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You guessed it! This is a thread about Bowdoin... I'm hoping to apply there ED but don't know much about the school... Please share your impressions, your thoughts, your experiences... Thanks! ;-)

By Mazzo (Mazzo) on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 11:50 am: Edit

bowdoin is probably the best school in maine in terms of selection, quality of the applicants, etc. and of course the academic program is great, but i personally was not impressed with the campus. (i visited last month). I guess its becuase there was a lot of construction going on and the campus was therefore not as attractive at the time. Brunswick is not that great of a place either. i mean its not a farming community, but it isnt the greatest college town. I did really enjoy the food there! and the dorms arn't that bad either (nice size, good condition...i saw a freshman triple)

By Plastikcup (Plastikcup) on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 12:37 pm: Edit

Why are you applying ED to a school you claim to know nothing about? RU a big legacy with no other options? What's up with this?

By Ziplocky (Ziplocky) on Friday, August 15, 2003 - 06:26 pm: Edit

I have to echo the remarks made by Plastikcup. Bowdoin, while I can affirm, is an excellent, excellent school, you REALLY need to be sure abut applying there. IT'S really not for everyone.

By Smiley (Smiley) on Saturday, August 16, 2003 - 09:45 pm: Edit

Thanks for the thoughts, Mazzo

Plastik and Zip...good question you raise. No, I am not a legacy. I hope I do have many other options (counsellor thinks I have a pretty good shot anywhere, including Ivy League).

I had a bunch of schools on my list at the beginning of the summer (Harvard, Brown, Amherst, Wellesley, among others...) I decided I did not want to go to a single gender school or to a school too far from home.

Bowdoin has a huge emphasis on service in admissions and on campus, and that's my greatest strength... I love their service programs. Also, their debate team looks great (tho I've never debated before). They have a really nice pool (I love to swim). They have a strong sci program, and biology is a possible major. I also like their courses in Chinese culture and language and in psych. The social scene with the house system looks great to me...

Anyone else?

By Almostdone (Almostdone) on Saturday, August 16, 2003 - 09:54 pm: Edit

hmmm. havent really looked into Bowdoin as a college but i lived in the dorms for 3 weeks this summer as part of a music camp...so from that experience, i'd say the dorms are pretty nice, i stayed in a triple and there were two rooms in the dorm itself, a living/study room and the bedroom.

I myself thought the campus was pretty nice. not very big, but grassy and had biiiiiig tall trees. lots of squirrels (not that that would affect ur decision, unless u r allergic to them).

the town was...well, it was a "town". virtually nothing within walking distance stayed past 10pm. so that seemed like a big minus.

well thats about it. hope i helped.

By Plastikcup (Plastikcup) on Sunday, August 17, 2003 - 01:59 am: Edit

Apparently you live close to ME. It sounds like you like the geography and the pool. We each have our criteria. Seems to me you need to look into the course catalog a little bit more. Are you aware how remote Bowdoin is? Will you be happy on campus most of your time? Every other school on your list is in or very nearly in a big city. By "service" are you speaking of "community service" if that is you big draw then any school near a large city will have much more to offer in that respect. Are you wanting to serve only the students in your campus community?
I'm a bit unclear on your community service statement.....it seems you are stating that Adcom there recognizes community service in applicants. What exactly is your mission?

By Smiley (Smiley) on Monday, August 18, 2003 - 01:55 am: Edit

Plastikcup--roflmao. You really do characterize me as the idiot that I am... hehe

After reading Almostdone's post, though, I can no longer saying I'm only going because of the geography and the pool. I also love to climb trees, and squirrels are realllly cute!!

By Smiley (Smiley) on Tuesday, August 19, 2003 - 03:29 am: Edit

bump

By Mike (Mike) on Tuesday, August 19, 2003 - 04:15 pm: Edit

There are usually plenty of community service needs in small towns as well as cities. In our rural town of 6000 we have daily foodbank, school tutoring, Habitat for Humanity, A hospital always asking for vols, Nursing home and other Senior service needs just to nane a few

By Jonnytothel (Jonnytothel) on Thursday, August 21, 2003 - 11:19 am: Edit

Don't listen to these clowns!! Bowdoin is a great place and if you think you want to apply ED, visit the campus and make a decision for yourself.

By Arcadia (Arcadia) on Thursday, August 21, 2003 - 03:27 pm: Edit

Bowdoin drops 3 places in USNews (from 7 to 10)...news at 11...

By Haon (Haon) on Saturday, August 23, 2003 - 04:58 pm: Edit

Bowdoin is a very good college. However, the facilities and campus isn't quite as nice as similar LACs.

Definitely do NOT apply ED at a school that you do not know backwords and frontwards...also visit other schools...if you're interested in Bowdoin, other schools in the northern New England area worth looking into are Williams, Wesleyan, Middlebury, and Amherst.

