According to published info (common data set) I would say yes, but that’s enrolled, not admitted so I am really not sure. Thoughts?
Yes
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Yes.
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And 88% of enrollees submitted. Bowdoin cares !!!
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really? wow, that’s not the impression that’s given. all these schools say the same thing but I kind of don’t believe it!!! not so optional.
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In addition to noting its reported ACT middle range (31–34), consider that Bowdoin marks standardized test scores as “important” on its CDS.
Note that Bowdoin requires submission of standardized scores, when available, as a condition for enrollment. Many of these students would not have submitted scores as a part of their applications.
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Bowdoin has been test optional since 1970…the first college to become test optional. I’m sure there are students who don’t submit.
Having said that…a 33 ACT score is very good and, in my opinion, should be submitted.
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Many schools have less. But per the same cds u quoted its 55% SAT and 33% ACT - 88% total.
Tufts, likely a normal cross over, only 54%.
Bowdoin also notes that the test is important - the second highest category. So they may be historically optional but it still matters.
From the Bowdoin website.
https://www.bowdoin.edu/admissions/our-process/test-optional-policy/index.html
“ Since 1969, we’ve been selecting the right applicants for Bowdoin, using only the materials that we require of you: your transcripts, your writing, and how your teachers talk about you.
This policy allows applicants to decide for themselves whether or not their SAT or ACT results accurately reflect their academic ability and potential. For candidates electing to submit them, test scores will be reviewed along with other indicators of academic ability.
Forty-six percent of students in the Class of 2026 chose not to submit their scores.”
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Then their CDS is inaccurate.
And back to @merc81 point - maybe some wouldn’t submit but 55% submitted SAT with a 25/75 of 1330-1510 and 33% ACT of 31-34.
Not sure how it all washes or with their website but it’s what CDS shows. I would assume if they ask you to submit at enrollment, the ranges wouldn’t be so high.
So not sure the disconnect.
You have ACT added to SAT…but what you don’t account for is whether some students submitted both…which some students might have done.
Regardless…this student has a 33 ACT which is quite good…and I think should be submitted.
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Yes everyone agrees on 33. I think there is overlap but not a lot.
I don’t know the answer.
There’s two sources. Both can’t be right but I have no idea.
But everyone agrees on the 33.
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well that’s helpful. thx all! agreement on CC that’s doesn’t happen too often. 
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Note that, as reported, Bowdoin’s ACT range (31–34) places somewhat below those of schools such as Williams (33–35), Hamilton (33–35) and Amherst (32–35).
I see. I checked the others. Their pen rate is lower. So your point makes sense. They must get a lot of 31+ who don’t submit. Thx for pointing that out.
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can you explain that? i am trying to understand why bowdoin’s scores are lower. does that change your opinion?
Go back to @merc81 message 5. It’s explained.
Yes submit.
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It depends on the strength of the rest of your application and on the relative strength of your particular application pool. If you have a competent college counselor, they would be in a better position to know than anyone chiming in on CC.
college counselor said yes. another independent person said no. academic record very strong. scores in my opinion less strong so wondering if they could hurt or be neutral. no way to know about applicant pool, correct?
That depends. For many kids it is impossible to know unless you are toward one end of the spectrum or another . . . if you are from a highly competitive application pool – high performing highly competitive high school, high performing area/demographic, many kids matriculating to places like Bowdoin or comparable schools, then a 33 is less impressive than it would be from someone from a demographic where there are relatively fewer 33 scores, and from where kids usually don’t end up at schools like Bowdoin.
Unfortunately, no one here can say for certain whether a 33 will pale in comparison to similarly situated applicants, but if your guidance counselor has experience with schools like Bowdoin it may be worth listening to his/her advice. Or at least asking some pointed questions about the basis for their opinion before going against the advice.
Good Luck!
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