<p>I would say Wesleyan... its graduate program definitely bolsters its science program as a whole</p>
<p>Tufts :) Best of both worlds -- research university with LAC size (8:1 student/faculty ratio).</p>
<p>Check my posts out last year on Bowdoin v. Tufts. Bowdoin is ranked higher and I didn't like the campus at Tufts. Just wasn't the right feel but maybe it is for you. I think either is a very good school. I would go where you feel the most comfortable.</p>
<p>i would go to wesleyan. it has better science, and though lower ranked, has much more prestige because it is a "big 3" with amherst and williams.</p>
<p>u mean "little ivies" lol
wesleyan is cool too but i would prefer bowdoin just b/c itz bowdoin</p>
<p>bookiemon also meant "Little 3" :)</p>
<p>the fact that wesleyan is a "little 3" has absolutely nothing to do with prestige anymore... for example there was a NYTimes article on Friday I believe discussing the admissions rates at Ivy League schools and it went on to comment that admissions rates were down at the top LACs as well such as Amherst, Williams and Bowdoin. These were the three liberal arts colleges mentioned. In my opinion, Bowdoin is academically the best of the three schools and if you are interested in prestige, Bowdoin has quite an illustrious history itself.</p>
<p>In that case, let's not forget the infamous "25 New Ivies" article in Newsweek last Fall, the one that listed Williams, Amherst, Middlebury, Swarthmore and Wesleyan specifically as examples of "a clearly defined group" of smaller liberal arts colleges where top students went "a generation ago". And, then went on to call Bowdoin a "new ivy". ;)</p>
<p>Yes - let's not forget just how amazingly ignorant Newsweek is. Bowdoin's been keeping out illustrious grads for something like hundreds of years . . .</p>
<p>I thought that Newsweeek article was so off on so many things. How they rated Skidmore as a new Ivy and skipped past Hamilton College for instance.....The Bowdoin reference was crazy although I think Bowdoin is a "hot" school" getting more and more attention.</p>
<p>Visit each of the schools and decide what one fits you best. You will get a great education at any of those choices. Good luck!</p>
<p>tufts has a stronger math program while both tufts and bowdoin have excellent sciences</p>
<p>I’ll try to add the little that I can.</p>
<p>Son is a senior graduating from Tufts. While D is a high school graduating senior who refused to apply to Tufts but has been accepted by Bowdoin.</p>
<p>If you asked my son, he has been happy with his time at Tufts. His education has landed him two internships and he accepted his post-grad job back in October. BUT he majored in CS in Tufts school of engineering. The fact that Tufts has an engineering option can be a plus if it suits a student. At the Tufts engineering info session, I believe that they state that Tufts engineering has the highest rate of student influx in the country (I may had that off but I am close on that point). So if you are considering hard sciences, the engineering option not far away. His has also loved the location. Outside Boston while just a T-ride away. Also, Davis square is just a quick walk.</p>
<p>D on the other hand, did not apply to Tufts. Her reason were that though the location, size and all where great, the curriculum did not match her needs. Though she intends to study hard sciences, she has decided that she does not want engineering. There at Tufts, if you are in the school of A&S, there is a strong language requirement that is different than the engineering requirements - 6 semesters of language if I recall. That is a requirement that exceeds what she is willing to do. Hence, no application.</p>
<p>We are going forward with our own difficult decisions. D got into 8/10 schools so we have a few visits ourself next week. If I am to read between the lines, she is primary deciding between Bowdoin and Harvard (though there could be others). Very different environments and experiences. If anyone has any input on our problem, I would appreciate it.</p>
<p>There are two options for your D:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Bowdoin will give your daughter the best education as an undergrad. This is for a couple of reasons. One, because they cater directly to undergrads. Two, because ALL courses are taught by professors where the average class size is 10. I’ve heard the education at Bowdoin described as “an undergrad education at a graduate level.” In terms of grad school (if that’s an option) preparedness that’s a definitive plus for Bowdoin. Also, I’d say Bowdoin has one of the top governmental/econ/pre-law programs in the country – it’s what they’re known for. In terms of career preparation, I’ve heard that Bowdoin’s job search assistance is unbelievable (because of the small student population) and the support system is great. Finally, there’s nothing bad one can say about the dorms and standard of living, especially the food. The dorms have been called ‘palatial’ and the food has been ranked number one or two since the inception of the Princeton Review (I exaggerate…mildly).</p></li>
<li><p>I’ll make no amends about it – Bowdoin can’t compete with Harvard in the name game. A lot of people outside of New England don’t know about Bowdoin relative to Harvard. I will say this though – the important people do know about Bowdoin and its reputation. Harvard’s location is in Boston – a very nice and happening city. Bowdoin has more of a small time feel to it, but its also near Portland and Freeport two medium-large cities that have most everything Boston has. Bowdoin is also near the ocean. However, there’s no getting past that Harvard is more internationally recognized and probably has a far wider alumni backing than Bowdoin.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>This choice comes down mainly to personal preference, and what your D is thinking of in terms of priorities.</p>
<p>Are you seriously considering bowdoin as a possibility to Harvard!!!
It os obvious, Go to Harvard! Not that many people get this opportunity. Bowdoin is waaay below Harvard. The alumni connection is so strong and evryone around the world knows it.</p>
<p>I’ve heard/read quite a few Harvard/Yale kids complain about not getting enough attention as undergrads (or not as much as advertised). Princeton kids seem to be more content because P is known for focusing on two things only:undergrad education and graduate research (no professional schools).</p>
<p>But the wealth of opportunities and resources that Harvard presents is hard to pass up. Boston is definitely a great place.</p>
<h2>everyone around the world knows it</h2>
<p>It’s true. You wouldn’t believe the hype that Harvard gets here in Asia. </p>
<p>And, Bowdoin is a traditional liberal arts school, Harvard College is also a traditional liberal arts school by curriculum and philosophy. Not that much difference in the type of education you can get. It would’ve made more sense if your D is choosing between Harvard and a less mainstream LAC like Bard or Reed.</p>
<p>Thanks all for the comments - Yes, D is deciding between the two (more or less). Her intended major is biology/neuroscience/biotech (varies between the 8 schools who accepted her). The Boston area has amazing opportunities in those areas, jobs, internships, etc. As for Bard and Reed, D only considered the Northeast for schools hence Bowdoin and also Bates. We live in Mass, 30 minutes from Harvard, and Maine has been D’s home-away-from-home since she was born. It is going to be a long 2 weeks.</p>
<p>Teacher Assistants.</p>
<p>Harvard has them. Bowdoin does not. </p>
<p>I know that I didn’t even look at large universities because I think the possibility of spending all that money to be taught by a 23 year old who’s never been in front of a class before and who was only taking the very class you’re in 1 to 4 years ago is repugnant. </p>
<p>Harvard has a more recognizable name, sure.
But, as far as the education goes, I wouldn’t be nearly as certain as lollipop seems to be that Harvard offers so much up and beyond what Bowdoin does.</p>
<p>Bcash - Harvard is not known for its great undergrad education due to the heavy use of TAs, etc. - it makes sense to go there for grad school but you’ll get a lot more attention at a LAC at the undergrad level.</p>