<p>Smaller LACs, both in Maine, beautiful and tree-filled, similar student demographics (10% each performing arts and biology, as relates to me). What makes each unique?</p>
<p>I think Bowdoin has a better reputation.</p>
<p>Indeed.</p>
<p>I really love Bowdoin. If only it had a theater program that wasn't interdisciplinary...</p>
<p>Colby... :)</p>
<p>I'd say that it depends on what you want... I feel that Bates pro over Bowdoin is that it is much more of a close knit community.</p>
<p>Academically, Bowdoin is far more comprehensive and strong in multiple areas, it is an across the board great LAC school, Bates is good academically, but there is a difference between good and great. </p>
<p>Overall, of the two...I'd go to Colby ;) don't be fooled Colby has trees to,</p>
<p>Any other thoughts on Colby?</p>
<p>Lewiston (where Bates is) was devastated economically by the closure of some mills. The town is really struggling and it is impossible not be be struck and saddened by the number of closed businesses near the campus. Virtually all the active businesses were in ugly stip malls, far from the campus. That said, Bate's egalitarian, open tradition is really wonderful. The school prides itself on having a single dining facility where everyone mingles, never having fraternities, always being co-ed, and on having a top notch debating team. The dorms were somewhat more spacious than average and have architectural character. I really liked the spirit of the school. </p>
<p>Bowdoin is in Brunwick, a town that is doing much better economically. All the town's stores and restaurants are within an easy walk of the college. We ate at a great, not expensive, Thai restaurant that was about a 10 minutes walk from campus. The school has a somewhat stronger reputation academically than Bates, but I am not sure the difference is significant. Bowdoin is finishing some new Frosh dorm, which are sorely really needed. Greek houses were phased out a while ago. (The admissions building is a beautifully decorated former frat house!)</p>
<p>Both Maine schools are supposed to have better than average college food. Although both school draw primarily from New Englands and Mid Altantic private schools, the interviewers seemed to welcome my Californian public school D. Both schools have decent swim programs, with the Bates program currently having the stronger swimmers and Bowdoin having a nicer pool.</p>
<p>Star by looking at this thread...
Bates vs. Bowdoin vs. Colby: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=90507&page=1%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=90507&page=1</a></p>
<p>What do you want to know about Colby?</p>
<p>The BRAC decision came today and BNAS is now slated for closure. This will have a major impact on life in Brunswick and the surrounding towns. The impact will most likely be pretty negative for several years (rumor has it that our property values have already dropped 10% and I'm in one of the surrounding towns). For a local perspective, the following link is to the local newspaper:
<a href="http://www.timesrecord.com/website/main.nsf/vwHome/Home%5B/url%5D">http://www.timesrecord.com/website/main.nsf/vwHome/Home</a></p>
<p>Lewiston has been experiencing a lot of new growth, especially in the downtown area, and is on the way to economic recovery. This is a link to the Lewiston/Auburn paper:
<a href="http://www.sunjournal.com%5B/url%5D">www.sunjournal.com</a></p>
<p>(I hope these links are okay to post)</p>