@momof2eagles is correct. The only merit-based aid available at Bowdoin is a small NMF grant (between 1-2K per year). Issuing “likely letters” or equivalent is a fairly common practice among the tippy top schools as they are all in competition for the very best students. More strategic than rude, IMO.
@mamaedefamilia My daughter received a merit award last year when she was admitted. It wasn’t anything she applied for and I couldn’t find any information on the site. We have no idea why she was offered it although we were very grateful. It came in the admissions folder with the Congratulations letter. I almost didn’t notice it as it was behind other documents. Basically it was an allotted amount of $ to apply against agreed upon research, summer coursework (elsewhere) or approved travel. I can’t remember but I think it was $2500.
@momofeagles @mamaedefamilia My son received the “early write” and the scholarship last year as well. It is not FA and it is technically not merit either(because they don’t offer merit)…but it is. It is a one time $3000 award that students can use as @soapymango described, so it has no effect on COA but it is a little perk that they use to attract some students they really hope to have matriculate.
You would be surprised to discover how many colleges offer even larger non FA incentives to their top picks even though the websites clearly state they don’t offer merit.
Interesting as that’s not advertised anywhere on the website. Good to know!
Accepted! Package came today with scholarship offer.
Best of luck to you all.
@cstlxndreams Congrats!
Question: Did your status page mention anything about the scholarship offer?
@Vanskelig Thank you!! Yes, there was an attached letter to the admissions decision with the award and scholarship on my status page.
I’ve gotten in with an early notification and they’ve offered me the Faculty Scholar merit-based scholarship (I’m assuming, since I definitely don’t qualify for financial aid). I didn’t apply for anything, so there’s that. They also offered me the “Bowdoin Experience,” aka an expenses paid visit to the college in April. I’m guessing it’s because I’m Asian and Bowdoin wants to up the diversity?
I guess one thing to note is that I interviewed with the Dean of Admissions and we talked for a good while! I wasn’t sure at the time how it went but I guess this means it left a good impression.
Directly from Bowdoin Admissions Facebook page:
“Love Netflix? Us too. And now that we’re done with committee you can bet that we’ll all be catching up on our favorite shows and watching this talk by Cofounder and CEO Reed Hastings '83.”
Note the “done with committee.” Does this mean decisions are coming soon? I’d also note that Bowdoin started Committee on February 22 (earlier than most schools).
Someone earlier said the admissions office told them the 18th after 7 pm? Is that true?
I understand most NESCAC schools will be from the 18th to the 21st. Just not sure which one is when other than Middlebury on the 19th.
Hamilton is the 25th - I know that. Bowdoin and Colby were the 20th last year, so hopefully they are earlier this year. So anxious! Can’t stop thinking about decisions.
It makes sense
Last year it was on the third Friday of March
And the third Friday of March this year is the 18th.
I also called Bowdoin and they told me decisions would be out on the 18th!
Did they say a time? Probably 7 pm like last year, right?
Bowdoin emailed me and said that the decisions would be out on the 25th!
@gispiano was it just a random email or the email is a reply to a request from you because I haven’t received any
I didn’t receive any email @gispiano Can you link a picture or quote the email?
It was so long time ago I asked them when would the decisions be out and they said approximately 25th of March. It is Friday too, still so anxious and confusing @snow30 @elizabethcount
@gispiano hmm, maybe their decision time has changed