By Gmikeg (Gmikeg) on Sunday, August 24, 2003 - 05:05 pm: Edit

i hope you like snow if your looking at bowdoin... dont apply ED if thats not your #1 place you wanna go...its a great school academically but its in the middle of nowhere

By Calimari (Calimari) on Sunday, August 24, 2003 - 10:16 pm: Edit

I visited Bowdoin as well, and I felt dis-oriented while on the campus, and didn't like its look (even though that sounds weird). The town is pretty big (for Maine) and pretty nice. I actually chose Bates over Bowdoin because it has a beautiful campus, wonderful financial aid offerings, and everyone is super friendly. I also didn't want to go to Wellesley in the end because of the all-girl factor (What can I say, I like my men nearby ;) )

By Smiley (Smiley) on Thursday, August 28, 2003 - 01:26 am: Edit

"I also didn't want to go to Wellesley in the end because of the all-girl factor (What can I say, I like my men nearby ;) )"

Same here! People have been trying to get me to apply there, but nooooooooo way

By Smiley (Smiley) on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 08:26 pm: Edit

OMG! I visited the Bowdoin campus yesterday and LOVED it :-) :-) (and yes, Almostdone, I did see lots of squirrels)

By Allison (Allison) on Sunday, September 14, 2003 - 10:08 pm: Edit

hey, smiley, i go to bowdoin. do you have any questions?

(brunswick, by the way, is the largest town in maine. the only places bigger than brunswick here are the cities - portland, etc. - and it's a very lovely town, but you can claim it's in the middle of nowhere if you really want to...)

the people here are incredibly friendly - back when i was visiting colleges, the only school that seemed "friendlier" was kenyon. and the campus is beautiful, in my opinion. but then again, i'm biased.

anyways, if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

By Jnyuwa (Jnyuwa) on Sunday, January 04, 2004 - 12:33 pm: Edit

I went to Bowdoin and didn't like it. The student are very apathetic and the college community is very fragmented into cliques. Lots of red tape and diversity is a problem-if this concerns you. I like the fact that wherever I go to college, I want to take full advantage of my experience and live the life of the mind wholly to the fullest, making it count to the very last drop. I found this an impossibility at Bowdoin with the framented community and raging party scene. Many times I couldn't help but wonder how most of my peers went to bed before 12 midnight at a college that is ranked among the top ten best liberal arts college by the U.S. News and World Report. It only brings into question the integrity and dependablity of rankings. I am going to be a junior next fall at Reed College in Portland, Oregon.

By Allison (Allison) on Sunday, January 04, 2004 - 11:17 pm: Edit

"Many times I couldn't help but wonder how most of my peers went to bed before 12 midnight at a college that is ranked among the top ten best liberal arts college by the U.S. News and World Report."


i'm glad you found happiness somewhere, jnyuwa. but i disagree with you about basically everything you said - and i'm not a partier in any way, shape, or form. (i agree, though, that diversity has become quite an issue at bowdoin.)

it is all, after all, a matter of feel and opinion.

By Jnyuwa (Jnyuwa) on Sunday, January 04, 2004 - 11:32 pm: Edit

What don't you agree with me about? The apathy or the cliques or the lack of discourse on campus? I have attended two colleges, therefore I can make a better comparison than you. It's not a matter of opinion. It is a fact that needs to be looked squared in the face. Most of my friends who go to Bowdoin go there simply for the name. The 30k you pay there is simply not worth it. The rankings are nothing but who has the most endowment funds. You really should visit this Reed College in Oregon. I have sat in classes at Harvard and it doesn't even compare to the discourse here at Reed. Reed has produced 31 Rhode scholars just within 70 years, a time span and level speed unsurpassed by any other college. And Reed is supposedly ranked a second tier by US NEWS.

By Allison (Allison) on Monday, January 05, 2004 - 04:51 pm: Edit

oh god. now you're just a troll. nevermind being kind - please shut up, you sound like an idiot.

By Jnyuwa (Jnyuwa) on Monday, January 05, 2004 - 05:10 pm: Edit

Allison, you have no facts to back up anything you say. I am throwing facts at you. And all you have to say is "opinoin." Opinion my ass!

By Allison (Allison) on Monday, January 05, 2004 - 10:57 pm: Edit

puh-lease. besides the "Rhode" scholar stats and the US News rankings (where reed IS screwed over, due in part to their formal refusal to fill out the survey), what facts have you given?

you might also note that none of your "facts" are about bowdoin.

i would think that a great school like reed would teach its students how to properly debate. i guess i'm wrong. meh.

By Jnyuwa (Jnyuwa) on Monday, January 05, 2004 - 11:59 pm: Edit

Allison you are plainly pathetic. You expect me to give you Bowdoin's fact? How about the fact that the last Rhodes scholar from Bowdoin was like 30 Years ago? The last Rhodes scholar from Reed was only two years ago. And yes your attempt to demean Reed for its refusal to participate in a ranking that is nothing but vulgar, only served to strenthen Reed as a strong institution that refuses to sell its education unlike Bowdoin does. I can even remember that when I was there and Bowdoin had continued to drop in the rankings, I remember how many of my peers there began to fret in the Orient that they will transfer out if the administration does not do anything about it. What have the rankings become? Some sort of currency of social approval which should be used in trade and barter of high paying jobs and pretigious graduate programs? Nah I will pass anyday and indeed to a school where only two things matter- the quality of your mind and the process of improving it.

