<p>I got into both Swarthmore and Bowdoin, but both of their admitted students weekends are on the same days. I was invited to a special Bowdoin accepted students program that happens over 4 days (April 15-18) and only a select group of admitted students are invited. The regular Bowdoin open houses are single day events on April 12, 16, and 19 so I could visit that and go to RTT, which is April 15-16. Except I live in northern NJ, 2.5hrs away from Swat and 6hrs away from Bowdoin. The single day Bowdoin event would turn into a two-day trip for my family, meaning that if I attended both Bowdoin & RTT I would miss 4 days of school (and I only have 2 college absences left).</p>
<p>But here's my dilemma - I've visited Swarthmore twice, once for a tour/info session and a second time for an interview. I haven't visited Bowdoin at all, and the Bowdoin Experience (the name of the 4-day program) sounds pretty amazing (all-expenses paid? sounds good to me). However, I feel like my two visits to Swarthmore still haven't been all that substantial and I would get a better idea with an actual overnight.</p>
<p>Is RTT totally different from a regular old overnight scheduled with a student host? Or should I just go to the Bowdoin 4-day program and do a regular overnight at Swarthmore? Or ditch one school entirely? I'm equally interested in both colleges and I have no means of a "tie-breaker" yet, because I haven't heard back anywhere else or gotten financial aid. And of course the deadlines to register for both of these programs are March 25th & 26th, a week before I hear from anyone else.</p>
<p>In the end, it is not about expenses, but where you will find yourself most robust.</p>
<p>In all manner of statistics, you will probably do well, but your personal development as an individual and and as a student will be marked by your choice for what school you choose.</p>
<p>Never be deceived by numerical gradation as to hierarchy. Your fit is the most important part of any equation. I suggest you see fit to examine this Bowdoin before you commit.</p>
<p>My daughter, who was accepted at both Bowdoin and Swarthmore, is now a student at Swarthmore. Leaving academics aside (for the sake of discussion I would call them pretty comparable), the biggest differences between the two schools are the cold Maine weather, proximity to a city and the “character” of the student body. To the extent that one can generalize, Bowdoin students are more “great outdoors” oriented. Swarthmore students are more politically/socially involved. But of course, there are plenty of both at both schools.</p>
<p>I meant to add that if you want to seriously consider Bowdoin given what you presumably know already about how Bowdoin and Swarthmore differ, I think it’s essential that you visit during the “experience.”</p>
<p>I would not completely agree that the academics at Bowdoin and Swarthmore are comparable. Superficially, yes, but I’m not aware of an NESCAC college that has the same breadth and depth of academic engagement as Swarthmore. It is that community culture that makes Swarthmore’s academics unique.</p>
<p>I would urge all students blessed with multiple acceptances to look closely at the financial positions and cost-cutting plans of each college. In most cases, what is there this year will not necessarily be there next year or the year after.</p>
<p>The Bowdoiners I knew in my medical school class (HMS) were quite impressive, clearly received an excellent grounding in basic science, very bright, and went on to secure two of the more sought-after residences (in radiology and ophthalmology). One of them was athletic while the other one was not, but they did both speak of the prevailing athletic/sport interest at Bowdoin (not over, but in addition to, academics, however).</p>