Bowdoin vs WashU

Colleges and Universities A-Z Bowdoin College
1

Hi all, I was admitted to both schools (among others such as UCLA, Wesleyan, BC, YaleNUS) and they’re my top picks right now. I’m having a really hard time deciding because I’m not sure how I’ll fit in at both schools.

I’m an international student and I want to study political science/philosophy (something in the humanities, would be govt and legal studies at Bowdoin). I’m quiet in a bigger crowd but really can’t stop talking when I’m with my friends. I chose to apply to WashU and Bowdoin as the academics are stellar and the vibe seems to be super friendly (really important to me because as a transitioning international student I don’t want to be homesick… But then again the international community at bowdoin isn’t huge especially as it’s a LAC). What I’m looking for in a school is a tight knit community where everyone’s really friendly to each other, and a place where people have passions and are genuinely interested in intellectual conversations, etc. I want to form relationships with friends and classmates that are deep and meaningful, instead of forming them just for the sake of doing so.

One thing is I’m afraid Bowdoin would be ‘too small’ and a bit rural. I’m not certain about how many opportunities I’ll get at Bowdoin versus a bigger university like WashU (and because WashU is in an actual city). And, I’ve read things about the hookup culture that I’m just not really down with? I go to a high school where our whole grade doesn’t have relationships for some reason and I don’t want a continuation of that.

I guess I’m looking for personal experiences/insights into how my situation would determine a leaning towards a certain school.

Also, I was made a faculty scholar at Bowdoin but I’m not sure what that entails besides the $3000 stipend.

2

As a current Bowdoin student, I honestly can’t imagine having any more opportunities. It’s important to note that Bowdoin’s resources and opportunities are all for undergrad, whereas many things will go to grad students at WashU. So even though WashU has more, you have a higher change of getting them at Bowdoin.
From what I know about WashU, it does not have that super friendly community that you are looking for. It seems to be a very competitive, uptight school. Of course, I have no knowledge about what that’s like from the inside.
If you really do want to be in a big city, and Brunswick is a deal breaker, so be it. It’s definitely a small town - though I come from a much bigger town and it doesn’t feel “too rural”.
Lastly, hookup culture at Bowdoin exists, but people still certainly date and no one will pass judgement if you do or do not take part in hookups.

3

@youwillbefound would you say that there is a good amount of international student support on campus at bowdoin? and could you elaborate on the small town feel of brunswick

4

I’m not an international student, so I’m not really sure about the support. I know there is a group/club for international students. Brunswick doesn’t feel too rural because it has everything I need, for the most part, and there’s lots of good restaurants, cool shops, etc. Lots of small towns feel sort of hick-y or trashy, but Brunswick really doesn’t.