay so much, and of course, being in debt right after college (and then going on for more at graduate school, possibly) isn't appealing.
What should I do? Does anyone have any thoughts on Sarah Lawrence versus Goucher?</p>
<p>Although it's more known for the sciences, Goucher has a good writing program. Goucher has an interinstitutional agreement with Hopkins, which also has a great writing program. You've seen the campus and students, so you know those are great too. Goucher requires study abroad, if that appeals to you.</p>
<p>It sounds like SL might be a better fit, though. Have you asked them if they'll match Goucher's offer?</p>