<p>our son has been admitted to both schools but can not decide. He is interested in science and engineering(Bowdoin has 3-2 program) .He likes the feel of a small campus like Bowdoin, but he is socially awkward and feels he will not make friends. The research opportunities at Cornell are amazing and he has been admitted to the engineering program, but he is afraid the school is too big and he will be lost. We as parents are trying to let him make his own decision and not influence him ,but he can’t choose. This is agonizing for all of us. Anything anyone could say at this point we would appreciate,before we all lose our minds! Thanks in advance!!</p>
<p>Bowdoin has a welcoming climate and there’s plenty of drinking, so he’ll be able to drown the butterflies a little bit. Frankly, if his heart is set on engineering, he should pick Cornell, but otherwise I would go with Bowdoin.</p>
<p>I’d like to think that the Admissions folks at Bowdoin got a good enough sense of your son’s personality (including social awkwardness) and interests that they were confident he would feel comfortable there. They really don’t want kids who will not be happy and will want to transfer. I’d be concerned about the size of Cornell from what you say.</p>
<p>I’m going to be going to Bowdoin next year but back when I was considering colleges I had looked into Cornell. Though definitely a great school it is so overwhelming size wise. Bowdoin kids are so friendly I’m sure your son will make friends and though small there are 1,700 people which is probably bigger than his high school. I also think Bowdoin is just more close knit and comfortable.</p>
<p>there are other things to do than drink at bowdoin, too. there is a robust chem-free community that has quite a collection of quirky folks. i lived in chem-free housing and it was helpful my first year at bowdoin, particularly in the students i met.</p>