Goucher College Top Questions

What should every freshman at Goucher College know before they start?

Robyn

I am not the same person I was two years ago. I have learned from my mistakes and grown, and from that I would not change my mistakes from my first two years of college. I would instead reassure myself that by following my gut I made the right decision in attending Goucher College, despite the fact that they lied and decieved me into believing they still had Historic Preservation as a major. Further I would reassure myself that I am a likable person, and will therefore make friends even though that road will be a bumpy one, yet by junior year I will find a great group of friends. Lastly, I would just tell myself to follow my gut, it has never steared me wrong.

Alexandra

When I was a high school senior my life revolved around basketball. My only criteria for college was that I had to be able to play, and I was willing to attend any school that recruited me. In April of my senior year, the head coach at West Chester University contacted me and offered me a scholarship. My family was against the idea because they did not feel that West Chester was the best place for me. I, however, did not care. All I saw was basketball. I told the coach I was going to attend. Upon arriving, I broke my foot and got very sick. I was not able to play basketball for the majority of my freshman year. I was misrable. Basketball was the reason I had attended WCU, and now I could not even play. I was very unhappy and I was stuck at a school that did not suit me at all. If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would force myself to look past athletics. I would encourage me to look for a school that suits me, and one that feels like home.

Gilbert

If I could go back in time during my senior year of high school there are many things I would like to change. During my senior year I started taking school less seriously because I told myself that I?ve been working hard all 4 years of high school and this year was the year I would just have fun. This was a mistake I made, because getting into college, since high school was so easy for me, I thought I could do the same thing and this made me struggle the first year college. I would have focused more through all my years of high school and not just the first 3 years.

Margaret

College is usually a once in a lifetime experience. In addition to simply acquiring more knowledge, students are able to develop into more responsible thoughtful adults. In order for this growth to occur, students should choose a college that suits their personality, as well as their academic needs. However, people also grow the most when they find a way to succeed in a new and difficult situation. Therefore, students should attend a college that is, at least somewhat, out of their comfort zone. This challenge gives students the potential to maximize their mental, emotional, and spiritual growth. Once students are in college, I would advise them to learn as much as they can and to get outside their comfort zone. Getting outside one's comfort allows for a hands-on learning process, which is unavailable in the classroom. After all, experience is the best teacher.

Gilbert

Make sure you visit the school many times and make sure that they offer a strong finacial aid package.

Elyse

I would tell the student to ask themselves what they want out a college; what are they looking for, how would they like to feel on campus and what they value in life. I believe that these questions will definitely point a student in the right direction. I believe that people are attracted to what they value in life and they will be attracted to the values of the institution that they will choose. Also I would strongly suggest visiting the school atleast twice and spending a night at the college before making their final decision. The student will definitely get a much more authentic feel of the college if they take some time to get to know it. To the parents, I would say, "Take the time to get to know your child." Discover them while they are discovering themselves. Find out what their values are and what they need out of an educational institution. Also, BE SUPPORTIVE! Your child wants to know your opinion, but they also want to feel that they are the ones making the decision, not you. Support their passions, however trivial or explorative and love them through the process.

Michael

I would recommend to ignore the heavy weight spent on the name of the school. For Undergrad it is rather important to find a campus that suits the students lifestyle. If the student is not happy with the location, food, and teaching style of the University than it is unlikely for them to do well in such a setting. I personally picked Goucher because of its small class sizes and location near DC, as well as its study abroad programs (studying abroad is a requirement to graduate at Goucher), which would give me practical work experience. I orignally did not plan on attending the school I picked, so make sure you visit a great number of schools to keep your student's options open. I just applied to my current school with no original interest, however after visiting each school that I got into I picked it. Always go to the school if it is a strong candidate. There is a lot said for seeing the campus and experiencing the enviornment, food, and students in person. IKf one of these are not enjoyable than the experience can be poor. Good Luck.

Kate

First off, relax. The college search can be incredibly stressfull, and it may seem like rejections from various colleges are a direct reflection on you as a person. That is not true. Accept whichever colleges you got into, and stay overnight. You can't get a feel for a college until you stay there for a certain length of time. Once you have found the right college for you, don't panick! Going to college for the first time is very scary, but you always have safety nets. The people who you hang out with the first couple months your freshman year will probably not be the people you become fast friends with, so don't get discouraged if your friendships aren't "clicking". Social ease on campus comes with time, and by your second semester you won't feel so anxious. Also, make sure that you try things you've never even heard of before. Join crazy clubs that won't do anything for your professional life but that intrigue you. Most importantly, put yourself out there. Milk every moment for what it's worth, because you will change and grow in ways you never expected. And study abroad!

hilary

My advice is visiting the college. You will know right away whether it is a good fit. Get involved and do what you love-this is the time to explore and when you are truly able to do what you want

Alyssa

Definitely go visit all of the schools you are applying to when school is in session. Attend a class or stay overnight. You really need to get the feel of the college before you make a decision about where you're going to go for college. Students, always be willing to try new things and be open to everything. Go for what you want and try to do as much as possible - without going overboard that it affects your schoolwork - because college is supposed to be the best four years of your life. So take classes that make you happy and find extra activities that you can commit to and also enjoy. Putting yourself out there and keeping an open mind will help you have the best college experience.