<p>I've done some research on Bowdoin but I don't get a sense of what they look for. Is it like UChicago where its largely based on your essay, (for i know SATs are optional)? How do they analyze the application? are they class rank driven or what? I'm just looking for some basic information on this school that's not really communicated through many websites. Also, how homogeneous is the student body? I've heard this in some places, and i don't think that would make for a fun time.
Thanks</p>
<p>transcript is the most important thing, even moreso if you're not going to submit SAT's.</p>
<p>Because Bowdoin doesn't require SATs, they really look closely at every other aspect of your application. They love to see people as a whole. Your grades/transcript/classrank will be very important because you have to show that you are a competitive applicant (esp. if you don't send in SATs because those will be the only thing as far as stats that they will evaluate). The essay and extracurricular activities are very important as well. When I was applying to Bowdoin in the fall of last year, I had an interview with an admissions officer on campus, and he told me everything that I needed to know, and it worked. I gained admission in April. </p>
<p>As far as the student body, I wouldn't say that the school is not diverse; however, the school is about 70% white more or less. Bowdoin, like many other top LACs, tries to recruit and bring talented, bright, and smart minorities to campus each year to make the student body more interesting and diverse. I actually visited Bowdoin last year in November during its Multicultural Weekend. I had so much fun, and the students were very helpful and nice.</p>
<p>I think Bowdoin considers you a lot as a person. From visiting the campus and such, it seems that they pay attention a lot to your essay and interview, as well as your transcript.
Basically, given Bowdoin's location, size, and atmosphere, it's exactly like a prep school like choate, exeter, or my school, Loomis Chaffee. If you come from a public school, you'll love it. I, on the other hand, would not want to spend another 4 years in Loomis. So bowdoin for me is one of the last choices, despite the fact that it's a great school.</p>