<p>Hey guys,
I’m currently a HS Junior and I’m interested in learning more about Bowdoin. I just found out that Bowdoin is test optional, and I was wondering how exactly this worked? In terms of how many of their applicants actually submit their scores. What role does SAT/ACT score play in Bowdoin’s admissions?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>As I recall, something like 80% of students will submit test scores. If you submit them, Bowdoin admissions WILL use them as part of their evaluation process. If you don’t submit, they will not use them (obv), and will not hold your lack of testing against you.</p>
<p>It puts applicants with “good but not great” scores in a tough position. Submit and look bad compared to the high-rollers or omit and have reviewers imagine your scores must be pretty bad? Also puts reviewers in the difficult position of having to try not to imagine how bad the scores of non-submitters must be. They obviously think scores are useful or they wouldn’t consider them at all.</p>
<p>^Bowdoin has a history of buying lists from the college board, as do other schools</p>
<pre><code>Colleges drop SAT, but still buy names of high-scoring students - Boston.com
</code></pre>