Green Mountain College: Admissions

Counselors' FAQ

1. What's New at Green Mountain College?
Green Mountain continues to grow in size, strength and reputation. Record enrollment for the fifth straight year has moved our student population to 800 students. To compensate for the growth of our student body, we've made a strong effort to maintain our low student-to-faculty ratio and we have continued to strengthen established programs. In 2007, we have hired new professors in Communications, Conservation Biology, Education, Environmental Law, and Sustainable Agriculture.

In recent years, we have established new programs in Asian Studies and Natural Resource Management, and advisory programs in the Pre-Dental, Pre-Medical, and Pre-Veterinary fields. In 2008, we will be adding a Youth Development & Camp Management major! We are the first liberal arts school in the country and one of the first colleges or universities in the northeast to offer such a program!

In Spring 2006, we completed a renovation of the Fitness Center at the Waldron Gymnasium and renovation of the Bogue Movement Studio, to be used for dance, yoga, and other movement classes.

In Fall 2006, Green Mountain College took major steps towards living its environmental mission when it announced its participation in Central Vermont Public Service's Cow Power service. With environmental sustainability as part of our central mission as a college, our participation in this program reduces our carbon emissions by 3,500 metric tons per year!

In Winter 2007, we completed renovations on the Withey Lobby, a new center for student activity on campus, with working fireplaces, meeting space, a student art gallery, and recreational facilities.

In Spring 2007, we completed our New Century Campaign, exceeding our eight million dollar fundraising goal by 15%. The majority of the money raised will be marked for campus improvements to classrooms, dorms, and offices.

In Summer 2007, we announced our new "Test Optional" Policy. Beginning immediately, we will no longer require SAT or ACT score reports for the admissions process. In lieu of standardized test scores, students will be required to submit additional short essays from our "Insight Portfolio" (pdf) and a recent, graded writing sample.

2. Why did Green Mountain decide to go "test optional"?
Under the direction of new Dean of Enrollment Management, Sandra Bartholomew, we performed research on the best indicators of student success at colleges like Green Mountain College. Overwhelmingly, a student's high school GPA, not standardized tests, proved to be the most reliable predictor of student success.

We also wanted to find a way to emphasize qualities of environmental awareness, community service, and leadership in the admissions process. By allowing students to submit additional essays in place of standardized tests, the Insight Portfolio was born!

To learn more about our Test Optional Policy, please click here.

3. What Kind of Student Does Best at Green Mountain?
Our students are aware. They are environmentally and socially conscious. They want to contribute in a positive way to their community, their region, and their world. They're also active learners, meaning they want to be participants, not spectators, in their education. They're excited about our opportunities in internships, independent study, and our study-abroad and exchange programs.

Our students are also adventurous, looking to get outdoors; they look forward to the change of seasons; they're more at home learning in a nature preserve than a lecture hall. And they're creative. You'll often find them after class, playing a guitar or djembe on the campus lawns, and they rarely go anywhere without a camera.

4. How Does Green Mountain Evaluate Applicants?
Green Mountain is growing, while also increasing in selectivity. For Fall 2007, we set new records in applications received, selectivity, and diversity.

We are looking for well-qualified students who are primed to succeed in our unique curriculum. We do not set minimums for admission; no decision will be made on any student until every piece of the application is read and evaluated. Very important factors for admission include the following:

Transcript -- We evaluate the difficulty of courses taken, and the achievement in coursework; we also make note of unique learning experiences a student has had

Letters of Recommendation -- At least one letter of recommendation is required from an individual who can assess the student's ability to achieve in the classroom. Additional letters of recommendation are encouraged.

Personal Statement -- A 500 word essay is required on a topic of the student's choice.

Standardized Test Scores OR Insight Portfolio -- Applicants may choose to submit standardized test scores (ACT or SAT I) OR an "Insight Portfolio" consisting three short essay responses and a recent, graded writing sample.

Other important factors in admission include community service experience and involvement and leadership within the student's school and community. An interview with an admissions counselor is encouraged.

5. Are tutoring and learning assistance services available for challenging coursework?
Our learning center, located on the top-floor of the library, offers learning assistance and tutoring during library hours, with about 15 paid student tutors, in addition to full-time, trained aides. Services such as extended testing time and stress reduced testing are available for students who qualify. The Calhoun Learning Center and its professional staff are the heart of academic support at Green Mountain, offering assistance in course planning, group study, and individualized tutoring. The learning center also offers classes in time management, note taking, and other areas.