<p>I know nothing about Bowdoin, so if anyone can answer some of these I would be greatly indebted :)</p>
<p>Does Bowdoin react favorably to supplements (CDs, portfolios)? Extra essays beyond the “Why Bowdoin” one? Or does it make you look too zealous and hurt your chances?</p>
<p>The Bates website said not having an interview is detrimental to your application. Is it the same here? And about the SATs: it’s optional to send them, but could it help if they’re high or are they disregarded? I have an 800cr, 720m and 750 writing; 780 Lit, 780 MathII and 770 Bio…do most successful people include them?</p>
<p>How extensive is AP credit? I have 5s in English Comp, Biology, Euro and U.S. History and Calc AB. At some other schools that gets you out of the very basic levels, but at others it fulfills entire requirements.</p>
<p>Finally, how generous is Bowdoin with aid? My father makes 80k a year, and I have two brothers. Do they give merit aid? Maybe for academics or music?</p>
<p>This should be like five different threads, but that’s too much clicking :p</p>
<p>I can't answer all of your questions, but I'll tell you what I do know. I didn't even visit, much less interview, and I was accepted. I don't recommend that, obviously, but there you have it. It is optional to send SAT scores, but they are definitely factored in as a part of your application if you do send them. You have excellent scores and it would be stupid not to submit them. And the AP credit--I just looked this over, and it seems that if you get a 5 (or a 4 on some) on certain tests you receive a credit for it AFTER you have taken another course on that subject at Bowdoin. Sooo, for example, I got a 5 in AP US History, but I won't receive credit for it until I take a history class at Bowdoin. That's how I understand it at least. I don't think they give merit aid, and I don't know anything about financial aid. Oh, and I doubt seeming overzealous would be a bad thing, so if you have extra stuff that lets them get to know you better you should just send it. Good luck!</p>
<p>calc AB will put you in 1 semester advanced (calc 2)
biology will do the same thing</p>
<p>not sure about the other ones.</p>
<p>Geniusriki is correct in saying how the credit works.</p>
<p>There is no merit aid. Financial aid is 100% need based. They will factor in the fact that you have siblings. I think that Bowdoin guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated need (through the FAFSA and student profiles you fill out).</p>
<p>I just visited and the admissions officer was very helpful. If you don't submit scores then all the other factors in your application are weighed more heavily, especially any slips in academics. Your scores are really good, so definately submit them. Good scores will help your application. </p>
<p>As for the interview, the admissions officer said that a good interview can really fill out your application and make it much more personal and favorable, however, a mediocre or bad interview can really put a damper on your whole application. He said that it is in some people's best interest to NOT interview. </p>
<p>I think you can tell if your interview would help you or harm you. If you can't tell, ask someone who knows you well or your guidance counsiler if you are a person who comes off better on paper than in person.</p>
<p>My son is a sophomore at Bowdoin. He did not have an interview, so this did not hurt him. He sent in a muscial CD. We met with the music department when we visited, and they recommended this. They evaluate the CD and make a recommendation to the Admissions Committee. There is a separate music building and music library, so if you visit, be sure to see it. There is not a music scholarship, but during your sophomore year, you can apply for a scholarship to cover private music lessons. These are $400 per semester. The scholarship is awarded based on need, an interview, and an audition. If you take private lessons, you get 1/2 credit per semester. If you play in an ensemble, this is another 1/2 credit per semester. There is a public performance at the end of the semester .</p>
<p>Definitely submit your SAT scores because they are good. On the Bowdoin web site, each department lists their policy about AP courses. Typically you have to take a Bowdoin course in the same area and then retroactively get the AP credit. This is true for English, History, and Calc. It is true for Physics, so maybe Bio is the same. Psychology and Statistics are awarded without later courses. You get to skip Intro to Psych and take a more advanced class.</p>
<p>Good luck! By the way, my son loves Bowdoin.</p>