Bowdoin vs. Wellesley vs. Smith

Colleges and Universities A-Z Bowdoin College
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And now comes the just-as-difficult decision process. Any help is greatly appreciated!

About me/my concerns…

Academics: I come from a small, poorer public school that is not remotely diverse. The work, for the most part, is not challenging. I am incredibly excited about having the opportunity to go to an academically rigorous school and be with people who are just as eager to learn as I am. However, I’m a bit nervous that it will be over my head. I’m an introvert and I get stressed easily. While I think I could do the work at Wellesley and Bowdoin, I just don’t know what to expect in terms of how I would fare emotionally/stress wise. I’m most interested in German (want to start learning Arabic too, can I take two languages at once?), linguistics, psych, anthro/cultures, women’s/gender studies, math, maybe education… clearly I have no idea what I’m majoring in, but there are some reference points.
Study abroad comparison??
Performing/visual arts opportunities for people who aren’t majoring/minoring those areas?

Social stuff: Women’s colleges vs. Bowdoin: I love the thought of going to a women’s college, and even though Bowdoin is a fantastic school, I don’t know if I want to give up that opportunity. So many of the strong, incredible women I know went to a women’s college. I also know that Smith and Wellesley are specifically labelled as “non-party schools,” which definitely appeals to me. I know that there will be parties there too, but I’d rather be away from that. I’m also not an athlete (I just run and do recreational stuff), so I’m nervous I’ll maybe have a harder time fitting in at Bowdoin? How sports-oriented is it there?

Social stuff: Smith vs. Wellesley: I visited both campuses last year, Smith in April, Wellesley in July. I immediately felt at home at Smith and like I was with “my people.” I really loved Wellesley too, but I didn’t get the same sense of community because I was there during the summer and students weren’t there. Like I mentioned earlier, I’m an introvert, so I’m okay with there not being a huge social scene. I do want to find friends and be with people like myself though. (I’m a bit on the crunchy-hippie side, liberal, an accepting atmosphere for LGBTQA is important to me, I play fiddle (New England dance/Acadian/Irish style), clarinet, sing (chamber/classical), make lots of art, love reading, love the outdoors.)

ANY help/thoughts/answers would be wonderful. Thank you so much!

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Hey - so it kind of sounds like you already made your decision! If it feels like you were with “your people” at Smith, and you’re excited about the idea of going to an all women’s college, I feel Smith makes sense. Honestly, the three are all great schools. When they’re all that good it just comes down to fit, and in some cases, money. I felt the sense of “my people” at Bowdoin and I am trusting that gut feeling. My recommendation is that you do too! Best of luck! :slight_smile:

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Your academic advisor at whichever school you attend will provide you with the necessary resources that pertain to studying two languages at once.

Regarding your larger decision, I concur with tollbooth, it sounds as if you have already made your choice. (And does Bowdoin offer much in the way of linguistics, for instance, compared to your other options?) Wishing you luck.

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Some of the best contra dancing in the world is in the Pioneer Valley where Smith is located. You’d fit right in, maybe even find a New England dance band to join!