<p>Our daughter has to make a college choice by Monday. She has three beautiful options, all liberal arts colleges. Shes seriously considering Bowdoin. Id like to ask any Bowdoin parents out there about their experience with the college. I dont want to mention her other options, because I want to focus the discussion on your experience with Bowdoin. Has it lived up to your expectations? Has it been transformative for your child? Has Bowdoin been worth the cost? [The college has offered us significant financial aid. We wont take on any debt for college, but it's certainly not free.] Has Bowdoin been worth the distance or trouble to get to that lovely part of the country? [Shed be coming to Maine from south of the Mason-Dixon line.] Has your child taken advantage of its location near the coast? Was your child prepared at Bowdoin for life after college? We hope that our daughter will be surrounded by other smart, thoughtful, hopeful kids in college. Would you and your child make the decision to attend Bowdoin, if you had to do it all over again? This is an important decision for us. Our family would appreciate any insights you can offer on the value of a Bowdoin education.</p>
<p>Our D is a Sophmore at Bowdoin. It certainly has been all that she hoped for and expected. Although we are not as far south as you, the distance (7+ hour drive) has not really had a significant impact on us. Over the past 2 years our D has remained on campus over the parts of a few breaks for sports, work, and recreation. An education at a school like Bowdoin is a life transforming experience. Although expensive, the value is worth it. Now with a better understanding about Bowdoin and the Ivies, our D knows that she made the right decision.</p>
<p>My child graduated a year ago and would definitely say the Bowdoin experience was life changing. Quality of students, professors, social life, location, experiences within and outside the classroom, an underlying discussion of the ‘common good’ – all of which challenged, connected and opened doors post graduation. He tried new things, took risks, formed deep friendships and, especially, took advantage of it’s unique location for field work and entertainment. Coming from the midwest it was difficult to visit as often as I would have liked but each trip was an incredible breath of fresh air. I love the campus
and the community. We’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. Of course there are other schools equally capable of providing this sort of enriching and life changing experience. But for my son Bowdoin spoke to him, and he listened and I’m thrilled for him. Congratulations on acceptances to each school under consideration and best wishes for you daughter and her future.</p>