<p>Throughout the course of my life, I feel like my ability to fit in has slowly deteriorated. I don’t know if this has to do with stress or a sense of insecurity but it is one of my main concerns for college. I want to go to a college where I can fit in, but obviously each different person can’t fit into one specific college.
Because of this, I’d like to ask about the social AND academic life of Bowdoin. Ranked #1 for best food and #8 for happiest students, Bowdoin has definitely hooked me in. I also think it would be a good idea to focus on my undergraduate studies and still have time to decide what I actually want to do for my masters.
For the social life in this college, do you believe that there is a place for everyone?
For the academic life in this college, how do you feel about the strength of the chemistry/preveterinary departments?</p>
<p>In addition, I haven’t yet visited Bowdoin but I’m thinking of applying for the Explore Bowdoin program. Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions on it?
Thanks so much.</p>
<p>I think Bowdoin definitely has a place for everyone. It took down it’s Greek system in favor of a college system so everyone is included. The size however comes with pros and cons. It is small enough to be able to meet new people easily, but it is not like big schools where even if Greek life dominates, everyone can find their niche USC for example. I do know Bowdoin’s science departments, particularly neuroscience are very good. Still, you won’t get the type of big research you will at a big research university.</p>
<p>I think it’s important to know the difference between finding a school that’s a good fit, vs understanding why you feel like you don’t fit in.</p>
<p>My D felt like she found “her people” in college (not Bowdoin; my S/her brother is a student at Bowdoin). She didn’t feel like she fit in the HS culture but had friends and kept busy doing things she cared about. However, in college she was much happier and felt like she found people with similar interests/ambitions.</p>
<p>However, I’ve seen a few students over the years on College Confidential who seem to be unhappy in HS who think finding the right college will be the answer, and then they are just as unhappy in college, and often end up transferring in an attempt to find the “right” place. Some of these students seem like they will be unhappy anywhere. </p>
<p>Maybe if you can examine why it is you feel the way you do, that will help you determine how to make things work for the best in the future</p>
<p>@college_query Excellent points. If you feel like your ability to connect with people and environments is changing…becoming more difficult…it’s just as prudent to look at that, and try to figure that out, as it is to look for a college that fits you. </p>