Bowdoin College Top Questions

Professors are for the most part amazing. I am finishing my second year here and I have only had two professors who I really disliked. The rest have been great and two have been particularly priceless additions to my education and life. Getting to know your professors is a huge perk of a small school and even in larger lecture classes (35 or 40 students) most professors still know who you are. I am a visual arts major and I only recently decided that. I came to the College thinking I would major in English, but after having a remarkable experience in Photography I and getting to know some of the art professors I knew I wanted to spend as much time in the art department as possible. The art major actually requires two drawing classes, two painting, and two art history, but the other five (plus) are up to you. I can't say enough about the visual art program here. On every college tour I took the tour guide said that everyone always has a meal with a professor outside of class at least once. From my friends at other NESCAC schools this is not true. I have on a few occasions been invited with a few other students over to professor's homes for end of the year BBQs or even just a quiet dinner as a thank you for our hard work during the semester. Getting to know professors as people and friends is a unique experience. I also know a few professors who require a discussion hour for their classes, but hold them weekly in their own homes over a home-cooked meal.

Most professors take the time to get to learn people's names, and really try to make themselves available to all their students. Very difficult academically, a lot of work. Lots of intellectual conversations going on outside of class-though it depends on your group of friends. In general a very smart, academically strong place and student body.

Academics are great here, though I hated a lot of intro level classes that I took freshman year. The course catalogue made them seem so interesting, and I didn't have a good sense of what I wanted to study when I got here. But there were some really awful ones. Sociology 101 comes to mind.

All of my professors know my name and things from my personal life. This semester my favorite class it English 282: Literary and Cultural theory. Essentially we read and apply theory to literature that we have read and to contemporary culture. My least favorite class is Organic Chemistry. Never before have I put forth so much time and energy into a class and received such shoddy results. Yes--some of my most intellectual conversations happen outside of the classroom and in my social house. There is healthy competition at Bowdoin. The most unique class I've taken is English 107. Essentially we examined the relationship between the picture and text. We read and analyzed comic books, Dante's Inferno, and children's books. The English department is full of amazing professors. Thus far, I have had no problems with anyone in this major. The professors are always willing to help, discuss or just chat after class. The professors are also very informed--I never feel like I am being bullshitted. Yes--I have met with all of my professors outside of class. The distribution requirements seem like a pain but really they are ensuring that students get the most out of the liberal arts education. I would argue that what Bowdoin is geared towards depends on the student. One can learn for the sake of learning or learn with a profession in mind. Certainly professor's teach so that we enjoy what we are learning. What we do with our knowledge (should we attain any) is up to us.

Most professors know students names and taken time to know them beyond the classroom. Bowdoin is academic challenging and it is often easy to get overwhelmed but most professors are approachable and are willing to help you out a little if possible. In courses above intro level particpation is highly valued and a crucial part of your grade especially for humanities majors. At Bowdoin clases are geared for learning sake.

Bowdoin students are not academically competitive with each other, just ourselves. We all know that we're all smart kids. Learning here is about self-satisfaction.

The academics are very rigorous. The teachers are great though and they know their stuff! It is a lot of work, but for the most part, is pretty interesting. I love the seminar classes. Mine only has 11 people and it is a discussion based class that helps us learn how to make the transition from high school to college classes. I like the idea of the requirements because it forces students to be exposed to new topics, and potentially uncover a hidden passion.

Bowdoin is tough, even for the brightest kids. You can't come here and expect not to work hard. But in general people seem to be very interested in learning. I was really intimidated by the professors at first but they are really accommodating and willing to help. Bowdoin does have some requirements but they are pretty easy to fill. The one thing that is kinda of iffy is the freshmen seminar which tend to be either really bad or really good. And though the permanent staff at Bowdoin is sensational some visiting professors leave some thing to be desired.

Professors know you well. There's a lot of work but if you manage your time well there's plenty of time to be involved in other activities and to spend time with your friends. Classes are interesting and participation is expected. Don't come here if you're not planning on showing up for class. Students are competitive but they compete more with themselves than with each other. Bowdoin allows you to experiment with different subject areas and to learn how different disciplines interact with each other. Bowdoin offers outstanding academic opportunities, regardless of whether study science, the arts or government or foreign languages.

Intense. Classes are small and professors make the effort to get to know the students and want students to do well. Sometimes it's hard to get into classes for your major which is frusrating