<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>check this out:</p>
<p>Excellent academics at all three. . .maybe a slight nod to Bowdoin in the sciences. Colby campus a bit nicer than than the other two - but a bit more remote, too. Of the three I have a personal preference for Bates. Though though not much diversity at any of these schools, student body there seemed to have more diverse academic and extracurricular interests. 4+4+1 schedule features some very cool courses in the single-month May term.</p>
<p>Carolinagirl14..I checked out all 3 last year when I was applying. I plan on going into Asian Studies / International Studies or another internatonal-related field. I have a personal connection with Colby and I knew that colby is strong in these areas. (there is a new building under cinstruction devoted to international studies)....and altho i live in DC i go to Maine every summer so I understand the Maine environment and social cross section. so here's the 100 word rundown. Some areas in Maine are more remote than others, some more cosmopolitan, more tolerant / "live and let live" than others but that may be a separate discussion. Maine is a really special region in the US unlike almost any area except for the upper penninsula of Michigan or maybe areas in Oregon or Washington.
1. Bowdoin: Closest to Boston, most "small Ivy" of the 3. most selective by tradition but it didn't seem justified by faculty quality, programs, or other standouts. I thought the selectivity may be a result of longevity, tradition of high quality applicants and ......mmm inertia? Campus is lovely, slightly urban on the edge of a small town and also very close to the ocean. they have a major satellite tract about 30 min. away on the ocean for environmental studies which is so beautiful. Historic, picturesque and you could live in Hawthorne's dorm room (like living in Pavilion One at UVA) but... the adults came across as really snobby on my visit. their whole attitude was "it's a priviledge to attend Bowdoin...so when you apply you need to convince us that you are worthy..." (which is really what all college applications are.. but the Bowdoin adcom pretty much said as much) the students I met were fine tho, just like other students... I didn't apply. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>Bates: the campus is traditional, picturesque, tree shaded but hints at town and gown friction. Lewiston is an struggling mill town, historic mill CITY really on the Androscoggin River, where the textile barons have moved out and eventually some high tech incubators are beginning to move into renovated mill buildings. The core population seems to be French Canadian, other immigrant groups and struggling working Mainers...and the town has the look of historic ninteenth century church subsidised development ...big old catholic churches on the hill with ethnic neighborhoods surounding the church. It's a model that is VERY urban New England. (or like Chicago, or Buffalo) ..but may seem alien to students from other the areas. the campus is up the hill, (again a very traditional pattern) in an old elegant tree shaded residential area, like Brown, and a few blocks removed from the commercial area of the city. Also there is a vigorous WallMart type sprawl on the state roads going through city, no doubt contributing to the slow regeneration of local business. There is a vibrant Somali community in Lewiston which collaborates with Bates on service projects. Socially and academically Bates seemed high quality, good in biological sciences and the arts. The arts and theater folks I met with were exploring avant garde expressions, Renaissance music or ethnic dance but seemed unconcerned with what was happening down the hill. I found everyone earnest but a little removed from reality. My interview was very casual and relaxed. Unlike Bowdoin the adcom's approach was "you would really like Bates, tell me about yourself because we'd really like to have you here" and I was accepted. Their 4 week off campus program is at the end of the year, unlike the typical jAN-PLAN. </p></li>
<li><p>Colby: I love colby. I found Colby to be a mainstream LAC (not meant as a criticism) , high quality, strong in sciences and international studies. Sports are valued more than the other 2, art is valued (they have a good museum and student theater). the student profile seemed to be a real cross section of New England: liberal, conservative, jocks, arty types, skiiers, students were irreverant but not too outrageous. My area is humanities and I found a nice balance between hard sciences and humanities, strong in history, international studies, languages, and economics. The orientation is very cool...there is a trip program called COOT (Colby Outdoor Orientation Trip) which takes groups of maybe up to 10 each on various team building trips led by an upperclassman for a few days before classes start. Learn about Maine, get comfortable with each other, cooperate