Home > Admissions > Guidance Counselors > FAQ
Counselors' FAQ
1. What's New at Green Mountain College?
Green Mountain continues to grow in size, strength and reputation. 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 recent years, we have established new programs in:
Natural Resources Management
Secondary Education in Biology
Youth Development & Camp Management
Sustainable Agriculture & Food Production
In Summer 2010, Green Mountain College earned the title of greenest college in the nation from Sierra magazine in its annual “Coolest Schools” survey!
In Spring 2010, Green Mountain College's new combined heat and power biomass facility formally opened on Earth Day. The plant allows GMC to heat its 155 acres of campus buildings by using green woodchips. It will also serve as an open educational laboratory for GMC students and the general public as a destination for people interested in learning how local, renewable resources can provide solutions to energy and environmental challenges.
In Fall 2009 Green Mountain College submitted its Climate Action Plan to AASHE, completing another step toward the College's committment to becoming climate neutral by 2011.
In Spring 2009, the former Bozen Wellness Center was transformed into a special residence hall called SAGE (Students for Academic and Green Engagement), GMC’s first LEED-certified building, with space for 26 students who display a passion for learning and academic achievement as well as exemplary service to the campus community.
In Fall 2008 President Paul Fonteyn announced that GMC would construct a biomass heating plant that would bring the College close to its goal of complete carbon neutrality.
In Summer 2007, we announced our new Test Optional Policy. We 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 and a recent, graded writing sample.
In Spring 2007, Green Mountain College signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) and formally began the journey toward climate neutrality. The College had already made significant steps in that direction, becoming the first EPA Energy STAR campus in 1999, buying more than 50 percent of its electricity through a local dairy farm “cow power” program since 2006.
In Fall 2007 With environmental sustainability as part of our central mission as a college, Green Mountain College announced its committment to becoming a climate neutral campus by 2011.
2. Why did Green Mountain decide to go "test optional"?
Recently the College performed research on the best indicators of student success at school 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 are 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 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. 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. Required aspects for admission include the following:
Transcript(s) -- We evaluate the difficulty of courses taken, and the achievement in coursework; we also make note of unique learning experiences a student has had.
Letter(s) 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 250-500 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
Additional notable aspects in the admission process include community service and environmental experience as well as involvement and leadership within the student's school and community.
Special merit scholarships are also offered to qualifying students who submit a detailed resume of their experiences.
A visit to campus and 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.
