<p>Bowdoin is a liberal arts college that thrives on intellectual discourse in and out of the classroom. Students, faculty, and staff all participate in the exchange of ideas in an atmosphere characterized by high achievement and a sense of balance. The Admissions Committee is eager to learn more about you and your school community. Reflecting on your own educational experiences, how have you prepared yourself to enter an academic environment like Bowdoins? (Suggested length: 250-500 words.)</p>
<p>What are they looking for in this essay?</p>
<p>this is a different prompt from last year but they are asking for essentially the same thing, there is a thread on it somewhere with lots of comments, that would be a good resource for you</p>
<p>Will try dig that up. Thanks!</p>
<p>Wow, I’m glad this wasnt our essay topic this past year. The most important thing with this type of prompt, I think, is to write your essay in a way that will be unique- this question will definitely invite a lot of banal or formulaic responses.
Basically, write an essay no one else in the applicant pool could write- try narrowing down your response to a particular instance or theme in your educational experience- a certain classroom experience or out-of-class educational experience that can illuminate the type of student you are now, and more importantly the type of student you will be at Bowdoin. Bowdoin is looking for who is committed to, and enjoys, the learning process, as well as who is going to make a unique contribution to its academic environment. What experiences or motives makes you unique and a necessary part of the bowdoin community? </p>
<p>Don’t be afraid to show a sense of humor, too. I remember reading an article where they interviewed some school’s admissions committee, and the dean stated something along the lines of that he reads so many well-written essays that make the student come across as a smart, good kid, but “utterly lacking joy” in life. Be yourself and don’t be afraid to go for the risk topic, so long as it is well written and communicates what is unique about YOU.</p>