etc. ...but doesn't seem too touchy feely. the students I met were very intelligent and committed yet not grinds. Colby promotes participating in international programs and recruits a fair amount of international students. So while the setting is Maine the student population doesn't seem too white bread. American ethnic students seemed few and far between though. Colby has the reputation of being a bit of being "preppy" (but I honestly don't know what that means) but I think that is because many LACs are more "unconventional" like Bates, and colby is just more of a cross section. The campus was relocated from downtown in the 50's to its present site on a beautiful hill overlooking WAterville, but is a schlep, a bus ride or a car trip to downtown (1- 1 1/2 mile?) . Because the buildings only date from the 50's it has a little new look although the architectural style is all New England "traditional" . Also I think the site was a farm because there are trees on the edges but the camous itself is not filled with big trees like Bates and Bowdoin. Downtown Waterville seems prosperous, over the hump of typical NE town economic struggles) with some galleries, shops, lofts cafes etc along the main street by the river. Colby is also in the most northern location of the three colleges. It is a good 2 hour trip to Portland and boston would be reserved for a 3 day weekend. (On the other hand skiing is close by) . The state road features the typical scattering of big box stores, car dealerships and the best Thai resturant I have ever been to. the food was great and the decor was like a 1950's rec room, with Thai rock and roll albums on the wall, a juke box, and posters of Thai Elvis look alikes on the walls!!!....I was accepted and Colby was my 1st choice among the Maine schools. Although I eventually chose another school I love colby and I would have been really happy there. Also when applying, Colby offered more help, communication, and personal attention than any other school. I visited during the fall, did the adcom presentation and the student led tour and went back in December for an interview. I think Colby would be great for a student who wants the personal approach of a small LAC with a very involved faculty, but that that has the feel of a larger university in its student services like athletics, clubs, international programs. I think this is because there is a little more of a hands off attitude with student culture. Colby seems less "nurturing" than Bates and I liked that because the nurturing attitude can get a little suffocating. That said Colby has a little more reputation for student drinking and acting out, I think because of its more mainstream student cross section and its less protective administration. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>So its hard to sum up but here goes:
1. Bowdoin: Elite and they know it. Many are called, few are chosen.
2. Bates: You'll love Bates, we love you and you'll get used to Lewiston.
3. Colby: Work hard , party hard. But we're not lghtweights.</p>
<p>Spiker, these college reviews are excellent. Would you please post them over in the parents forum so more kids and parents could have access to them?</p>
<p>Quote:
"the adults came across as really snobby on my visit. their whole attitude was "it's a priviledge to attend Bowdoin...so when you apply you need to convince us that you are worthy...""</p>
<p>Spiker, I visited Bowdoin (actually all three), and I didn't feel like the adults were snobby at all. Actually, they were really nice.</p>
<p>I'm glad to hear that..maybe I met different people....they were nice...but there was something...mmmmm....that I didn't encounter at other colleges...maybe it wasn't snobby ...but something ....maybe it was just inside me....that I just didn't feel like I would fit in......thanks for make me mull that over again.....</p>
<p>Stargirlvlg .....would you post more detail on your impressions of Bowdoin ..actually all three...I'd love to read what your impressions were. thanks</p>
<p>wow spiker you are extremely helpful thanks for the reply</p>
<p>Unless finances are an issue, I think you might consider applying to more than one of the Maine schools--they are all very appealing in their way and I think it would be difficult at this early stage to choose only one to apply to if you are looking for an excellent small New England college in general.</p>
<p>If you are really torn between the schools and you don't have a clear preference towards any of them (in terms of academics, opportunities, athletics, etc) then I would seriously consider location as a factor.. as a Mainer.. I can tell you that Lewiston is very very different than Waterville, which is very different than Brunswick... do some research on locations if you think that is at all important to you (which it may not be)</p>
<p>Spiker, I'm going to copy your reviews and put them over on the parents forum because many parents would like to read them.</p>
