<p>Need help for son (accepted at both schools) who is into music but has broad and varied academic interests and hopes to maybe play varsity ice hockey – it appears the Wes is stronger in music, but he seems to like the “prestige” of Bowdoin otherwise…</p>
<p>Is there enogh musically at Bowdoin to keep him going?</p>
<p>Can people weigh in on the quality of the academics – is it a clear cut winner for one vs. the other, or is it shades of gray???</p>
<p>Thanks…</p>
<p>It’s always shades of gray when comparing schools that are similar in type. Another visit to each should cement it for him. Wes has a very good music program, especially in ethnomusicology. The prestige thing is pretty crazy as most people will not have heard of either school.</p>
<p>I don’t think there is a clear cut winner academically. Wes is much bigger and has a fairly different “feel” than all the other NESCAC schools, more like Vassar/Brown/Oberlin rather than A/W/B/M I think.</p>
<p>Bowdoin does have a “prestigious” early history, but that shouldn’t be a factor in making your decision now. Did he visit Wes? Since Wes has a rather distinct culture It should be an easier decision after visiting the school.</p>
<p>the sticking point appears to be Wesleyan’s aging practice facilities dating from the 1970s. Bowdoin recently gutted and refurbished an old gymnasium and swimming pool into some very attractive practice and performance spaces. But, it begs the question, where were people practicing three years ago?</p>
<p>johnwesley nailed it…yes, he visited Wes and loved everything except the music facilities. He said “I’m going to spend most of my time here and its not very inspirational…”, so…</p>
<p>– Mucic facility tradeoff
– Music faculty and music scene tradeoff
– Wes vs. Bowdoin culture
– Wes vs. Bowdoin dorms, food, local town, etc., etc…</p>
<p>This is finally the week!!!</p>
<p>Go to Wes then. Facilities can be upgraded fairly soon, a vibrant music “culture” can’t.</p>
<p>Recent Musical Wes grads include band MGMT, singer Santogold, writers of the musical In The Heights…</p>
<p>I think if music will be a career, then Wesleyan may offer may in the form of alumni connections. It has strong representation in the arts community. However, Bowdoin does offer a lot of individual attention for music majors, the music program is really a sort of gem at the college. You can get credit via free music lessons provided by the college. The facilities at Bowdoin really are state of the art. A cappella is huge at Bowdoin, and speaking from a singers perspective, there is a lot offered. I also know of a few students who were given independent study grants to write their own compositions/musicals and have them performed on campus.</p>
<p>Differences socially between Wesleyan and Bowdoin? Wesleyan has two definite populations of athletes and more artsy types. The two groups seem to function together well and share the social scene, but I personally felt like I would have to pick one or the other. Bowdoin has some very smart people and some that are just maybe there for the ride? Bowdoin seems to be more concerned with self-image, but hey, the kids are really good looking. I agree both have very distinct social cultures.</p>
<p>Bowdoin’s dorms and food are incredible. I can’t think of a school that tops that combination. I think college ******* rated it an A and A+ for dorms and food. I can attest to this from my overnight. Wesleyan is bigger and probably more diverse. I don’t know, this is a tough choice, but I don’t think he would be unsatisfied by Bowdoin musically at all.</p>
<p>Here’s a link to biographical information about a [Bowdoin</a> grad who managed to have an interesting career in the area of music](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DJ_Spooky]Bowdoin”>DJ Spooky - Wikipedia).</p>
<p>All these people seem to be right!
I was accepted to both schools and given amazing financial packages. It was ultimately the über liberal and artsy culture of Wesleyan and my interest in science that lead me to choose Bowdoin.</p>
<p>…ultimately it was that culture and the broader music, theater and general arts opportunities that led him to…Wesleyan (last minute 5/1 AM!!!).</p>
<p>He loved Bowdoin too and the music facilities were great in comparison to Wes. I think a big factor is that towards the end he saw Bowdoin as another 4 years of his prep HS experience and ultimately decided he wanted something new and different – Wes is certainly different!!!</p>
<p>In the end, this was the right decision for him…thanks to all for feedback and input!!</p>
<p>Good luck BowdoinGirl!!!</p>
<p>Good choice!</p>