<p>So I have already committed to Bowdoin College with a fantastic financial aid. However, Brown University has always been my top choice school since before I can even imagine. Although it's such a reach for me, it has always been my dream to go to Brown. However, my test scores are really below Brown's average which probably had a huge effect on my admission decision. Luckily, I was offered a place on the waitlist which really gives me hope (my essays, extracurricular/hooks are on point). Since I found out, I kept going back and forth on whether or not I should keep pursing Brown. In my heart all along, I really wanted to, but I always find myself asking, "do you actually think it's going to happen?" and then I shut myself out again. Nevertheless, I accepted my wait list position and focused my attention more towards Bowdoin. Today is May 7th and I'll probably hear back from Brown any day now. Do you think it is still worth it to contact the admissions officer and or write a letter? I really wanted to prior to this, however, I've shut myself out so many times. Despite this, it's gotten to the point where I feel like if I don't do it, I'll never know…. Do you think it might make a difference this late in the admissions process? </p>
<p>Also I have many concerns about Bowdoin that i'd like to discuss with alumni/current students
Academics are absolutely fantastic. There is no question about it. When I spent a whole weekend at Bowdoin (open house), I truly felt like it was the place for me and it made me happy. My ONLY concern with Bowdoin is the social atmosphere. Everyone seemed nice but I personally felt like it was very cliquey. With me being a minority as well, I also felt like the school itself consisted of only upper-middle white prep kids that played sports. I personally don't play sports which also really concerns me. Alumni/Current students, what are your thoughts on Bowdoin's social scene? Is it really as cliquey as it seems? Will it remind me of high school/make me an outcast if I don't play sports?</p>
<p>Any comments/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for taking the time to read all of this.</p>
<p>You haven’t been offered admission to Brown, right? Stop looking for reasons to not like Bowdoin, odds are still 99% you will be going there. But Brown is a pretty great school. I doubt there is much you could actually do to get yourself off the waitlist, though, unless you have some new accomplishment to report. If you have that, do it. What is the harm? </p>
<p>Bowdoin is the greatest place on earth. </p>
<p>I don’t think you should second guess Bowdoin, college isn’t like HS at all socially. Keep feeling good about the aid you got. You will make your own life there and find likeminded people. Surely not everyone plays sports. Plus I hear the food is top notch–that’s such a great perk you will appreciate daily. There are individual forums here, I don’t know if Bowdoin’s is active but there will be some reading there.</p>
<p>Go ahead and stay on the Brown waitlist if it was such a goal for you, but keep it on the back burner. If you are going to stay on it, I’d write the letter to affirm your interest. Then forget about it.</p>
<p>Thanks! Bowdoin is an amazing school and im really grateful to have been offered acceptance. I think that with a little but of anxiousness and excitement, I’ve gotten to the point of overthinking everything. </p>
<p>Bowdoin’s endowment on a ‘per student’ basis is DOUBLE the size of Brown’s endowment (and larger than the endowments of Columbia, Cornell, Penn… and about the same at Dartmouth’s, on a per student basis). </p>
<p>Bowdoin is amazing school with incredible resources. I’m sure your admission is well deserved, but given the level of selectivity, even the best students should be thrilled to be admitted.</p>
<p>Also, don’t get too caught up in the Ivy hype. After Bowdoin I went to an Ivy law school, and I would not trade my Bowdoin experience (or degree) with one from Brown, or most of the other Ivies for that matter.</p>
<p>PS-- I should have said it earlier…. CONGRATS!!!</p>
<p>OP, your feelings are quite understandable, and all part of the journey. I sincerely hope you open the link which was kindly posted above. Bowdoin appears to be consciously moving in precisely the direction you are hoping for – cultural/ethnic diversity, new high schools represented, and above all incredible fin aid which makes it possible for kids of all economic backgrounds to have four years of “giving it their all” without dreading student loan payments.</p>
<p>You have a wonderful college career ahead – congratulations and enjoy it!</p>