By Allison (Allison) on Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 01:14 am: Edit

um, i wasn't demeaning reed. i have a great deal of respect for the school, and i said that they ARE screwed over in the rankings, you fool. that means that i think they're better than US news makes them out to be, to put it in even plainer terms. i also definitely said nothing about bowdoin's spot in the rankings, because i believe they are a load of crap, so i don't know why you're acting like i said they were the most important thing or flaunted bowdoin's ranking in your face.

and i'm sick of dealing with you, you're "plainly" a troll. if you continue to post stupidity, i'm not responding.

By Jnyuwa (Jnyuwa) on Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 01:21 am: Edit

Your spins and obfuscations never end. You are better left to your devices!

By Renobi888 (Renobi888) on Monday, January 26, 2004 - 11:29 pm: Edit

uh hmm...this is the Bowdoin board, right?
Anyways, i'm a senior in HS and have sent in my app for Bowdoin RD. I visited the place in November for 4 days and got to chill with the faculty, students, and experience the great white cold. Seriously, it was as cold in Nov in Maine as it is now in NJ,...but i loved the place, (great food, accesbile profs, nice facilities, impressive living facilities, cheap shopping in Freeport...the list goes on and on and on) like you know...kind of just felt "right" on campus. So anyways here are my stats...feel free to comment or continue the raging discussion that is Reed vs Bowdoin...
1370 SAT I
690 Verbal
680 Math
800 US SAT II
800 World SAT II
680 Writing SAT II
rank 1/69 (public school)
applied for the Chamberlain leadership Scholarship
EC's-lots of wierd interesting stuff..but i should go back to studying for midterms.....Go Polar Bears '08!!!

By Allison (Allison) on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 - 01:44 am: Edit

i think you've got a great shot! when in november were you here, and where did you stay?

and ignore the reed thing.

By Renobi888 (Renobi888) on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 - 04:55 pm: Edit

Uh, yea i stayed Nov 8-11. Bowdoin had Mr. Bengali hypnotize the students during that Thursday, or Friday. It was also the weeken of the Oedipus Rex showing. I stayed in what i think is Maine Hall, not too sure but it's right next to the chapel and across from the student union.

By Allison (Allison) on Thursday, January 29, 2004 - 02:41 am: Edit

cool. yeah, that's maine hall.

i didn't see the hypnotist - was he any good? i heard he got at least one guy to do something really ridiculous, but i forget what.

By Renobi888 (Renobi888) on Thursday, January 29, 2004 - 10:14 am: Edit

well, he was amazing...let's see. he made one asian guy think that he was pregnant and that the baby was going to come out his arse...he made another dude think he was a woman and prance around like a model....made some people think they were in a war....i'm definitely missing something, but you get the picture.

By Emeraldkity4 (Emeraldkity4) on Thursday, January 29, 2004 - 10:55 am: Edit

I wish they would come up with another word I really used to love my troll dolls.
http://www.badfads.com/pages/collectibles/trolls.html
jynuwa isn't a troll in that he actually attended bowdoin and is now attending a school in chico and hopes to attend Reed, but he is a troll in that his posts just seem to irritate
and he isnt contributing to the discussion ( OK neither is this sorry)

By Jnyuwa (Jnyuwa) on Thursday, January 29, 2004 - 07:33 pm: Edit

This sounds like that immatured, irrational and veritable loser, Kad6. Get a life yo! Stop pinching for every information you can find about me on google search. At least I know what I am doing. What you call irritating is actually my attempt to stir up the murky waters in order to get vital information that will help me decide whether Reed is right for me or not. This is a whole lot better than you who applied there under the early decision plan, taking someone's claims at face value, without actually visiting and verifying those claims as facts. Talk about something stupid, this is it. Talk about a deluded mind, KAD6!

And yes I got all the information I need. Reedies are arrogant, sometimes not very nice people to be around. The good thing is that these types of people are in the minority at Reed. The Reedies I came across online are like you- very uqiquitous online because they have no friends in real life. And about that Princeton Review thing, I have never purpoted to be their employee. Some suspicious Reedies made me one and I decided to play on their apparent paranoia. And by the way, the message from that Princeton Review guy is a gimmick. I emailed the real guy and he did not know what in the world I was talking about.

Something here for a fool like.



Bye, Bye Jnyuwa...

