<p>I’m accepted into both, and trying to weigh it all. I am really interested in English and love Creative Writing, but am worried about a possibly small writing-community at Bowdoin. Haverford English department sent me a really nice note, and Bowdoin made me a faculty scholar and noted that I might use the 3k for something writing-related. I also am very into Environmental Studies though, and would likely pursue that at Bowdoin where there are incredible opportunities. the Bowdoin Outing Club is very attractive to me, but I’m scared of the overall Bowdoin student’s athletic-preppy stereotype, and consider myself more “arty” (almost hipstery-y) than that. I’ve never visited either one, and am curious about the Haverford vibe. I have heard food and dorms are better at Bowdoin…</p>
<p>Realistically, I know I will be happier wherever I pick, but I would love any of your thoughts!</p>
<p>i, too, suspect you’ll be happy at wherever you end up. congratulations!</p>
<p>it’s funny about the ‘athletic-preppy’ stereotype you describe with regard to Bowdoin. i heard the same about Haverford’-) my junior son is not either, and is completely happy at Bowdoin. the Outing Club, and the location, are uniquely fantastic, and there is a strong contingent of students actively engaged in the environmental sciences discussion as well as activities concerning sustainability. it’s a friendly and cooperative place to explore. </p>
<p>clearly, both schools feel you have something to add to their culture, and clearly both have the resources to make your experience worthwhile.</p>
<p>Bowdoin in coastal Maine, and Haverford in suburban Philly offer two different environments for their students. are both environments new to you? certainly, visiting each school might tip you one way or another – is there any chance of that?</p>
<p>education wise, i suspect you’ll be challenge at either school.</p>
<p>sorry to not be of much help. i mostly wanted to congratulate you on two excellent choices.</p>
<p>S will be attending Bowdoin and we’re familiar with Haverford through neighbors, co-workers, and the families of current students. We live about an hour away and know the area well. Haverford was too small for S (about 1100 I think), though I believe the very small enrollment is compensated for by the number of other schools nearby and the opportunities to take classes and even eat meals at the other schools. Bryn Mawr, Swarthmore and Villanova are close by and Penn (and Center City Phila.) is an easy train ride away. There is a shuttle service, too.</p>
<p>Haverford is a Quaker school. Like Bowdoin, it has a strong emphasis on service.</p>
<p>The percentage of Haverford students who play a varsity sport is pretty close to the Bowdoin figure. Both at least 40%. The Polar Bears probably field stronger teams than the Fords, though, and the NESCAC Conference is stronger than the Centennial conference.</p>
<p>I can’t compare the programs/departments you’re interested in. I’d suggest looking into that a bit more if you’re pretty sure of your major. Both are terrific schools.</p>
<p>Both are great schools–congrats! i found that when making my decisions, one of the most helpful things was to get in contact with a professor or two in the department(s) you’re interested in, and ask them about classes (maybe there are some that you know would really interest you) and the program in general.
Also, sometimes on the admissions websites, you can contact current students. Often, they put the students’ majors, so you could talk to someone in the English department. If the admissions website doesn’t have that, you could ask a professor to allow you to contact a student (get an e-mail and ask them). This really gives a good impression first-hand about the program, so once you know more, your decision may be easier. Good luck!</p>