Bowdoin College
Brunswick, ME, USA

Reviews

Bowdoin College

Scott from Kent, CT

accepted here and planning to attend soon
26 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
Attended classes and all were excellent---Chinese 2nd yr, Biomath, Chem, Physics
Profs all accessible and nice, varied classroom environments
Will enjoy being here
Really nice town with good amenities right at edge of campus

visited 27 campuses and none could compare to the friendliness and general quality of student---well spoken, polite people in a relaxed place with an intellectually intense atmosphere
Bang for the buck
high $$, high quality, prestigious--especially in New England ...ranks at the very top in every survey published...solid endowment to sustain competitive advantage vs other colleges....great science departments
Tips for prospective students
Have a great interview!!
Great for these types of students
Want to be involved in everything ---want top small college

Allyson from West Bloomfield, MI

accepted here and planning to attend soon
19 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I chose this school over the University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, and the honors college at the University of Michigan because it has the rare combination of academic rigor, high quality of life, and a selective campus full of people who are kind and intelligent. The school was also very generous in the amount of financial aid I received. If you have a love of learning and enjoying nature's wonders, consider Bowdoin very seriously in your college search.
Tips for prospective students
Try to apply for the Bowdoin Explore program that pays for you to stay and visit the college for a weekend. It will let you know whether the school is right for you. Don't let senior year slip up either. Three years of work can be ruined by one lazy year.
Academic Rigor
I haven't taken classes here yet, but the Bowdoin B is relatively well-known.
Dorm Life
The rooms are spacious, clean, simple, and comfortable. Since it's only a college, the school can afford to look after and pay attention to each student much more than most universities.
Food and Dining
The food is absolutely amazing, fresh, and varied. Most foods in Maine are this way, and Bowdoin is no exception.
What to do for fun
Join a club, hang out with friends, go downtown, shop, get a ride to Boston!
Bang for the buck
I was surprised to see how much I could buy for a midnight snack for just a few dollars.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The ocean is 30 minutes away!
Great for these types of students
Laid-back but hardworking, curious, friendly, down-to-earth, and respectful.
Greek Life
There isn't one, but there's plenty of partying.
Campus Safety
Safest campus I know of. I saw old couples strolling around at 1am. It's safe.

Samuel from South China, ME

a current student here
13 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A small school with a liberal student body that is very focused on academics. Most students are on varsity sports teams or clubs. The food is so good.
Tips for prospective students
Check out all the different clubs on campus. There are so many for such a small school!
Academic Rigor
No matter what your major you will find the classes very challenging. Both the students and professors are deep into academia and all the professors do their own research.
Dorm Life
Most of the housing options are pretty good and the cleaning employees do a great job.
Food and Dining
Best in the country. Actually.
What to do for fun
Watch the sports teams compete (NESCAC games are sick). Social house parties on most weekends plus plenty of outdoors opportunities with the outing club.
Bang for the buck
Bowdoin is expensive, but offers killer financial aid. Plus, so many opportunities and connections open up for you. You can even do research with a professor as an undergrad.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Ivies week during the spring is one crazy week. To find out more you will have to come... Also pepper flipping during meals... Have to enroll to learn more about that too...
Great for these types of students
Progressive minded liberal students who like to get involved in their school and community. Athletes are also very happy here.
Clubs and Activities
We have everything: a film club, an outing club, sexual support groups, and much more.
Greek Life
Instead of fraternities we have social houses which replaced the frats a couple decades ago. They frequently host parties and events.
Campus Safety
We have a relatively small campus located in a very safe part of Maine (not that too many parts of Maine aren't safe). The Bowdoin Security personnel are for the most part quite nice and keep an eye on the campus (but not too close).

Jared from South Orange, NJ

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It has been an incredible experience so far. I love the campus and community, and the teachers compel me to work hard. I am in my second year, and I am loving every minute of it.
Tips for prospective students
Come in and be open to everything you never thought you would do. You will love yourself for doing it.
Academic Rigor
The work is difficult, but it's a challenge you need.
Dorm Life
The rooms are incredible, and it's very rare that you'll find yourself unable to live with your roommate.
Food and Dining
The food is unbelievable, and not to mention incredibly healthy for the most part.
What to do for fun
Their is a lot to get involved with on campus, and the city of Portland is about 40 minutes off campus if you need to get away.
Bang for the buck
The restaurants and stores within Brunswick by are very good and offer great deals to students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The Pepper Flip: If you land the pepper shaker right-side up, and the person agrees to the challenge you've given them, they must do.

