First-Year Students

Goucher is committed to a holistic application review process designed to help you showcase your best self. We are test-optional with NO application fee.

Common Application 

Application Requirements

  • Official high school transcript (grades 9 and up), listing courses in progress
  • Secondary School Report (recommendation letter from counselor is not required, but recommended)
  • Letter of recommendation from academic teacher
  • Common Application Essay

Test Optional Policy

Since 2006, Goucher had made the submission of SAT/ACT scores optional for admission and merit scholarship consideration. Indicate your preference for use of test scores on the Common Application member screen.

Self-Reported Test Scores

Goucher allows students to submit screenshots or PDF score reports downloaded from the College Board or ACT website. If submitting a screenshot, it must include your name, test date, and all score values. Test scores can be uploaded directly into the Admissions & Financial Aid Status Portal to which you will be granted access after you submit your application. 

Early Admission Requirements

Students with outstanding academic records who will have completed fewer than eight semesters of secondary school by their desired matriculation date may apply for Early Admission. Students may only apply for Early Admission through the Regular Decision entrance plan. Early Admission applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with an admissions counselor. 

Spring Admission Requirements

First-year students may apply for admission for the spring semester. The deadline for submitting your completed Common Application is December 1, and notification is rolling thereafter. Students accepted under mid-year admission are requested to return the enrollment agreement and non-refundable enrollment deposit within two weeks of hearing the admissions decision. 

Application Deadlines

If Goucher is one of your top choices, consider applying Early Action, a non-binding entrance plan. 

Early Action (Non-Binding)

  • Application and supporting materials due November 15 
  • Notification mails on a rolling basis
  • Enrollment deposit due May 1

Regular Decision (Non-Binding)

  • Application and supporting materials due January 15
  • Notification mails on a rolling basis
  • Enrollment deposit due May 1

*All deadline dates are by 11:59 p.m. applicant's local time