<p>Spiker -- your discussion about the "Maine Three" is exceptional -- you were right on target -- of the three, IMHO, for the OP, go with Colby. Spike, thanks again for your insight. And a personal aside to you about Bowdoin, you're exactly right: Bowdoin, get over yourself!</p>
<p>what are the principle characteristics/differences between the three towns?</p>
<p>Ironically, I got a more of a sense of elitism from Bates than the other two, especially when our guides were asked about Lewiston. They seemed like stuck-up yuppy rich kids, and put off both me and my parents enough that I didn't even apply. I guess it just goes to show you that its more about the people you meet than the college itself that shapes your perception.</p>
<p>I was going to post but striker pretty much wrote what I was going to say about the schools (and Colby in particular). </p>
<p>That having been said if anyone has any questions for a Colby junior post them.</p>
<p>I have some questions for a Colby junior. :)</p>
<p>Is there ANYTHING to do in Waterville? Is there a lot to do on campus? In other words, are you bored, stuck drinking alone or lying on your bed doing nothing? What DO you do for fun in Maine? My dad (a Colby alum) once described Colby as "summer camp with alcohol." Is there quite a bit of drinking due to the isolation? I know they've gotten rid of the Greeks, so what is the social atmosphere like?</p>
<p>Also, does the very small student body get stuffy? Are you all up in everyone's business? Are you tired of all the same people?</p>
<p>Last question, I swear: are the sports games well-attended? Would you say there's a lot of school spirit and school community?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I know if I'm accepted, I'll hucking that frisbee for the Dazzlin' !#@$</p>
<p>Hakunamatata838 you are absolutely right..the 3 Maine cities are very very different in ethnic/social profile, culture, relationship with the college and geographical position...and this has a huge bearing on the atmosphere of the colleges. Bowdoin in New Brunswick is the most prosperous, most near boston and has the longest history in its community. New Brunswick is gentrified, yet also includes a nearby naval air base (which may be closing in the current base closing initiative), and seems to be the most tourism and "service economy" based city. Most of the mills I saw in the New Brunswick area were already lofts or offices, and LL Bean is a hopskipjump away in a nearby tourist trap town. Bowdoin also has that really beautiful satellite campus on the ocean. REALLY beautiful. Northern California beautiful....REALLY REALLY BEAUTIFUL .....Bowdoin seemed very comfortable in its setting. </p>
<p>Bates: Lewiston (and Auburn its fancier big sister across the river) was actually my favorite of the Miane cities I visited. I am car crazy and there are several quality auto machine shops in the area. Bates does seem to have the most awkward relationship with its town. there are relationships with service learning venues like the hospital and community development agencies, but I don't think the college has cracked into city government. And yes i agree, they do seem the most elitist relative to the community because the social contrast is the greatest...</p>
<p>You brought up this interesting distinction. Bowdoin seems to be very comfortable in the town and the town is comfortable with Bowdoin. Earlier i mentioned Bowdoin was elitist relative to its applicants. ..Bates is very earnest and welcoming to applicants and current students yet seems the most elitist relative to the community. Bates is also up on the hill which is a powerful symbol in the history of a city. Geographically Bates is a bit of an island, up the hill, in a "tough town" and may be so nurturing to its students that they may not be inclined to branch out or take advantage of the community except in situations that are characterized as "service learning" , where Bates students are "bringing fire" rather than cooperating or learning from the community. </p>
<p>Colby also has a unique profile. When the college was founded in the early 19 century as a seminary it was downtown and historically admitted a woman in 1871. Aften some building development and moves, in the 50's the college moved to its present location on a neaby hill, a several hundred acre site, funded or subsidised by the city of Waterville. So it seems that the college always had a positive relationship with the city. today Waterville seems prosperous, with young real estate and dot.com money supporting many municipal efforts to recover from industrial relocation. ( BTW my mother.s family has been in the textile industry way back when so I.ve become sensitized during some lively thanksgiving dinners to the plight of New England cities) I think some colby alums have been elected to the city government and some have stuck around in the business commuity and the college seems well integrated into the community. Im sure the city still suffers from some effect of industry relocation, but Waterville seems strongly on the rebound. (Lewiston is a larger city with more industrial loss, more low income residents, and more recent immigrants....so the uphill struggle is on a greater scale.) </p>
