Bowdoin GPA/SAT

Colleges and Universities A-Z Bowdoin College
1

Hello everyone!
I’m a senior in an international high school in Europe. I would really like to attend Bowdoin college; however, I’m not sure if they could realistically accept me.
My school doesn’t really do GPAs since we follow a British educational system. While I have a 42/45 predicted for the IB diploma, unfortunately I have a couple of C’s on my IGSCE certificates that I took in my sophomore year. I was going through a tough time and so I kind of missed the mark on physics and chemistry. I do have 6 A*s, though. Does my significant upward trend show improvement or are they going to see those C’s and cast me off?
Also, I’m not very strong on the SAT. Usually I get scores in the 1450s, however I know that isn’t high enough for Bowdoin. Since the university is test-optional, should I still submit them anyway or take a gamble?
I can also pay full tuition, although I’d definitely have to get an on campus job to help my parents out.
Also, should I submit as an early decision II applicant in order to maximize my chances? I’d really love to go to bowdoin, however i don’t know if applying early would actually benefit me.

thank you all!

2

My son is at Bowdoin and he came from the UK and also did IB. For your reference, his (I)GCSE grades were 9 A* and two A’s, but his IB prediction was 40/41 so not quite as good as yours. He submitted his SAT’s and they were similar to yours (1470). FWIW, he is full pay.

My advice to you would be to show clear demonstrated interest (my son applied ED2), make sure you visit and have your interview on campus if possible (he did that). Interview and fit are important to Bowdoin. If you can demonstrate improvement in the sciences during IB, that should help (IB mock exam results?). I think submitting your SAT’s will help your case as you do not have the same opportunity to show grades as an American applicant and SAT’s will help the Admissions Department fill in some of the gap.

Bottom line: If you love Bowdoin and put a convincing application together demonstrating improvement and achievement, hopefully with strong EC’s, you have a decent chance!

My son absolutely loves it there. We are so impressed with how he is growing and thriving at Bowdoin.