<p>Help! I am interested in Bowdoin, Bates and Colby, but I have no way of distinguishing among them as I’ve had no opportunity to visit from North Carolina. I know Bowdoin is usually ranked above the other two, but I also know that all three are top notch liberal arts schools. I am hoping to narrow these three schools down and apply to one. Thus, I’d like to know what makes each school stand out, what are the students like, what are the campuses like, what are the surrounding college towns like, which gives the best overall experience?
Also if anyone has any idea, which has the best sociology/social sciences program?
The more details the better, thanks!</p>
<p>Hey CarolinaGirl - I am from NC as well, chapel hill. I go to Bowdoin.</p>
<p>That's a really hard question to answer in less than 6 million words. I also haven't had too much to do with the bates and colby campuses - but everyone I've met from the other schools seems very nice as well.</p>
<p>Basically the information you're asking for is very complex and detailed, and hard to put onto a message board. I came to Bowdoin and I am very happy. It's a small school where the professors really know who you are. And I wouldn't change my decision to come here if I could.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply...i live in Chapel Hill too. That's good to hear you're happy at Bowdoin.
I would be satisfied going to UNC, so my plan is to apply there as a safety and go for 4 or 5 more selective schools. Do you think there is an advantage applying from the South, or does that increase the competition (especially in Chapel Hill/Durham)?</p>
<p>What high school did you go to?</p>
<p>I went to Durham Academy - I would say being southern is helpful. There are no class of '09ers from NC, and 7 North Carolinians in '08 - 2 of whom are from the triangle (me and a girl from Cary Academy)</p>
<p>im @ chapel hill high</p>
<p>My son is a sophomore at Bowdoin. We did not visit Bates or Colby, so I cannot speak about them from experience. From what I've heard, Brunswick is the most interesting of the college towns in terms of charm and things to do, but you may want to get more opinions. Good luck!</p>
<p>My d graduated from Bowdoin 2 years ago & she was also accepted at Colby so I can hopefully give you some insight about the 2 schools. I am sure you will receive an excellent education at all 3 schools but I personally think that what sets Bowdoin apart is its location in Brunswick. My d loved the fact that you can step off the campus & you are right on Main St in Brunswick, which is a lovely small college town. There are great restaurants, shopping at cute, small stores & a theater all within walking distance. The town is great for bike riding, too, with safe, flat streets & neighborhoods. You are 5 minutes by car from Cook's Corner, with more theaters & restaurants. Harpswell, Orr's Island & Bailey's island are beautiful with delicious seafood restaurants. Bowdoin is about 15-20 min from Freeport, & 30 min from Portland. I agree with the other poster that there are lots of preppy students, & outdoorsy students, but I do think that Bowdoin is becoming more diversified. My D noticed more minority students each year she was there. She is also not "preppy" but she did fit in & found a great group of friends & roommates. Her freshman year roommates were her friends & roommates all 4 years. The Bowdoin campus is very pretty & easy to get around.</p>
<p>My d was accepted at Colby & stayed overnight but decided she didn't like Waterville. The campus is about a 20-30 minute walk from downtown Waterville. When we were there on a Sunday, most restaurants were closed. The only restaurant that was open for dinner was a Friendly's. Waterville is more isolated than Brunswick.</p>
<p>We drove through Lewiston where Bates is located, & didn't like Lewiston at all. The campus seems nice but many stores in Lewiston were boarded up or closed early on a Sunday. We couldn't find a coffee shop open to get a cup of coffee & had to go to a gas station convenience store for coffee. My niece goes to Bates & is very happy there, but my D wasn't interested in Bates at all.</p>
<p>Hope this helps. It would be great if you could visit all 3 campuses. Of course, everyone has their favorites, and mine is definitely Bowdoin.!!!</p>