Frosty's: Stay up until 4 A.M. and walk over to Frosty's donuts when they open up.
Great for these types of students
Students who enjoy nature, and students who wouldn't normally go to school in a place like Maine. Comfortable, beautiful and serene.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many clubs, and if you don't like any of them, you can create one. There are hills for hiking, a beach close by, etc.
Greek Life
None, it'e been abolished to make the community more inclusive.
Campus Safety
I always feel safe, security is extremely accessible and incredibly helpful.

Marcela from Saint Louis, MO

accepted here and planning to attend soon
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Bowdoin is hands down the best school I applied to! The financial aid is Ivy caliber, the college is extremely competitive to get into, and the general atmosphere is excellent. At Bowdoin you feel welcomed from the moment you set foot on campus even if you aren't sure you're going to be attending.
Tips for prospective students
If you're interested in Bowdoin it only makes sense to visit the campus and check out everything from classrooms to dorm rooms to the famous and amazing dining halls.
Dorm Life
At Bowdoin you have the option of living in a double or quad in a house you are assigned before freshman year. Dorn life is very fun and active!
Food and Dining
Bowdoin literally has the nation's best college campus food. They're rated for it. It's amazing.
What to do for fun
Lots of fun things to do occur on campus since the college is very dedicated to holding shows and concerts. The town of Brunswick is just a block away and has lots of things to do.
Bang for the buck
Bowdoin gives great financial aid using the same no-loans strategy as the Ivy's which makes it a great choice.
Great for these types of students
Students who are up to a challenge, open-minded, and ready for the cold.
Greek Life
No Greek life.
Campus Safety
Bowdoin is in a tiny town in Maine and the small campus provides a safe atmosphere. They also have the blue light system on campus.

Symone from Calumet City, IL

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Bowdoin is unique as its name. Though the campus is small, the hearts of the people here are big. Bowdoin is truly a place of the common good.
Tips for prospective students
It is very important that you are committed to extra-curricular activities and have participated in community service events. Bowdoin is also test-optional.
Academic Rigor
The courses at Bowdoin are challenging, but eye-opening. The professors are always willing and available to help.
Dorm Life
The dorms, especially the first year dorms, are very spacious.
Food and Dining
The food is absolutely amazing! There is something for everybody.
What to do for fun
Bowdoin is located in a small town but there are always many activities on campus, such as concerts, movie screening, musicals, and social house parties.
Great for these types of students
Bowdoin is great for students who are committed to improving the world because Bowdoin provides the resources to make it possible.
Clubs and Activities
There are many clubs, sports, and activities on campus. There is something for everyone. You can even start your own club.
Greek Life
There are no fraternities or sororities on campus, but there are social houses that resemble sororities and fraternities.
Campus Safety
Security is amazing. They are kind to the students, yet dedicated to keeping safe by whatever means necessary.

AM New York, NY

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A small but large enough campus. Students who get excited about what they study. Beautiful community of people and lovely surrounding area.
Tips for prospective students
You'll be happy where ever you go, but being a polar bear gives you international pride.
Academic Rigor
You get what you put into all classes. Studying becomes your personal incentive. A lot of learning happens outside of the classroom.
Dorm Life
The Residential Life staff does a wonderful job and creating community and allowing community to spring naturally. Building dynamics are wonderful with floor dynamics typically forging strong inter room bonds. The College House System allows for dorm life to be positively integrated with campus life.
Food and Dining
Constantly, top ranked for dining. I believe that the food is good but the dining staff are great.
What to do for fun
Go on Outing Club trips.
Walk in the Bowdoin Pines
Go Bowling for free on Thursdays
Study in the Visual Arts Center
Walk off the main streets of Maine St.
Bang for the buck
The perks that come with the tuition are numerous, so seek them out.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The annual Polar Bear run has a large following.
Great for these types of students
Self driven
Explorers
Innovators
Dreamers who work hard
Clubs and Activities
A great selection that branch out of almost all the academic departments and beyond. Why not learn to curl in Belfast or watch Jaws in the pool? The question is why not.
Greek Life
College Houses fill the role, in a more inclusive sense.
Campus Safety
Besides the unusual security guard who will seem to have an attitude problem, campus security officers are friendly, helpful, kind and useful.

