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Bowdoin College Acceptance Rate | Requirements, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA, & Admissions
Bowdoin Admissions evaluates each applicant holistically, looking for bright and engaged students inside and outside the classroom and those who exhibit curiosity and a willingness to take intellectual risks. Approximately 9% of applicants are offered a spot in the incoming class, with more than half opting to enroll.
The submission of standardized test scores is optional for the admissions process at Bowdoin. While the most important credential is a student’s overall academic record, teacher recommendations, writing samples, academic potential, community involvement, and personal character are also considered.
Interested in attending Bowdoin? In this guide, we have you covered and will walk you through every aspect of the Bowdoin acceptance rate, application processes, and required requirements. But first, let’s learn about Bowdoin College.
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What To Know About Bowdoin College
Bowdoin College, located in Brunswick, Maine, is a small, selective, private college. We have undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, business, and education. Our students come from all over the world, including the United States. We are dedicated to providing a high-quality learning environment for all our students.
Bowdoin College is in Brunswick, Maine, a coastal New England town. Bowdoin was a men’s college until 1971, when it accepted its first female students. In 1969, it was also one of the first selective schools to make the SAT and ACT examinations optional on its application.
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There are 33 majors and 4 minors available and several joint engineering programs with Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Caltech, and the University of Maine.
Bowdoin has a main campus near Casco Bay and the Androscoggin River, a 118-acre coastal studies center on Orr’s Island, and a 200-acre scientific field station on Kent Island in the Bay of Fundy. Bowdoin College ran the Medical School of Maine from 1821 to 1921.
The school is about more than being small and safe; it is about providing the necessary support to take unexpected risks.
Faculty members who are distinguished scholars and artists in their fields guide and shape students well. Faculty and students collaborate in small classes, labs, performance halls, and the field, where students actively participate in real-world research.
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What Is Bowdoin College Acceptance Rate in 2024?
Bowdoin College is a prestigious institution. Bowdoin has a 9% acceptance rate, so you should do everything possible to stand out.
However, while the overall Bowdoin acceptance rate is less than 10%, the early decision acceptance rate is 26%. If Bowdoin is your top choice, consider applying early. Remember that Bowdoin Early Decision is a binding admissions decision, so if you’re accepted, you must attend. If you are applying to Bowdoin Early Decision, you should consider the Bowdoin average GPA beginning your junior year of high school.
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What Is Bowdoin College Transfer Acceptance Rate in 2024?
Bowdoin College accepts 1.29% of transfer applicants, making it a competitive institution. To be considered for transfer to Bowdoin College, you must have a current GPA of at least 3.94, preferably around 4.1. You will also be required to submit standardized test results.
Transfer admission to Bowdoin is extremely competitive; only a small percentage of students seeking to transfer are admitted. Bowdoin typically receives 150-200 transfer applications, with five to twenty candidates admitted.
In other words, the student can enroll, earn credits, and then reapply to the school of their choice. Transfer requirements at common application colleges are typically higher, with some requiring a 2.5 to 3.0 GPA and some program-specific requirements even higher.
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Is Bowdoin College Hard To Get Into?
According to US News, Bowdoin is the sixth-best liberal arts college in the country. As a result, Bowdoin has a highly competitive admissions process—the school is ranked as the “most competitive” by US News.
Bowdoin’s acceptance rate is 9%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 66%. Bowdoin’s acceptance rate is comparable to that of some Ivy League institutions. If you’re wondering how to get into Bowdoin, remember that a strong Bowdoin application begins with high grades corresponding to the Bowdoin average GPA.
While Bowdoin is a test-optional institution, you should prepare to achieve high Bowdoin SAT or ACT scores. Then, you’ll want to make your Bowdoin application stand out by writing strong Bowdoin supplemental essays, conducting an impressive Bowdoin interview, and participating in engaging extracurriculars. All of these elements will assist you in dealing with Bowdoin’s low acceptance rate.
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Does Bowdoin College Require Test Scores in 2024?
Bowdoin’s admissions policy is test-optional. While many schools have only recently implemented test-optional policies, Bowdoin has done so for over fifty years. Students can apply to Bowdoin without submitting SAT or ACT scores; in fact, 44% of the Bowdoin class of 2025 did not submit standardized test scores.
Don’t be concerned if your Bowdoin SAT scores are low. If you leave them out, your application will not be penalized. You can, however, use the average Bowdoin SAT scores to see how you stack up against other applicants.
Because Bowdoin does not require test scores, the average Bowdoin GPA is more important than the average Bowdoin SAT scores. You’ll notice that the average GPA at Bowdoin is quite high—once again, admission to Bowdoin is as competitive as admission to some Ivy League schools!
Bowdoin College SAT Requirement
To be competitive with other Bowdoin College applicants, aim for an SAT score of 1330 to 1510 (or higher!). At Bowdoin College, 25% of admitted students scored higher than 1510, while 25% scored lower than 1330, with the majority scoring somewhere between.
25% of Bowdoin College students scored 770 or higher on the SAT Math Section, and 75% scored 660 or higher. 25% of Bowdoin College students scored 750 or higher on the SAT Critical Reading section (formerly known as the Verbal section), while 75% scored 660 or higher.
Bowdoin College ACT Requirement
To be most competitive at Bowdoin College, aim for an ACT score of 31 to 34.
A 34 on the ACT places you in the 75th percentile of admitted students at Bowdoin College. On the ACT, one out of every four students scored higher than 34, while three out of every four scored lower than 34.
For Bowdoin College students, a 31 on the ACT places them in the 25th percentile. Only one out of every four students received a score of less than 31.
