I am planning on studying biology/environmental science/international relations. I got the same amount of financial aid at all the colleges. I am so torn between CMC and Bowdoin.
I think these two factors are going to help you decide:
- Bowdoin has significantly more environmental studies / marine biology research and opportunities since it is in a rural, coastal area. Also, they have a highly regarded International Relations major (most popular major in the school, I think). Meanwhile, CMC's location is in a huge city and much more limited in terms of research / outside opportunities you might want to supplement your studies.
- Weather and quality of life. This could be a plus or minus. I personally see CMC as dull compared to Bowdoin's happy student body, outdoors availability, etc. Also, consider weather. SoCal is always hot and never receives snow in LA (so I assume Claremont is the same since LA is nearby). Maine has much colder weather and a better climate (in my opinion, so your mileage may vary).
I don’t know if I’d call Brunswick “rural” but it’s population challenged compared to SoCal. Bowdoin is great. There are a bunch of really amazing Labs in Maine, JAX (https://www.jax.org); MDI Biological (https://mdibl.org/); Bigelow Lab (https://www.bigelow.org); Darling Marine Center (https://dmc.umaine.edu/); and a few others. Most of those labs have a relationship with Colby, Bate and Bowdoin. If you’re into environmental sciences & biology, it’s a great place to be.