<moderator>

By Renobi888 (Renobi888) on Thursday, January 29, 2004 - 10:46 pm: Edit

awww, i think someone needs a hug....anyways, whut's interesting is that like my freshman host actually said that "maine is like a different country...people here are just nice" hopefully the letter will be nice in April

By Allison (Allison) on Sunday, February 01, 2004 - 04:01 am: Edit

hm. i thought the bowdoin people were obnoxious, not the reed people. i guess it doesn't matter now, anyway.

and emerald, he is a troll - or at least was - because he came to the bowdoin thread just to put the school down.

By Lonelygal (Lonelygal) on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 08:36 pm: Edit

When are the ED-II decisions coming out?

By Allison (Allison) on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 09:00 pm: Edit

i live in NYS, and i got my actual letter on valentine's day last year. they emailed me on the 11th (i think? it might have been the 10th...), though.

By Lonelygal (Lonelygal) on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 - 05:50 pm: Edit

Thanks allison........my school friend got in!!!!!!!!!! I'm extremely extremely happy for him!!! He received an e-mail on Feb 11 2004..so he's Bowdoin Class of 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!! yeppie!!!!

By Allison (Allison) on Thursday, February 12, 2004 - 01:26 am: Edit

tell him congratulations. maybe i'll see him around next year.

By Abhijeet (Abhijeet) on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 04:20 am: Edit

Hey lonelygal! thankyou so much for being so nice. Im sure youll get in too.

Hi Allison... I got in... cant believe it but i did!!
Is it necessary that Bowdoin meet full demonstrated need of ED international applicants?
i would be screwed if it that doesnt happen.... the letters are yet to arrive..

Indeed its a great school and im DELIGHTED!!

By Lonelygal (Lonelygal) on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 05:52 am: Edit

Congratulations Abhijeet....I too heard that Bowdoin rocks!!!..so which country are you from....?

hey Allison....so i think you will get to meet Mr. Abhijeet next fall...

By Allison (Allison) on Friday, February 13, 2004 - 05:25 pm: Edit

abhijeet,

i'm sorry, i really don't know much about financial aid, especially in regards to international students. i'm sorry, but i hope things work out for you and that i get to see you around campus next fall.

By Abhijeet (Abhijeet) on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 12:45 am: Edit

i hope things work out too.. i have my heart set on it!!! but the mail wouldnt arrive for next 10 days here!! lousy mail service....

i wish they FedExed their decisions.. well at least to international students!!!

waiting...................................

By Lonelygal (Lonelygal) on Saturday, February 14, 2004 - 10:07 pm: Edit

hey there abhijeet....I'm supremely confident...n i repeat supremely confident...that U have the hefty financial aid you had asked for...I'm sure!!!! ED means they are ought to meet YOUR FULL DEMONSTRATED NEED....go on n RELAX mr. Bowdoin class of 2008..hehehe sounds gr8 isnt it?

By Abhijeet (Abhijeet) on Sunday, February 15, 2004 - 02:26 am: Edit

Yup lonelygal! It sounds great!!!!!

Thanks girl!

By Rashmi (Rashmi) on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 01:19 am: Edit

Congrats Abhijeet!

By Lch (Lch) on Thursday, February 19, 2004 - 01:18 am: Edit

Hey guys. I'm in kind of a weird situation, pleasantly surprised I guess. I received an email from the chair of interviewing for Bowdoin in my area, congratulating me on my admission to the school. I haven't yet received a letter from the school, and admission seems a bit early. How should I inquire into this matter without sounding ungrateful?

By Abhijeet (Abhijeet) on Thursday, February 19, 2004 - 05:12 am: Edit

Lch:

Did you do ED2?

I applied ED2 and got an email from the College saying that i was accepted(my interviewer still knows nothing about it!!). But the letter is still to arrive.(it takes a long for mails to reach here (Nepal).

So are you an intl student too? if so, the best advise would be to wait for a few more days.

But if you applied regular decision and/or you live in the US... you surely should call up the admissions and clear this up. Just ask them polietely if you have been accepted.. I guess that would do.

Maybe they wanted to take you in real bad.. and just let you know that in advance!! relax. and welcome to bowdoin class of 2008!

By Lch (Lch) on Friday, February 20, 2004 - 08:00 pm: Edit

I was wondering, for any Bowdoin students or alums out there, is racism an issue on campus? I read a recent article regarding this and was a bit shocked by it.

By Bolton (Bolton) on Saturday, February 21, 2004 - 12:47 am: Edit

Yes if you are going to a school like Bowdoin, racism is a big concern. Its remote location presents problems with diversity. As such, not many people have experience on living with people different from themselves. The situation is even worse considering Bowdoin attracts mostly white middle class students who have been pretty much been sheltered all their lives. So watch out if you are a minority. But you will find the locals in Brunswick to be pretty down to earth. Portland the biggest city in Maine is 45 minutes away. You will find people more open minded in Portland. There is quite some progressivism taking root there.

