<p>In New England, Bowdoin is MUCH more well known and respected than Haverford which many people have not even heard of. Bowdoin is in a beautiful coastal location, near the small city of Portland and easy drive/bus/train ride to Boston. D is a Latin American studies major there and has had many opportunities for travel/study/research funded by the college and wonderful interactions with the faculty. Besides, boston34redsox, Brunswick, Maine is in the heart of Red Sox Nation. Need I say more?</p>
<p>As a rising sophmore at Haverford, I would have to agree that, for the more part, Bowdoin is better heard of than Haverford in New England. As it is than Swarthmore, Carleton, Grinnell, etc., simply because it is in New England. Using that logic, where I live, the state university is better heard of than both. </p>
<p>But I would not say it is more respected. I am constantly hearing from people how impressed they are with Haverford; whether their boss graduated from Haverford, a top student from their high school went there, or a recent graduate works in their lab and is brilliant. In fact, someone who works in admissions at a top medical school told me how much he loved getting applications from Haverford students because they were always so strong. People who have any contact with the school know how great it is, so don't worry about reputation. </p>
<p>I know students at Haverford who chose it over Bowdoin, as well as Harvard, Yale, MIT, Swarthmore, Brown, and other schools better known to the public (as well as some students who would have liked to been able to make that choice), and have never regretted it. </p>
<p>In fact, one of the reasons I chose Haverford was because the students, most of whom had the option to go to a better known school chose to go to one with great academics but not so great name recognition to the general public. It makes me feel good to know that I'm surrounded by students who care about educational quality, not a brand name. </p>
<p>So go with where you feel more comfortable. Both are excellent schools.</p>
<p>thanks everyone for your help....</p>
<p>any last words of advice / any new suggestions before I decide in less than 24 hours.</p>
<p>to be honest, if ur goin for the name value, either one isn't the right choice</p>
<p>grad schools like both of them, but the gen pop prob never heard of them</p>
<p>I think, in general, Bowdoin is more well known than Haverford everywhere, not just New England. Not that that should be that much of the decision since both are roughly comparable schools, especially given the transfer situation and the ability to play soccer. I think I would enjoy Bowdoin more, but that is all personal preference. Suburban Philadelphia seems to me a place to live 0-18 & then 35+ and not in between.</p>
<p>My friend loves haverford! he says it's very relaxed and homely.</p>
<p>I love the sound of Bowdoin for myself, but Haverford sounds better for soccer and for what you want to do. Good luck!</p>
<p>Why are so many people bringing up how well known the schools are? There is no tangible way this will affect you unless you're worried about job applications after graduation; most employers simply want to know that you have a solid education, and are not overly concerned about what school it was at. It's up to you to prove yourself.</p>
<p>Anyways, I am unfamiliar with both schools, so I won't give advice either way. Good luck in making your decision!</p>
<p>Not to belabor the point, but name recognition and reputation IS important when you get out of college. Even if you go on to further education, alumni connections and a degree from a respected institution will help you professionally (and socially.) I'm not saying it should be so but it is so. Bowdoin is more well known and respected than some schools and less than others. I don't think it should be THE deciding factor in where one chooses, but if you want to consider all aspects of a college choice, it is one factor among others. Haverford is also an excellent school and may or may not a better choice than Bowdoin for some people, but not based on academic reputation.</p>
<p>haverford it is.</p>
<p>Just wanted everyone to know that I've decided on haverford. Thanks everyone for all the help.</p>
<p>I was pretty sure it was where I would end up from the beginning, but parents and other things made the decision probably much more difficult than it needed to be.</p>
<p>Hope everyone is having a great summer and thanks again :)</p>
<p>"most employers simply want to know that you have a solid education, and are not overly concerned about what school it was at."</p>
<p>The fact that people don't believe this is what prompts 75% of the threads on this site.</p>
<p>Yes, Haverford is not some sort of poor relation to Bowdoin. In academic circles, Haverford is highly regarded.</p>
<p>have fun!!!</p>
<p>Lol, gellino, you're probably right.</p>
<p>Meowmom, I have to disagree with you on that one. Name recognition may make a difference, but it is usually slight and often negligible. The name of the school weighs far less than other considerations, such as the applicant's major, personality, and aptitude for the job. The connections are probably more important, but as I recently read on a CC thread, state schools are more likely to help you form connections than smaller schools simply because they are large.</p>
<p>Choose your school for those four years, not what you're hoping it will magically do for you afterward.</p>
<p>To the op - have fun at Haverford!</p>