GMC is unique, that is for sure.  It is very tiny, and very specialized.  The environmental studies, Adventure Rec, and Biology departments are decent.  However, most other departments are lacking, and GMC is notorious for (and this is quite true) throwing the words “and the environment” after every course name just to fulfill their “mission."

For me, however, this was largely ineffective.  As much as I love the environment, and as much as I still plan on majoring in environmental studies and moving up in this field, I still have an appreciation for stimulating english classes, foreign languages, and other exciting courses like history and philosophy.  However, the foreign languages offered here are few (every few semesters they may have an intro to spanish, or an advanced french class) and english classes are not all that stimulating.  You're able to travel to Castleton College to take other courses under GMC's tuition prices, but this is just an added hassle that makes things even more difficult. 

Some of the professors are incredible: they're easily accessible, and very passionate about what they do.  However, they themselves are often stifled in their ability to teach courses that aren't environmental.  Non-environmental classes are offered, of course, but it is more difficult to fit them in.  Also, the whole ELA system is a huge downfall of the school.  While there are some interesting courses to take, many of the profs realize they are requirements and the classes end up being jokes that students blow off, which leads to more busy work than quality, stimulating work and projects. 

Other downfalls of the school:

-typical GMC kids are sort of cookie-cutter “hippies” and although they aren't unfriendly, they don't exactly welcome people who are not like them.

-it's a very gossipy, small school.  if you “hook up” with someone, make some embarrassing mistake, or are different, people categorize you.  This never happened to me, but i know of a lot of people who got reputations on the first day that were hard to shake.  “black out chick” and “barbie” just to mention two.

-RAs are irritated by their jobs, and don't care at all about students. 

-Dorm locks are easy to pick, and often not even locked.  They are locked randomly, never at a certain time each day and night.  I have climbed in through the window many times i've forgotten my key.

-Rooms are either extremely hot or freezing.

-Internet connection is terrible

-I'm not really sure where the $36,000 is going to.  It's certainly not a terrible school, but the education, facilities, and resources are certainly not superior or even good.  They have a massage therapist, but no regular doctor?  To see a real doctor, you have to find a shuttle to Castleton or Rutland.  The library doesn't even have the book, “to kill a mockingbird.”

-There is not much to do in the winter except to be under the influence of some sort of drug or alcohol.  or ski.

-the retention rate is ridiculous.  i'm leaving after one semester, and i know around fifteen people off the top of my head who are also leaving.  people chalk this up to being a school that is “not for everyone,” and they are absolutely right.  you should really do some VERY intense research before deciding to go here.  the visits don't accurately display what you're getting yourself into, so you should really talk to people who go here or read reviews like these.