By Allison (Allison) on Saturday, February 21, 2004 - 02:01 am: Edit

hey bolton, i'm curious - how much experience do you have with bowdoin?

and yo, lch, i'm assuming it's you with the bowdoin thread on PR. the event that occurred was a big thing - this is the first time in the recent past (last 10 years, at least) that something of that nature has happened here, and it shocked everyone, including most of the students, who don't share that viewpoint. i think we exhausted the topic, but if you have other questions about it, i'd be glad to answer them - i don't want you to think that this type of thing happens every week here, because it doesn't. however, that doesn't mean that bowdoin is paradise for everyone, either.

By Lch (Lch) on Saturday, February 21, 2004 - 02:20 am: Edit

Allison, thanks for your comments, on both sites I think? I thought I'd get more feedback posting here as well; didn't realize crowd's pretty much the same. I understand the situation, and Bowdoin overall, much better now.

By Valpal (Valpal) on Saturday, February 21, 2004 - 03:07 am: Edit

Allison, my D has applied to Bowdoin. She is bi-racial (African American/German American), so diversity is a concern of ours. I know Bowdoin is not known for it, but this is the second time I've read mention of this "shocking racial incident". Could be be more specific? Exactly what happened? Thanks.

By Allison (Allison) on Saturday, February 21, 2004 - 03:23 am: Edit

lch - the crowd isn't the same, i think i'm the only bowdoin person who posts on both boards (though there are some from other schools who do, williams being the first that comes to mind). however, there are fewer posts on this board in general. (i'm scheisse_adc on the other board.)

valpal - i wasn't present, so i can't tell you exactly what happened - i've heard varying accounts. what i do know is that the newspaper misquoted and misreported some of the story in this article, but it's the best we have:

http://www.bowdoin.edu/studorgs/orient/2004-02-20/news01.htm

also, here are two responses (one letter, one editorial) to the event that i think might help with understanding it.

http://www.bowdoin.edu/studorgs/orient/2004-02-20/ltr01.htm

http://www.bowdoin.edu/studorgs/orient/2004-02-20/ed01.htm

the gist of the situation, basically, was that some people talking ('poeting,' actually, but the point remains the same) about racial empowerment (african-american, specifically) went a bit too far, and some drunken white guys went even further over the line, and the event escalated. if you have any questions, i can try to answer them.

By Renobi888 (Renobi888) on Saturday, February 21, 2004 - 04:58 pm: Edit

wow...didn't know that would happen. During my trip there, i attended one of the "poeting" slams at Magee's pub...and thought it was pretty interesting. I don't recall anything of that sort in Nov. Anyways, one of the other students at the Bowdoin Invitational who hailed from Maine had told me that the campus can be very Afro-centric... Though everyone (students, teachers, administration) that i met there was really friendly, so as Allison said, the incident is probably not representative of the campus as a whole.

By Allison (Allison) on Saturday, February 21, 2004 - 05:20 pm: Edit

renobi - indeed. while there may be issues with race and self-segregation on campus, at least everyone knows where the af-am house is and what the step and poeting clubs do. try asking around to find the asa house... most of the asian students don't even know. and then there's all the racial groups that have no clubs or houses to represent them at all...

now i'm making bowdoin sound bad, which it's not - this is basically the biggest issue i see here.

By Abhijeet (Abhijeet) on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 03:05 am: Edit

Allison,
I thought the Asians had a club or sth..?

By Allison (Allison) on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 03:22 am: Edit

yes - the "asian students association" is a club and it has a house. the club is very popular, the house (which is what i was talking about) is barely known at all.

there is also KASA, which is specifically korean, and there are clubs for other specific parts of asia as well.

asian- and african-americans are the two best-represented minority groups on campus.

By Valpal (Valpal) on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 03:11 pm: Edit

Allison, approximately how many African American students are enrolled at Bowdoin?

By Allison (Allison) on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 03:44 pm: Edit

approximately 80, but the number rises every year.

By Abhijeet (Abhijeet) on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 04:32 am: Edit

Allison, is there anyone from Mepal?
Hope im not bothering you much!!

thanks

By Allison (Allison) on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 12:23 pm: Edit

i'm assuming you mean england (as opposed to nepal).

i don't know where, specifically, in the UK they are from, but there are 5 non-seniors here from the UK. there isn't anyone from nepal.

there may be more seniors, but they won't be here next year anyway, and i can't find any information on them - i also can't find specifics about where in the UK these 5 people are from.

By Lch (Lch) on Wednesday, February 25, 2004 - 12:37 am: Edit

Allison, how's pre-med at Bowdoin? I've looked at the school's website for information, such as admission rates and such, but could you possibly share any personal or observed experiences concerning pre-med? Thanks.

By Bolton (Bolton) on Wednesday, February 25, 2004 - 01:01 am: Edit

There is no premed at Bowdoin or any small liberal arts college for that matter. Yes Allison I have considerable experience with Bowdoin. I graduated there some years ago. I must tell you that been a minority at Bowdoin was not easy. Much of Bowdoin's racism was internalized. So its hard to point a finger. But from what I know, we had problems of white girls accussing black guys for things they never did to them at parties. Many of these accussations made their way to the judicial board. I remember one guy who was suspended from Bowdoin for using the N word on his roomate who was black.

