Low GPA, chances at Bowdoin?

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I know Bowdoin places a large emphasis on academic achievement in their admissions. I have a 3.6 UW and 4.125 W cumulative GPA (almost end of junior yr). However, I took almost all honors/AP classes my school offered. I think I’m capable of a 2100 SAT score, will definitely have good recs, I have good ECs with leadership positions, and will write the best essay I can. But will my GPA still hinder my chances?</p>

<p>Ok look... your GPA is fine, you don't need a perfect GPA. With that said I would highly encourage you to work more on your essays and show demonstrated in your extracurricular activities than worry about the numbers.</p>

<p>Okay, I'll keep that in mind. I guess the reason I'm asking is because it seems everyone on this board that was admitted was ranked like 6/800 and I'm wayyy off.</p>

<p>i got into bowdoin with a 3.6. my SAT score was pretty high, though. but it's definitely possible to get in with a 3.6 (or less), as long as you've got a good app, have taken tough classes, and etc.</p>

<p>it shouldn't, they're very holisitic when it comes to admissons. I never submitted my sats which are way below Bowdoins 25% and was accepted, but I was very involved. They want students who will make the best of the resources available at Bowdoin. make sure you convey yourself strongly and you'll be good.</p>

<p>I got in and my unweighted GPA is something like 3.7. I got a 22-something on my SATs. My school doesnt offer APs until senior year and even then you can only take 4 APs. Bowdoin has weird admissions, though. I think they care less about numbers and more about you as a person than a lot of other similar schools. This can be good or bad, depending.</p>

<p>I sent in an art portfolio (I'm a decent artist, but my portfolio really wasn't amazing) as well as an activities resume. It was about two pages long, 1.5 spacing, ariel font or something like that. I highly recommend a resume just because nothing really fits in those activities boxes the right way. I felt I could better show who I was with it. I also had my outside pole vault coach, who knows me well, write me an extra recommendation.</p>

<p>Mandizz.......</p>

<p>You sound very much like the vast majority of students who will be applying to Bowdoin for a spot in 2011. The real question is: What makes you stand out? and How badly do you want to go to Bowdoin? Do you want to go badly enough to make it an ED school? Do your EC show great consistency and dedication? Has anyone in your family attended Bowdoin? How often have you visited? You realize, I am sure, every visit is recorded and that can help at admissions time. </p>

<p>Every case is different and Bowdoin has a sound and wholistic admissions process. They want to know you, and they really want to know why you want to be at Bowdoin, for it is certainly a very special place among any and all LACs.</p>

<p>Thanks for all the replies! </p>

<p>While I don't know if I'll apply to Bowdoin ED, it is definitely one of my top choices. </p>

<p>Alscharr- Thanks for the resume tip. It's pretty awesome you sent an art portfolio. Do you think the admission board would accept a CD/cassette/video of me playing the piano? I don't know how common it is to send extra stuff like that, or if it's even accepted if it's not on paper.. </p>

<p>Polar Bear Dad- Nobody in my family has attended Bowdoin, but I just found out a few weeks ago that my piano teacher's daughter attended Bowdoin years ago. Perhaps having an extra reccommendation from him would help?</p>

<p>I live in Ohio, so it would be pretty difficult to visit Bowdoin. However, would any letters or emails I send them be recorded?</p>

<p>go to collegeboard and it has the things that Bowdoin consider to be "very important" for admission.</p>