<p>Decisions: I don't think I could recommend one school over another...they are so different,,,and this is just not evident from the brochures. It depends on the program you want, the community culture you could be comfortable with (or your tolerance or desire for productive discomfort), the financial award, activities offerred, like sports and the arts (both BAtes and colby offered a reasonable need based EFC calculation). I loved Colby even though it is a little more conventional community than I was looking for. I liked the fact that the administration is not "hovering" yet includes the student government in decision making, and has not adopted overly suffocating social codes. I appreciated that the school and the students are a slice of life, a diverse cross section, intelligent, committed, hardworking, with integrity and respect and a sense of fun. </p>
<p>I ended up accepting admission to another college that is less traditional than Colby. More like my independent learning based public magnet school...where my program is more developed and prominent. The students are smart, engaged, committed, socially engaged and tolerant of their peers differences. And when I was told the students argue with the administration all the time and are always ****ed off about something ...that appealed to me. A certain amount of friction is good. So maybe when you all evaluate and consider colleges, you may not want to pick the perfect match...but pick a lively community where you a can thrive intellectually, make a difference, engage with others who are different from yourself, argue, debate and ......have fun. ....this is my take on Maines 3 great LAC's. I.d love to hear other's opinions .... and tell me if Im all wet. also .... if you are considering coming to Maine check out Steven King's commencement speech to Univ of Mane grads this year archived on CSPAn...it is sweet, thoughtful, funny and made me tear up at the end. Maine is the real deal.</p>
<p>To be honest there isn't a whole lot going on in Waterville itself but the school does a pretty good job of bringing in outside stuff. Concerts every weekend (since I've been there Razhel, The Roots, Toots and the Maytals, and Ben Folds, plus tons of other smaller bands), speakers, etc. Waterville does have a good independent movie theater and a mainstream one just opened which saved a 40 minute roundtrip to Augusta. Plus there are some good restaurants and couple bars that people go too. The best part of Colby though is the Maine outdoors, your an hour from the beach, an hour from Sugarloaf, a few hours from Acadia, and in 10 minutes you can be out in the Maine woods hiking or cross country skiing or whatever. Its definitely not a school to go too if your looking for a city full of activities but Colby kids definitely find ways to fill the time. And yes, we do drink a lot, though it manifests itself creatively in things like Doghead and beer die (an awesome drinking game which could only have been created by bored kids during the long Maine winters, supposedly Colby invented it). There are also plenty of kids who don't drink and the drinking scene isn't quite as hardcore as some people think it is. As for the social scene in general its basically small parties on campus with small groups of friends then one or two of the off campus houses will throw a big party every weekend. Also the school holds dances and a few other sponsored parties and will buy us kegs.</p>
<p>As for the small student body thing, yeah, everyone pretty much finds out everything eventually. You don't know everyone that well but walking around campus I recognize pretty much everyone. The upside of this is that Colby's got a great sense of community (you know you'll see a lot of friends at every party you go too), the downside is you do see a lot of the same people and things can get old after awhile. I think this is a trait common to all small liberal arts schools though, you'd find the same thing at Carleton or Bowdoin Davidson or wherever.</p>
<p>As for the sports thing, well yes and no. People go to football games but no one really gets that excited (except for Bates students because they don't have a hockey team). The hockey games are usually well attended (especially against other NESCAC schools) and the Bowdoin Colby game in particular is nuts, they actually schedule an extra game a year so both schools get a home game and both always sell out. Besides that a few people show up for just about everything since the school is a third varsity athletes your going to have some friends who play sports and you'll go out and cheer for them. </p>
<p>Hope that helped, let me know if you've got any more questions</p>