By Allison (Allison) on Wednesday, February 25, 2004 - 04:43 am: Edit

ok, bolton, i was wondering how else you could speak with such authority. i haven't heard about the things you talk about from any of my friends/acquaintances, but that certainly doesn't mean the problems are nonexistent - indeed, it's quite obvious from the recent events that they aren't, and my "alternative roommates" would agree that it's not necessarily easy.

as far as pre-med, i think lch is referring to people who go on to med school, not a specific "pre-med" major.

and lch, i will look around for statistics and such - i know several people planning to be doctors, but, as i'm just a first-year, i don't really have a lot of personal/observed experience yet. i could probably tell you more about law school, but i will try to find some things out about med school - i know that bowdoin gets a high number of kids into law, med, and various grad schools, in general, but i don't know specifics.

By Bolton (Bolton) on Wednesday, February 25, 2004 - 05:29 am: Edit

Allison, why don't you go get your facts straight before coming here to talk. Certainly you can go to medical school from Bowdoin or any other school. It only means that you have got to take those human bio, chemistry, math and physics classes that medical school require as a prerequisite for enrollment. In other schools, they have a planned pre-med curriculum, a major of study that if you chose, it will prepare you fully for the classes that medical schools want. This is not the case at Bowdoin and other small liberal arts colleges. To do so will defeat the purpose of a liberal arts eduation-freedom in the arts.

The fact that you haven't heard what I mentioned happening at Bowdoin doesn't mean it does not happen. A minority student at Bowdoin or someone who has spent a few years at the college might be in a better position to shade light on these issues than you have taken upon yourself.

By Allison (Allison) on Wednesday, February 25, 2004 - 01:19 pm: Edit

bolton, why don't you read before criticizing? i addressed both your "points" already.

1) that's exactly what i said about medical school - lch was NOT asking about a specific pre-med major, but, instead, about people who go on to med school.

2) "i haven't heard about the things you talk about from any of my friends/acquaintances, but that certainly doesn't mean the problems are nonexistent"

there is no one else here with experience, if you will notice, talking about bowdoin, except, as of late, you yourself. i'm basing my information on what my close friends, some of whom are minorities AND some of whom have been here for several years - more recently than you, i might add - and on my own judgement, which i believe i always state when talking about matters of opinion. i personally believe it's better for the people here to have some information than none at all, and i'm sorry if you disagree.

By Perry (Perry) on Wednesday, February 25, 2004 - 02:21 pm: Edit

Allison --

The information you have provided on this thread has been very helpful. I wonder from your knowledge of the college whether you could answer the following questions:

1) From what you know, how good are the English, History, and Language Departments? How rigorous are the courses?

2) How accessible are the professors, and which departments have the best faculty?

3) Is there much interest among the study body in the performing arts, specifically theatre? Would an arts oriented student feel out of place at Bowdoin?

4)How would you describe the student body? Are they liberal, conservative, a mix of the two? Would you describe them as politically active or indifferent?
In other words, in your own view, how would you best describe the typical student at Bowdoin -- (i.e. outdorsy, athletic, arts oriented, etc?)

5) Do you think that the students at Bowdoin are intellectually engaged?

6) Are there fraternities and sororities at Bowdoin?

I know these are many questions to ask, but any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks...

By Abhijeet (Abhijeet) on Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 03:47 am: Edit

OOO Bolton..you have scared me.


Hi Allison, I got my F.Aid letter, its great and ill be coming to Bowdoin this fall. by the way, Bolton mentioned some very scary facts and i was wondering what it would be like for me......since apparantly ill be the onnly one from Nepal.

By Allison (Allison) on Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 04:06 am: Edit

ah, so you did mean nepal. congrats, and hopefully i'll see you around next year - one of my good friends is the only person here from pakistan (as far as i know), and while your experiences probably won't be identical, i can ask him what it was like, if you want me to.

By Bolton (Bolton) on Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 05:13 am: Edit

I don't mean to scare anyone. I am talking from my personal experience, from what I know took place during my career there. But it may very well be that Bowdoin has changed for the better. But I doubt it because the system is largely self perpetuating. Don't be scared though. It's your decision, your future. Bowdoin can be a great place of learning and personal growth. It can also be the worst place on earth for others. I hope the mercies of the Bowdoin sun shines on you.

By Abhijeet (Abhijeet) on Friday, February 27, 2004 - 12:14 am: Edit

I am sure it will!! I have heard that Maine is very cold but that Bowdoin is pretty warm!!!!!

Thankyou so much Allison. But please dont bother your Pakistani friend. Now that i WILL be attending Bowdoin, I dont want to have any pre conceived notions about it. I know its a great place and i know you ppl are wonderful. Just cant wait to find out more!

aj//

By Perry (Perry) on Sunday, March 07, 2004 - 07:50 pm: Edit

I am curious. Has anyone here received a nice note from the admissions dean in response to your interview with an alum in your immediate locale?

