Bowdoin College Top Questions

The reality is that bowdoin students are fairly diverse in ethnicity, religion, and demographics. I think this diversity in students and the fact that there is a large athletic population on campus really brings a new edge to the Bowdoin academic and social life. Bowdoin students are hardworking and really buckle down on their assignments, but the weekend brings a different scene to Bowdoin with a fairly high level of social interaction, partying, and relaxation. I would say that the 'work hard, play hard' slogan definitely applies to Bowdoin students. The harder we work during the week, the harder we tend play on the weekends! Not too mention, I was pleasantly surprised by the high level of partying that goes on here at Bowdoin.

to some extent, yes, but the stereotypes are definitely exaggerated. there are many different types of students on campus, and everyone finds their niche. the student body is, for the most part, very friendly and accepting.

Both types of people definitely exist on campus, but in no way does it define the entire student body. There are people who are very preppy and there are people who are all about the outdoors. However, there are plenty of people on campus that do not fall into either category. I think that people focus on these stereotypes more than they do at a larger school simply because Bowdoin is on the smaller side so these classifications are more apparent.

Yes, more so for the preps than for the outdoorsy types. I think people confuse being outdoorsy with being hippies, of which this school has very few.

no

I think the ugly girl stereotype probably just comes from our rival schools, but I think as a whole, the student body is pretty attractive. There are a significant number of students who play one or more varsity sports, but there are also plenty who don't. I am not a member of an athletic team, but I have plenty of good friends who are and I have been able to get to know their friends on those teams. Teams create a great sense of community for those on them and for those who have Bowdoin spirit. I'm from the midwest and it is pretty obvious to me that I am the minority when it comes to geography. People joke about the JOB (Just outside of Boston) kids, but it is true. There is a huge percentage from Massachusetts, Maine, and the rest of New England. The college seems to be trying to get a more diverse student body, but it's challenging when Bowdoin is so highly regarded, especially in New England.

strong academics & facilities-yes. Preppy, and full of boarding school kids, somewhat, but there is also an entire contingent of middle-class/lower-class, down to earth students. There are so many different types of people here, its really easy to find a group you fit in with.

Yes, for the most part—the Admissions office certainly plays up the ethnic, racial, geographical diversity that is on campus. And to their credit, it has become more diverse than I'm sure it was 10, 15 years ago. Still, the place is fundamentally an institution catering to New England, intelligent, upper-middle class white kids. And it's doubtful that this will change dramtically in the future.

Somewhat.

To some extent they are but it's easy to branch out from the sterotype and even those that fit the sterotype are different then what youe expect (either by academic interest or extracuriicular etc)