Occidental vs Bowdoin

Colleges and Universities A-Z Occidental College
1

I have narrowed down my choices to these two schools and am very undecided.

Bowdoin (~6 K per year):
I love Bowdoin and all that I know about it, including the amazing academic options, quality of life near on coast of Maine, the freshman dorm life, extensive outdoor opportunities, options for environmental and marine studies, and vibe of the campus. All that I am concerned about are the opportunities for employment and recognition outside of the northeast, possible uncomfortable environment for a first gen multicultural student, and of course the winter. I am excited for the new kind of life I could have in the northeast though, as I would never go to Maine if not for this. I have also been named a Faculty Scholar, designating me an extra 3,000 for an internship, research, travel allocation, etc.

Occidental (~14k per year, + offered possible 3k in work study):
I live on the Eastern half of the country, but I am originally from southern California and have a lot of family and siblings living there. Due to circumstances, I have been unable to be with or see my family out there for a while and seldom get the chance, making the option of seeing them every week or so very hard to pass up. I really enjoy life in California, but it is harder to get home to see my family in the east. I didn’t get the same feel of community as at Bowdoin and wonder if I would be giving up the chance to explore somewhere new. The academic right doesn’t seem as great, but I love the urban and environmental policy major and the opportunities for service and involvement in the LA area. My family says the price isn’t an issue if it’s where I want to be, but I know it’s harder for us than Bowdoin. I’d receive the emotional support and connections with my CA family I’ve been longing for for so long.

I feel that I will end up in CA at some point if not now, but how soon I don’t know and am open to.

I know the decision is ultimately up to me, but I would truly appreciate some input. Thanks!

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Hi @confusedaboutuni! That’s a tough decision to make. I’m a current Oxy first-year, and was deciding between Grinnell and Oxy, and I think both Grinnell and Bowdoin are a little out there location-wise (with Grinnell edging out Bowdoin due to its location in central Iowa – literally the middle of nowhere!).

Both schools are great, and you’ll have a good time at either one :slight_smile: Bowdoin is likely the more academically prestigious, but Oxy will be more recognized on the West Coast. Both have a strong tradition of providing a strong, well-rounded education to their students, and send a good percentage to graduate school, med school, law school, etc. Once again, Bowdoin has the edge with regards to resources.

Feel free to DM me if you want specific information about aspects of life at Oxy. Good luck with your decision!

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I don’t see Bowdoin as particularly remote. Brunswick is a good-sized town, and it’s half an hour from the city of Portland. But it will definitely be have more snow.