By Allison (Allison) on Monday, March 08, 2004 - 02:41 am: Edit

hey perry, i didn't realize you had written questions until you wrote that new post! sorry...

1) i don't know that much, but the english program here is supposed to be excellent (it's one of the departments bowdoin's known for) - however, they don't allow you to take courses in it until sophomore year, except for first-year seminars and introductory courses (intro to drama, intro to poetry, etc.). i took a seminar, and i really enjoyed it, but i don't think it's indicative of the english program as a whole. i know next to nothing about the history department, except that it has some excellent professors. as far as language, you'd be better off at a place like middlebury if you wanted to study languages. we only offer russian, the major romance languages, german, chinese and possibly one other asian language?, and greek and latin (which aren't in the languages department). from what i've heard, the method generally used for teaching the languages is immersion - the teachers speak only in THAT language. i'm sure there are some great professors teaching languages (the russian teacher, who i have for a class - in english - on russian literature, is supposed to be incredible), but bowdoin's not really known for its foreign languages.

2) again, i've only had limited exposure here - generally, the professors are VERY accessible - even in large classes, they'll learn your name, for example, and get to know you as much as you let them. all professors have office hours, but most professors are available outside of these hours as well, and you can call or email. last semester, two of my professors had parties and one had us over to his house. the only limit, i think, on how available professors are is whether or not you are willing to put forth the effort to contact them, go see them, express interest/be willing to go in for help, and so on. all the professors i've had have been more than happy to help me out when i've approached them.

3) since i've been back for the second semester, there's been, on average, at least one play running every two weeks, along with various musical performances, art exhibitions, and so on. there's only one student-run theater group on campus, as far as i know, but there are opportunities to work behind the scenes/act in honors projects by students, special projects ("the vagina monologues," for instance, ran last weekend, and i think it was a joint project for several different clubs), and so on - plenty of chances to get involved. we also have an improv group that was started a couple of years ago - it's not wonderful, yet, but they're pretty funny. on the whole, i'd say that bowdoin has plenty of art-related opportunities for a student with those sorts of interests, but that the theater-kid or artsy-kid attitude isn't really PERVASIVE - kind of a "happy medium," i guess.

4) in my own view, i'd say that bowdoin students are liberal, but only moderately so (if that makes sense). the school has its share of very vocal conservatives and republicans, but, as would be expected, most of the students identify themselves as liberal. students generally seem to get excited about three or four issues/causes per year, and are kind of apathetic the rest of the time. you won't find masses of students headed off to protests and such - you hear about 3 or 4 who went to this, or 1 student who went to india to help organize schools, etc., but there isn't a campuswide awareness of politics and such. as far as general descriptions, i'd say bowdoin is very athletic - you won't find a lot of people here with unattractive bodies (which is both a pro and a con), and there's always a considerable group working out in the fitness center when you walk by. 'outdoorsy' can also be used to describe the population, though not quite so generally - maine is a wonderful place for most outdoor activities - skiing, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and so on - and bowdoin draws a lot of people interested in such things (as evidenced by the size of the bowdoin outing club). a third word that comes to some people's minds is "preppy" - while i don't think that you can call the whole population "a bunch of rich preppy kids from private school," there certainly are a large number of collar-flipping, north face-wearing kids from private schools throughout new england. it's up to you to determine whether this is a positive or negative thing. i don't really think it's one or the other.

5) as a whole? it's difficult to say, as i think that's a really personal thing. i'd say yes, generally, but you'll find some people who are only here for the social life and don't give a crap about anything they're learning and others whose thirst for knowledge drives them to take 6 courses at a time, double major (and sometimes minor on top of that), do independent studies and honors projects, and so on. as with most colleges, i'd guess, you have the full range here. i'm not sure i can really answer this question with any more detail than that.

6) no, there are not, but there are social houses, which serve some of the same purposes - they're former frat houses where students live and throw parties, sponsor speakers, and so on. everyone on campus is affiliated with one of them. i can tell you more about them if you want, as i plan to live in one next year.

various people also argue that the football, lacrosse, rugby, and/or hockey teams are "frat-like" in their behaviors. these teams certainly draw more of your stereotypical "frat-boy" kids than the other teams, and certain practices of theirs are reminiscent of frats ("initiation," the fact that first-year girls should stay away from their houses, and so on...)


sorry about the typos, if there are any - it's kind of late. i hope everything goes well for you in april, and i'd be glad to answer any further questions that you have. i hope this was somewhat helpful - if you desperately want to know more about, say, the history department, i can ask some of my older friends and get back to you. let me know.

By Renobi888 (Renobi888) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 07:26 pm: Edit

uh...woohoo, i got in!

By Renobi888 (Renobi888) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 07:28 pm: Edit

i got in!

By Kj998855 (Kj998855) on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 05:16 pm: Edit

Anyone have any idea when the rest of us RD people who didnt hear yet will get the letter?

