<p>I have been sorting through the stacks of mail, and have overlooked Bowdoin simply because I already have too many schools on my list. But I think I need to look into it. What is BOwdoin known for??? Academics, sports, music?? What is a typical (if there is such thing) Bowdoin student? I’ve heard they’re pretty “outdoorsy” i.e. camping/hiking are popular. Is this true? If I am interested in literature and biology is this a good school? Any info would be great!</p>
<p>I go to Bowdoin, so I can help you to sort of understand what it's about. Bowdoin, I think, is known mainly for its academics--classes and professors are good, the kids are smart, grad school acceptance rates are high, etc. Sports are also a pretty big deal here--there are a lot of athletes, and even those that arent on teams are usually pretty active. The students here are definitely either preppy or outdoorsy, or a combination of the two. Every year, almost the entire freshman class goes on pre-orientation trips with the outing club, and out of all of those that go, a lot of people actually end up joining the outing club and going on trips. So yes, outdoorsy is probably a pretty accurate way to describe parts of the school. Other than that, I think it is just a really great place to be. There are no frats or sororities, only social houses, which I think is a really good system. People here seem to know how to have fun AND to study, which is definitely something that I was looking for in a college. Dorms are nice, food is excellent, town of Brunswick is adorable, surroundings in Maine are beautiful. I have heard that Bowdoin has especially good science programs, but I can't really comment on that as I haven't attended any other schools. I'm taking chemistry this semester, though, and it seems like a good class. Every first-year has to take a first-year seminar, which exists at a lot of LACs, but I still think its a good idea. I'm taking a history and asian studies one about the life of contemplatives, so obviously, there are a lot of options there. It's only my second week here, and I'm enjoying myself more than I had expected, and I really can't imagine being at any other school.</p>
<p>My D graduated from Bowdoin 2 years ago so I think I can answer some of your questions. Bowdoin is unquestionably known for its academics. After that, I would say it is also known for its sports, Outing club & "outdoorsy" students, & excellent food. English is one of its most popular majors. My D minored in English & loved all her classes & professors. I have a niece who just graduated, also, & she majored in biology. Bowdoin has a strong science dept, which I hear is unusual for LAC's. They built a new science building several years ago with money donated by an alum. Bowdoin is also known for some of its well-known graduates, such as Hawthorne, Longfellow, Franklin Pierce, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, etc.</p>
<p>Bowdoin's location is great, too. It is located at one end of Maine Street in Brunswick; you step off the campus & you are right on Maine Street with lots of great restaurants (different ethnic restaurants), shops, movie theater, grocery store, etc. all within a 5-10 minute walk. Five minutes by car is Cook's Corner, with more restaurants & theaters. Freeport with LL Bean & other outlet stores is 15-20 minutes away & Portland, a fabulous city, with bars, clubs, restaurants, seaport, art museum, is about 30 minutes away.</p>
<p>As you can see, I love Bowdoin! If you can, you should definitely visit.</p>
<p>Thank you guys so much!! I'm definitely looking into Bowdoin! The only concern I have is that I don't have any special love for the outdoors ie. hiking. Will I be really out of place?? Otherwise Bowdoin seems like a perfect school for me:)</p>
<p>You won't feel out of place if you are not the outdoorsy type. My D went skiing once & didn't really care for it. She went on a canoing trip & I think a few hiking trips; she also did the Pre-Orientation trip. For the most part, she spent her weekends on campus; she was busy with jobs, other activities, & her social life & studying, of course. She likes the outdoors but is not an avid hiker, etc. There are students there who like sports, music, theater, etc. If you are the outdoorsy type, Bowdoin is a great place to be; however, you won't feel left out if you aren't interested in hiking, etc. Brunswick is a great small college town, & Portland is half an hour away.</p>
<p>A lot of people aren't outdoorsy, really. It's just that the Outing Club is here and available, so a lot of people take advantage of it. A bunch of trips are leaving this weekend, but there are tons of things going on on campus, too. You certainly do not have to be outdoorsy to fit in, but if you're going to be up here in Maine, I would advise you to just try a trip. My pre-o was really fun and a great way to meet people.</p>