Haverford or Bowdoin?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Haverford College
1

<p>I'm accepted into both, and trying to weigh it all. I am really interested in English and love Creative Writing, but am worried about a possibly small writing-community at Bowdoin. Haverford English department sent me a really nice note, and Bowdoin made me a faculty scholar and noted that I might use the 3k for something writing-related. I also am very into Environmental Studies though, and would likely pursue that at Bowdoin where there are incredible opportunities. The Bowdoin Outing Club is very attractive to me, but I'm scared of the overall Bowdoin student's athletic-preppy stereotype, and consider myself more "arty" (almost hipstery-y) than that. I've never visited either one, and am curious about the Haverford vibe and whether I would fit in more there because of the more "creative" side, or whether I would miss all the "outdoorsy" focus of Maine...</p>

<p>Realistically, I know I will be happier wherever I pick, but I would love any of your thoughts!</p>

2

<p>Congrats! You have two outstanding choices.</p>

<p>I think the world of HC. You can’t get a better education anywhere. Period. Full stop.</p>

<p>It’s too bad that you haven’t visited. I always think that makes the decision easier.</p>

<p>Haverford has an excelent English department (don’t know much about Bowdoin, but as a top LAC, you pretty much must have a great English department). By e way, in case you didn’t know, HC will launch its own Environmental Studies department next year. (Until now, the departent has been at Bryn Mawr only. Soon students will be able to choose between the two departments with even more course offerings).</p>

<p>Haverford has a really strog sense of community through the Honor Code. As a result, it makes the College somewhat different from its peers. </p>

<p>If you can’t visit, be sure to check out these videos: [Haverford</a> College Office of Admission: Admission Videos](<a href=“http://www.haverford.edu/admission/videos/]Haverford”>http://www.haverford.edu/admission/videos/)</p>

<p>I think the videos are great and capture the College pretty well.</p>

<p>What’s the spirit of Haverford? Haverford is intellectual, community-oriented, socially-aware, quirky, leadership-oriented (e.g., consensus, self-governance focus), fun, empowering, diverse, rigorous, supportive, values-oriented, committed to the whole person. I’m not sure that I can tell you more or something different from the following three sources I recommend: (1) the aforemetioned admissions videos, (2) Fiske Guide, and (3) reviews on other college websites that can’t be named on CC (hint: CP and UG). In light of your decision, I’ll also note that it is one of the few elite LAC very close to a major metro city, so that provides great opportunities (social and cultural events, internships, a great/rich pool of adjunct professors and guest speakers).</p>

<p>Although Haverford is working on it, I am willing to concede that Bowdoin has better food. (The Haverford Dining Center management team was just merged with Bryn Mawr’s, which has always had the better food between the two campuses, so we are optimistic that improvement will come, but Bowdoin is known to have the best food of all LACs.) </p>

<p>Both are terrific schools. Of course, the ultimate choice is yours and you need to try tp figure out which is right for you. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>I’m going to Haverford and am very interested in creative writing, so you would have at least some company :)</p>

4

<p>You need to visit the schools. If you are down to the final choice, visiting to find out which is the best fit makes sense if you can afford it. We visited both with our D and found the biggest difference between the two schools is the surrounding community; both of which are wonderful in their own way. I wouldn’t let such an important decision rest on what you read about how preppy a school is - I suggest you see for yourself. I grew up on the Main Line. Haverford can be preppy too, but you should be able to find others like you. </p>

<p>As for environmental science, both schools are fine choices but Bowdoin’s proximity to the ocean is a major plus.</p>

<p>Congrrats on great options.</p>

5

<p>I know visiting is tough, but if you possible can it would help. My son visited Davidson recently and I was concerned it might be too athletic, maybe preppy but he absolutely did not get that feel on the overnight. I suspect Bowdoin is like that. Sometimes we read a blurb in a college book and think it characterizes the whole campus. I have heard the vibe is very similar at Bowdoin and Haverford, by the way. </p>

<p>From my limited exposure, I think Haverford does have more of an artsy, hipster feel, though. Does anyone agree?</p>

<p>Good luck, you really can’t go wrong.</p>

6

<p>We lived in Maine for 9 years and know so many kids at Bowdoin. Great school, but so very “blue-blood” New England through and through. (which is a great fit for some) I know at least 6 people at Bowdoin now and they all love the school. Athletics are a much bigger part of their lives than my son’s at Haverford (who does play a sport). I agree hat Haverford has more “alternative” types from what I know. Haverford is truly a place where you can be yourself. A visit, of course, if you can swing it, will tell youwhat you want to know. Good Luck!</p>