By Doubleplay263 (Doubleplay263) on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 05:21 pm: Edit

I was wondering the same...all that the people in the admissions office said is that they will be mailed by March 31. Doesn't really help too much.

By Doubleplay263 (Doubleplay263) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 08:35 am: Edit

Anyone heard?

By Mouse (Mouse) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 08:36 pm: Edit

When is the bowdoin open house for admitted students?

By College17 (College17) on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 10:30 pm: Edit

Hey, I am going to Bowdoin next year. Anyone else?? Doubleplay and Kj998855, best of luck... I hope you get in and decide to go. Renobi, what schools are you deciding among? I have friends at a bunch of the other LACs (Midd, Williams, etc.) and a sister at Columbia so if you are considering any of those...

By Doubleplay263 (Doubleplay263) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 02:26 pm: Edit

Thanks College17...Yeah, i called up the Adcom office today at Bowdoin; they said that WLs and rejections will be mailed out tom morning. From what I understand, acceptances will be mailed after that. So if you don't get a reject by Sat, you should be ok--I think.
Good luck!

By Reidmc (Reidmc) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 02:48 pm: Edit

FYI - Bowdoin mailed out their application response letters this morning - Wed 3/31. Good luck to all.

By Abhijeet (Abhijeet) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 11:00 pm: Edit

Reidmc,

No decisions by email? It takes ages for mails to reach here! My friends are so desperate.

By Kj998855 (Kj998855) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 03:07 pm: Edit

nothing today here in MA, if what Doubleday said about not getting rejected by Saturday, then this is good

By College17 (College17) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 12:50 am: Edit

Mouse - go here for open house info: http://www.bowdoin.edu/admissions/

By Kj998855 (Kj998855) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 12:17 pm: Edit

I JUST GOT IN!!! I'm so happy, I didn't think I had much of a chance at all after getting waitlisted at Bates. Just shows you never know...plus my fin aid was 3 times what conn college was giving me. This is awesome!

By Connect4 (Connect4) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 08:48 pm: Edit

im going to bowdoin experience. anyone wanna hang out

By College17 (College17) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 10:29 pm: Edit

Congrats Kj998855! are you definitely going to bowdoin next year? connect4 - what day are you going? and, same question, are you def. going next year?

By Kj998855 (Kj998855) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 12:42 am: Edit

I'm not sure. My parents are going to exert alot of pressure on me to take the money and go to Providence College, but i dont anticipate giving in becuase its onlya difference of a few thousand. I'm also considering Tufts and William and Mary. We'll see. I'm gonna be at Bowdoin twice this month

By Abhijeet (Abhijeet) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 08:20 am: Edit

Hey Connect4, im going to Bowdoin this fall.
My MSN add:
hello_14_in@hotmail.com

By Connect4 (Connect4) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 08:23 am: Edit

im going on the 16th

By Kj998855 (Kj998855) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 05:37 pm: Edit

I plan on going the 23rd, anyone else here gonna do that? My fin aid from tufts was awful so Bowdoin is looking very very good now.

By Kj998855 (Kj998855) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 05:41 pm: Edit

I plan on going the 23rd, anyone else here gonna do that? My fin aid from tufts was awful so Bowdoin is looking very very good now.

By College17 (College17) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 06:52 pm: Edit

haha, I'm going on the 19th (tentatively)... looks as though we have all the dates covered... well, anyone going to / considering bowdoin for next year feel free to IM me! will put sn in profile temporarily

By College17 (College17) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 10:28 pm: Edit

Kj998855 - hey, well good luck with your decision but, as a member of the class of 08, I hope you choose Bowdoin! I've heard very mixed reviews of Tufts, not to say that I haven't heard a few negatives about Bowdoin too, but then again there will be people who love and hate every school. As for William and Mary, I have a friend who chose it over Middlebury last year and is very happy there... don't know too much about it though, sorry. Anyway, here are just a few reasons why Bowdoin rocks:

1) accessible faculty dedicated to teaching (true of many of the LACs)
2) phenomenal food!!
3) great community atmosphere
4) quality dorms (from what I hear)
5) location! yeah, a little bit in the middle of nowhere, but MUCH better than some other LACs... it's very near both Freeport and Portland
6) great grad school acceptance rates (I know, I know, we're all sick of the excessive emphasis placed on rankings, but I can't help but note that wall street journal ranks it in the top 20 on a *combined* (!) list of all the LACs and universities in the nation for getting kids into the top grad schools - that can't hurt)

Again, good luck!

By Abhijeet (Abhijeet) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 12:23 pm: Edit

College17,

Could you please post the link of the wall street rankings, if its on web.
Thankyou.

By College17 (College17) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 01:49 pm: Edit

sure, the link is in this article:

http://wsjclassroom.com/college/feederschools.htm

but again, remember that their sample pool is quite limited, it's only the top five (I think) for med, law, and business... in the end, it's really WHAT you do with your college ed. and not WHERE you go that matters