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What Are The Admission Requirements For Bowdoin College in 2024
Bowdoin College has a selective acceptance rate, followed by a three-phase deadline process: early decision 1, early decision 2, and regular decision admissions. 50% of those admitted to Bowdoin College have SAT scores ranging from 1330 to 1510, ACT scores ranging from 31 to 34, and an average GPA of 3.93. Despite this, 25% of accepted applicants received scores higher than these limits, while the other 25% received lower scores. The deadline for applying to Bowdoin College is November 5.
The Early Decision application deadline for Bowdoin is November 15. Aspirants can apply through the college’s official website or the common application portal. Documents are required. Every student must also pay a $65 non-refundable application processing fee.
The following documents must be submitted for admission to Bowdoin College.
1. Transcripts from high school
2. Transcripts from secondary school
3. Report on the Half-Year
4. Recommendation letters (three must be submitted): one from the counselor, one from the teacher, and one from another teacher or supervisor.
5. The Bowdoin Supplement essay, SAT, and ACT scores are optional and at the applicant’s discretion.
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Transfer Requirements For Bowdoin College in 2024
The transfer applicants need to meet the following requirements.
Minimum GPA:
Although there are no minimum GPA requirements, successful candidates typically submit work of honors quality: “B” work or better or a GPA of no less than 3.0.
Official Transcript:
Bowdoin requires high school and college transcripts for admission.
SAT/ACT Scores:
It is not required to submit standardized test scores.
Letters of Recommendation:
A special statement from your current college or university’s dean or advisor is required, as are two letters of recommendation from current or recent college professors.
Essay:
The Common Application Transfer essay, as well as the Bowdoin Supplement essay, are required.
Application Fee:
All Bowdoin College applicants must pay a $60 application fee.
Interview:
Transfer applicants are encouraged to have on-campus interviews with admissions staff members. If you cannot meet with one of our staff members, an alumni interview may be possible in some cases.
Other Requirements:
By March 1, transfer applicants must submit the Common Application, the transfer essay, and the Bowdoin Supplement.
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Bowdoin College GPA Requirements in 2024
Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is frequently just the minimum required to apply without being rejected immediately.
The truly important GPA requirement is the GPA required for a genuine chance of admission. We do this by looking at the average GPA of current students.
(Most schools use a weighted GPA of 4.0, but some report an unweighted GPA.) Although this school did not officially report its average GPA, it is estimated using data from over 1,000 schools.)
Bowdoin expects you to be at the top of your class with a GPA of 3.93. You’ll need near-perfect A’s in all your classes to compete with other applicants. Furthermore, you should take challenging classes, such as AP or IB, to demonstrate that college-level academics are simple.
If you’re a junior or senior, it’s difficult to raise your GPA in time for college applications. If your GPA is 3.93 or lower, you’ll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate. This will allow you to compete effectively against applicants with higher GPAs.
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How To Apply To Bowdoin College
Bowdoin provides two application options for the maturity of its aspirants: the Common operation and the Coalition application. These two application formats request much of the same introductory information but do so in different ways and with different standard essay question options. Because the admissions office prefers neither application format, you’re free to use whichever one you prefer.
Aspirants can also elect one of three operation timelines using the Common App or the Coalition App Early Decision I( ED I), Early Decision II( ED II), and Regular Decision( RD). Both ED timelines allow scholars to make a list commitment to Bowdoin and admit their admissions decision before aspirants using the more popular RD timeline.
Still, one of the ED rounds may be a good option for you — as preliminarily stated; the council fills a significant chance of its matriculating class through the ED rounds; if you’re certain that Bowdoin is your top choice and that you’ll happily attend if admitted.
ED I aspirants must apply by November 15th and will be notified of their admissions decision by mid-December. ED II aspirants must submit their operations by January 1st to be notified by mid-February. RD aspirants must also submit their operations by January 1st, but admissions opinions won’t be made until early April.
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Alternatives To Bowdoin College
The following are some of the alternative schools that are similar to Bowdoin College. However, you can attend any of these schools, If Bowdoin isn’t for you.
1. Brown University
2. Harvard University
3. Dartmouth College
4. Cornell University
5. Yale University
6. Middlebury College
7. Amherst College
8. Williams College
9. Tufts University
10. Stanford University
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Bowdoin College Acceptance Rate FAQs
Transfer admission to Bowdoin is extremely competitive; Bowdoin can only admit a small chance of those who apply. Bowdoin generally admits between 150 and 200 transfer applications and admits between five and twenty applicants.
To have a stylish chance of admission, end in the 75th percentile with a 3.93 GPA or higher. However, if your GPA is lower, you must make up the difference with an advanced SAT/ ACT score.
Yes, admitted scholars can defer their registration at Bowdoin College.
Bowdoin College accepts transfer credits from accredited seminaries.
Conclusion
Compared to 2018, the acceptance rate at Bowdoin College has recently dropped. Bowdoin College used to have an acceptance rate in the double digits, such as 13.4 in 2017.
The acceptance rate at Bowdoin College was 8.8. Bowdoin College entered an aggregate of 320 operations, of which 822 aspirants were accepted. Only 517 of the 822 scholars chose to attend Bowdoin College. Bowdoin College’s 2022( class of 2026) acceptance rate is 9, with a 26% early decision acceptance rate.
We believe we’ve handed you all the information you have about studying at Bowdoin College. Bowdoin College’s acceptance rate, admission conditions, and application processes.
References
- www.bowdoin.edu –
- www.collegeadvisor.com –
- www.turito.com –
- educationscientists.com
- www.collegeconfidential.com –
- www.collegetransfer.net –
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