Overview
Bowdoin College is a extremely selective private four-year institution in Brunswick, Maine. The school accepts 9.2% of applicants and enrolls 1,846 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 9.2%
- Average SAT
- 1,510
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,460–1,560
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 34
- Total Enrollment
- 1,846
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Bowdoin stopped requiring standardized tests in 1969, making it the first selective liberal arts college to go test-optional permanently. This decision reflects the school's belief that your academic record, essays, and recommendations tell a fuller story than any single test score.
Your essays matter enormously here because Bowdoin wants to understand how you think, not just what you've accomplished. Write about intellectual moments that genuinely excited you, whether that happened in a classroom discussion about Arctic exploration or while reading about economic inequality. The admissions office reads for authenticity and depth of thought over polished prose.
Don't assume Bowdoin is just another New England liberal arts college. The school's location in coastal Maine shapes everything from its outdoor recreation programs to its sustainable food initiatives. Reference specific aspects like the Outing Club's cabin system, the college's organic garden that supplies the dining halls, or the Arctic Studies Center if these genuinely connect to your interests.
Your "Why Bowdoin" supplement should go beyond generic praise for small class sizes. Mention specific professors whose research aligns with your academic goals, or explain how programs like the McKeen Center for the Common Good would help you pursue community service work you've already started. Generic responses about "collaborative learning environments" won't distinguish you.
Apply Early Decision if Bowdoin is truly your first choice. The college fills about half its class through ED, and your demonstrated commitment carries weight. However, don't apply ED simply for an admissions advantage if you're not certain about fit or need to compare financial aid offers.
Avoid writing about your love of nature or small towns unless you can be specific about what draws you to Brunswick or Maine. Admissions officers read hundreds of essays about students wanting to escape city life or embrace outdoor adventures. Focus instead on academic or extracurricular opportunities that exist specifically at Bowdoin.
The interview is optional but recommended. Use it to discuss intellectual interests that might not come through clearly in your application, particularly if you're interested in interdisciplinary work or independent study projects.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $20,786/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $64,910
- Students Receiving Aid
- 16%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 95.6%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $82,735/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 97.6%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bowdoin College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Bowdoin College is test-optional and does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission. Students can choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What are the application deadlines for Bowdoin College?
Bowdoin College offers Early Decision I (deadline November 15), Early Decision II (deadline January 1), and Regular Decision (deadline January 1). Early Decision is binding, meaning students must attend if accepted.
Can you transfer to Bowdoin College as a sophomore or junior?
Bowdoin College accepts transfer students for fall semester entry only. Transfer applicants must submit college transcripts and typically need at least one year of college coursework to be considered.
What makes Bowdoin College's application process different from other schools?
Bowdoin College places strong emphasis on the personal essay and requires students to respond to specific supplemental prompts. The school also conducts optional alumni interviews and values demonstrated interest through campus visits or virtual sessions.