Taylor from Baltimore, MD

researching this school
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
One of the best schools I've seen. Been living on campus during the summer since I was in 7th grade. Now I'm a senior and I'm sure this is the school for me.
Tips for prospective students
Be prepared for anything at anytime. A lot of activities happen at Bowdoin for everything you could think of. Ask about the Colby-Bates rivalry and you have yourself a wonderful and funny conversation. If you're shy, this might not be the place for you because there is no hiding at such a small school and soon you'll know everyone on campus, have dinner at your professors house, or walking the town of Brunswick with a group of diverse friends bigger than you ever could imagine.
Academic Rigor
Don't go to Bowdoin if you don't expect too be seriously challenged.... Seriously... Do not do that to yourself.
Dorm Life
Heaven. The dorm rooms are huge compared to most and that's a big plus. You don't feel crowded with your 4-5 roommates just to give you an idea. The 2 common areas for meeting Moore Hall where I usually stay are good for relaxing with friends over a game or takeout.
Food and Dining
Food is absolutely to die for. Never worry about having the same thing twice because the menu is always different and always amazing. A lot of the food is organic and they have food dishes for all needs. Vegetarian, gluten free, no eggs, or seafood and dishes for all the people that want all that stuff. The food in the town is almost better. Little Tokyo has the best sushi every. Gelato Fiasco has nationally and internationally recognized gelato that is said to be the best and you would be surprised to find a celebrity or two there at night when few people are there having a taste.
What to do for fun
In the town of Brunswick itself there may not be that much to do, but 45 minutes away, you have Portland if you every want a big city experience.
Greek Life
None and I'm happy about it!
Campus Safety
Super safe and super open campus. The people that live in the town are often seen with their kids and pets on the campus greens and security can be constantly seen patrolling. Never once in the 6 years I've been going to Bowdoin during the summer have I ever had a moment where I didn't feel at peace.

KT

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Bowdoin is a fantastic school that challenges you academically and opens your mind to new ideas. The people and the town are wonderful. As a student, you will feel spoiled; but in a good way.
Tips for prospective students
Study hard and get involved! You've probably heard this a million times, but you'll be glad if you do. Talk with people from the college whether they be students, professors, or coaches so that you can ask specific questions.
Academic Rigor
The classes are very difficult, but manageable. The classes are generally small, which means that you have the option to be more involved. There is plenty of tutoring help if you need it. The professors are also always willing to help and are really understanding.
Dorm Life
Huge rooms! Freshmen tend to get quads, doubles, or quints. After freshman year you can choose to stay on campus or not and what kind of room you would like. There is also chem-free housing which only means that no alcohol is permitted in the building.
Food and Dining
#1 in the country! And for a reason, too. The meals are wonderful and there are always healthy options. Dining service tries to accommodate everyone and tries incorporating local food into the menu. Gluten free and vegan meals are always available.
What to do for fun
There is always something happening on campus. You can also go in town (which is literally about a five minute walk) to try a variety of restaurants, shopping, and places to hang out. The beach is about a half hour away. In the winter, there are snowball fights, and an ice rink on the Quad, as well as trips to ski mountains.
Bang for the buck
It is expensive, but it's worth it. There is a great financial aid program, so don't worry about the cost too much. Bowdoin likes to make sure its students are happy, and is nationally ranked for doing so (in the top 5). You are treated well and academically challenged.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Pre orientation trips for freshmen, lobster bakes, pepper flipping, Ivies concerts, 4AM donut runs, and the glowing rock room are just a few.
Great for these types of students
Students at Bowdoin are academically motivated and intelligent, as well as friendly and interesting. It is great for anyone with these characteristics.
Clubs and Activities
There are a lot of clubs; one for everyone. There is also a commitment to the Common Good which just means community involvement and service.
Greek Life
There is no Greek life. Instead, there are co-ed social houses that host events and parties.
Campus Safety
Bowdoin and the town it's in are very safe. Security is friendly and always around. Blue lights can found throughout campus.

Rubi from Tucson, AZ

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Bowdoin is absolutely amazing. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else for the next four years. A place with a friendly atmosphere, supportive professors, a rigorous curriculum, and great food.
Tips for prospective students
Be prepared academically. Professors expect your best!
What to do for fun
Brunswick is a small town. Definitely not a place for people who are looking for a big city. There are some awesome food places to try, grocery stores, a few shopping places, and other places in greater Brunswick, Also partying is a big thing to do on weekends, but there are many more options.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Annual lobster bake!!! GREAT!
Clubs and Activities
Pretty much any club you can think of! (If we don't have it YOU should start it, they will provide you with WHATEVER you need!)