<p>Hi guys,</p>
<p>I just was wondering if anyone had any opinions on attending Haverford College vs. Bowdoin College as a transfer. I was admitted to both, and have to decide by next friday.</p>
<p>They were two of my top schools so I’m really excited about both.</p>
<p>My prospective major would be Government at Bowdoin w/ a Latin American Studies minor/concentration. At Haverford it would be Poli Sci w/ a Latin American Studies minor/concentration.</p>
<p>Also, at Haverford I have a really good / almost definite chance of playing soccer (have already talked w/ the coach and I am can go to pre-season training in Brazil w/ them). Bowdoin, is less of a sure thing. They finished second in the NESCAC last year and the few kids who I know of on the team are really really talented players, probably above my level. The coach said I could try to walk on, but he didn’t seem as optimistic.</p>
<p>What to do???</p>
<p>That's a really hard decision. Does location matter? Bowdoin's an awesome school, but so is Haverford. Maybe I would say Haverford, with the soccer thing. But, Bowdoin's government program is really good. I think it was rated #1 in the world or something a few years back. That's what the tour guide told us when we walked by the government building on a tour. Bowdoin does have an nice campus.</p>
<p>Yah, it is a really tough decision. I mean I like both of the locations despite their differences. If I had to hypothetically create the perfect school, however, I think it would be in a location similar to that of haverford.</p>
<p>I go to Bowdoin and one of my closest friends goes to Haverford, so I know a little bit about their differences. Honestly, as much as I love Bowdoin, if you have a chance to play soccer and you really like soccer, I'd pick Haverford. My friend is actually on the soccer team there and he really likes it. As far as I can tell, academically, both schools are really similar--going to Haverford for Poli Sci would, in the long run, be no different than going to Bowdoin for Government. From what my friend and I have talked about, the major differences are in campus cultures--Bowdoin is very much a typical new england liberal arts college--generally, more prep schoolers, somewhat of a heavier drinking scene, more emphasis on athletics, whereas Haverford seems to be a bit more quirky. These are generalizations obviously, but I think they're helpful. As far as locations go, my friend and I are fairly similar and ended up both liking our schools, so I think you could probably be happy in either place unless you are just dying to be near the city (in which case haverford is the clear choice). Anyways, I think Haverford has a clear advantage (soccer) unless the Bowdoin culture really draws you in for some reason over that of Haverford's. Good luck with everything!</p>