Appropriate Response to "How did you first learn about Bowdoin?"

Colleges and Universities A-Z Bowdoin College
1

<p>Hello, all:
Bowdoin’s supplement to the Common Application has a question asking, “How did you first learn about Bowdoin?” Would it be alright to say that I first read about Bowdoin in Michael Shaara’s book “The Killer Angels” (a historical novel about the Battle of Gettysburg) where the main character, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (a non-fictional character), was a professor at Bowdoin before the war? It is actually how I heard about Bowdoin and I think it shows some of my passion for history.
Oh, and the answer is only supposed to be less than 100 characters.</p>

2

<p>Wow. I would be very surprised if that was an evaluative question. I always regarded such questions as market research only and my kid only ever answered, a friend. guidebook, counselor suggestions etc. Are you sure there is that much room?</p>

3

<p>Yes, there is just enough room to talk about this. I thought the question was for research only as well, but I read a comment here on CC where the poster said that “colleges have no time for research questions” and that it should be treated as an opportunity to tell them more about yourself and how you would fit in at Bowdoin.
I really don’t know, however, since as you say, it is such a brief space.</p>

4

<p>Bump…Does anyone know if the question is just a research question?</p>

5

<p>That question is on the supplemental essay page rather than the ‘questions’ page but it’s 100 characters, so about 15 words, one sentence, which couldn’t possibly tip the scales even a little. In any case, it seems pretty clearly just for institutional information so don’t worry about it – just tell the truth. I imagine most people have really mundane answers. Mine was an older sibling who applied a few years ago. </p>

6

<p>Okay; thanks!</p>

7

<p>It would be silly of them to use a 100-character answer as a determinant of an applicant’s acceptance. Don’t worry about it.</p>

8

<p>My daughter would have answered it, “Because your table was next to BU and had no line.”</p>

9

<p>So if I answered “The Sopranos”, I’d be fine?</p>

10

<p>I said when we were learning about the Fireside Poets in Lit class. :smile: </p>