Bowdoin College
Bowdoin College at a Glance
Average SAT & ACT Scores for Bowdoin College
| Test | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading | 730 | 760 | 745 |
| SAT Math | 750 | 790 | 770 |
| SAT Total | 1480 | 1550 | 1515 |
| ACT Composite | 33 | 35 | 34 |
Admissions Funnel
| Applications Received | 10,966 |
| Students Admitted | 879 |
| Students Enrolled | 504 |
| Yield Rate | 57.3% |
Bowdoin College Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News Liberal Arts Colleges | #5 | 2025 |
Bowdoin College Overview
Bowdoin College is a private university in Brunswick, ME with 1,996 students. With a 8.0% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Ethnic/Cultural Studies.
| Full Name | Bowdoin College |
| Location | Brunswick, ME 04011 |
| Type | Private |
| Website | bowdoin.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 1,996 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 1,996 |
| Female Students | 51.7% |
Is Bowdoin College a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With an acceptance rate of 8.0%, Bowdoin College is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.
| Your Profile | Bowdoin College Is... | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Above-average GPA + strong application | Match | Apply — worth the effort |
| Average GPA, some strengths | Reach | Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools |
| Below-average GPA | Hard Reach | Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates |
Popular Majors at Bowdoin College
The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.
Student Demographics
How to Get Into Bowdoin College
Bowdoin is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1515+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Bowdoin wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
What Bowdoin College Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Very Important |
| Standardized Test Scores | Considered |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Very Important |
| Extracurricular Activities | Very Important |
| Talent Ability | Very Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Very Important |
| First Generation | Considered |
| Alumni Relation | Considered |
| Interview | Considered |
| Work Experience | Considered |
| Volunteer Work | Considered |
Bowdoin College Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Bowdoin College ED I/II admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Decision | Nov 15 |
| Early Decision II | Jan 5 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 5 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Bowdoin College
More About Bowdoin College
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Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Bowdoin College is not affiliated with DeepColleges.