<p>Hey Everyone! I'm having a very tough time making the final decision between Grinnell and Bowdoin and was hoping that you all could offer some advice. I visited both during admitted students days and really liked both, although Bowdoin slightly better. Grinnell, however, offers some cool academic programs that fit my interest and gave me a $24,000 merit scholarship (much greater than my family's need).</p>
<p>In college, I'm planning on majoring in Poli Sci (Gov't and Legal Studies in Bowdoin's case) or Economics, though that could obviously change. </p>
<p>In short, my question is whether or not Bowdoin and Grinnell are really equivalent colleges, both in terms of the caliber of their students and for things like employment and grad school. Their stats (especially in terms of graduate placement) seem to be roughly comparable, but everyone I talk to acts like Grinnell is nothing. Additionally, what do you all see as the biggest differences between these colleges?</p>
<p>I would be shocked if the students weren’t of a comparable caliber. If you’re going by standardized testing scores, note that since Bowdoin is test-optional, chances are that the students not reporting scores are below or at the low end of the range, which might adjust what is given as that school’s range. I wouldn’t worry about Bowdoin’s lower acceptance rate; it doesn’t mean that the student body is “better” than the one at Grinnell!</p>
<p>Grad school: can’t imagine that there would be any difference.</p>
<p>Employment: don’t know but would imagine that there may be some differences. If you’re into investment banking, for example, then going to a top NESCAC school might be more advantageous. If you really want to compare, I’d suggest contacting the respective offices of career development to see what outreach they offer and for data, rather than on some anecdotal evidence here – of which you’re not going to get much, because hardly any people whose kids have already gone through the schools and gotten employment post here. </p>
<p>Name recognition: we always preface answers by saying, “He goes to school in Iowa to Grinnell College,” otherwise people assume we said Cornell (U.). Those who know Grinnell, always say “Oh that’s such a great school.” Those who don’t, just smile politely. That’s up to you to decide how important this issue is to you. </p>
<p>I don’t have enough personal knowledge of Bowdoin to talk about differences, other than obvious one of location. I suspect there are some campus culture differences. Perhaps if you told us what specifically you liked about Grinnell and about Bowdoin and what made you prefer Bowdoin slightly we could help you more with that. </p>
<p>Finally, if you do pick Grinnell, then get yourself a “Where the H___ is Grinnell? Who the H__ cares?” and embrace life in the cornfields! </p>
<p>These are both fabulous LACs. Bowdoin is more preppy, and also less isolated. Grinnell’s students have more of an orientation toward changing the world. My impression is that people who have gone to both have equally loved their experiences. </p>
<p>Both great choices. As a parent, I would be wondering if any real or perceived difference at Bowdoin merits a $100,000 premium over 4 years - even if the amount spent on tuition were of no consequence to me - and would ask my child to consider the decision in that context. Personally, I doubt it. </p>