<p>I have a 29 ACT (which I know is not great) and 4.13 W GPA with strong ECs and recs.
Should I apply test optional?</p>
<p>I would say yes, as long as the rest of your application - ECs, rigor, recs etc - stand on their own.</p>
<p>I would agree that you should NOT submit your ACT to Bowdoin. My daughter, who was accepted ED1, had a 30 ACT, and she was advised by the Bowdoin admissions counselor not to submit her scores unless she had at least a 31. However, if you don’t submit your scores, really make an extra effort to communicate to the admission staff how you would contribute to the Bowdoin community, what are your passions, etc. I think your interview, essay and writing supplement are key. Also utilize the arts supplements if possible. Bowdoin can take their pick of students with high GPA’s, but with such a small student body, I think they truly do take a holistic approach to each application, and are trying to assemble an incoming class with diverse interests, talents, backgrounds, etc. Good luck!</p>