So I know this has been discussed before, but I was hoping for a bit more advice. I was accepted to both Brown and Bowdoin. Thinking I had no chance at being accepted to Brown, I focused all my love on Bowdoin and was completely set on going there next year. I love everything about Bowdoin-- the small classes, the professors dedication to undergrad teaching, the offer of the college, and I hear the food is amazing. I know I’ll get a rigorous education there and be supported by a tight knit community. I have always gone to small schools, so I mostly applied to small LAC with the exception of Brown. Bowdoin just feels more homey and within my comfort level (though I have yet to visit, but will on the 16th) On the other hand, I love Brown too. I visited junior year and took a quick college tour, and it was stunning. I’m very into design, theatre/film, and creative writing so having the Rhode Island School of Design at my fingertips would be amazzzzzing. I also LOVE the Open Curriculum and the ability to be able to shop classes. Providence also seems like a great city with lots to do, but I wonder if that takes away from people attending events on campus. However, I don’t like the idea of big lectures and I ask a lot of questions, so I’m scared I’m going to fall behind in big classes and get lost in the bigger social scene. I’m also a Questbridge finalist (first gen, poc) and I feel that Bowdoin has a stronger support system for transitioning and helping them out financially (as in, I heard a Bowdoin student couldn’t afford a winter clothes, so they bought some for her). Bowdoin was also much more generous in their financial aid package, but I’m waiting on an appeal response from Brown. My entire family has been pushing for Brown, but something in me can’t completely let go of Bowdoin yet. I’m visiting them both this month, so I’m sure that will help, but any advice is much appreciated!
Visit and see. I’d say go with your gut on this. The open curriculum is a nice talking point but not much of a distinction; Bowdoin’s curriculum is nearly open. Talk with students and go to the place you feel most comfortable. I don’t think there’s much lost going to one over the other.
It’s sounds like you would rather go to Bowdoin, to be honest. Bowdoin’s distribution requirements are very light, so I wouldn’t worry about the difference with Brown’s open curriculum. Also, the type of classroom experience that you yearn for definitely seems more Bowdoin-like.
It sounds like you are pretty sold on Bowdoin! The atmosphere of the place is amazing; it’s laid-back yet also academically challenging. It is full of tradition, and Brunswick, ME definitely beats Providence, RI in my opinion. Bowdoin also lets you shop classes (it’s just something they don’t advertise for some reason). It has a fairly open curriculum, and it’s super easy to double major and minor if that’s something you’re interested in doing. Bowdoin will care about you as a person, not just a student (common good), so people will help you out and be very welcoming. It’s a great community! I’ve only heard good things from current students. They all love it. The quality of the education paired with small classes really can’t be beat by larger lectures at a university. Brown has more prestige, but I’d say that you could get a great education at either school. College is expensive, and if Bowdoin gave you more financial aid, I’d go there just because of that. I’d look into the departments you are interested in and see what you can find out. Best of luck with your decision! (and maybe I’ll see you at Bowdoin in the fall )
I’m a huge fan of Bowdoin – it’s faculty, it’s resources, it’s location – but that said, given your interests, Brown seems a remarkable place to explore and engage. Don’t over think large vs. small with regard to class sizes, you’ll find your space. Good luck and, really, you won’t go wrong with either, just invest yourself in whatever is in front of you and and let life unfold.
While not as small as Bowdoin, Brown is a relatively small school, with just over 6K undergrads. Once you get past the 100 level classes, your probably will have class sizes that are not overwhelming. Both are great schools, and Brown’s P-F grading freshman year may help ease the transition to college. Report back after your visit.
It’s worth noting that Bowdoin’s per capital endowment is nearly DOUBLE the size of Brown’s endowment. And, there are no grad programs to fund at Bowdoin.
The result is an incredible amount of financial resources devoted exclusively to your undergrad experience-- facilities, housing, food, academic programs, activities etc. (It’s not surprising that Bowdoin made you a more generous offer-- this reflects its relative financial strength-- and this is a pattern that will follow in your undergrad experience).
Bowdoin is also a very chill place, with lots of well-rounded, but very smart, students and its location has a lot to offer.
Both are obviously fabulous. I would compare class sizes when you re-visit and take a good look at the difference in your final financial aid packages. That could ultimately be significant and influence your ultimate levels of stress/happiness.
)