Bowdoin College Top Questions

Of the sixteen classes I have taken or am taking, ten have been in the 12 or fewer seminar size range, and many have been even smaller than that, and when the professors are as amazing (as in approachable, awesome human beings) as they are at Bowdoin, this makes for a pretty sweet academic experience.

The classes are, depending on the subject and class level, medium to small in size. The largest class I've ever had is an intro science class of about 40 students, and the smallest was about 10 students in an upper level french class. In either case the teachers know you, are easy to contact and talk to, and are usually fairly understanding and really helpful. The teachers are usually trying to engage the class and get them to understand and participate. In a couple of my classes I've actually had an assignment where I led class discussion for 30 minutes on a passage and subject from the book we were reading, and that was not only a lot of fun, but helped me understand just how hard a teacher's job can be. Classes can be hard, but if you study and try you can usually make it through just fine. In general, they challenge you to think more and better about new ideas, and to really understand the concepts and processes. I often get a variety of class types, since I'm doing a French/Biology double major, but both types are always interesting, and help me understand just how things work.

Not gonna lie - classes are difficult. But as a trade-off, these are absolutely the best classes I've ever taken. The subject matter is intellectually stimulating, and most of the professors are absolutely wonderful, both in and out of class. Every professor learns your name, whether it is a class of 5 or a class of 50 (which is as big as they ever get, and is mostly for intro classes). Bowdoin's course offerings really encourage academic exploration of all sorts and I find myself building an extremely strong foundation for whatever it is I decide to do in life.

Professors at Bowdoin know my name, even in the largest classes of 50. My favorite classes are usually in my department, Environmental Studies or Latin American Studies. Typically, these classes are small and I get a lot of face time with the teacher and other students in my class. I have a lot of very intellectual friends in my friend group and generally we have very stimulating conversations. On that note, I've encountered very few incidents where students have asked me what grades I get, but rather other students engage me in conversations about the classes. There's still a pressure to do well, but it comes from myself.

Get ready to spend some serious time in library. The Bowdoin B is a joke on campus (everyone seems to get them) but you have to work hard for that B and kill yourself for the A.

There's a pretty wide selection of classes available for such a small school. Professors are generally very personable and willing to help- I've never been refused help on an assignment when I've asked, and my professors helped me choose a study abroad program, as well. Students aren't particularly competitive against one another, but they tend to set very high standards for themselves. They often work together in study groups, and they're usually there for each other when school seems like too much. The general education requirements aren't stringent, but they give you a good direction when you're just starting out, especially if you're not sure of your major yet. Bowdoin classes are focused on learning for its own sake, not getting a job, but there is a Career Planning Center. In my experience, it's nice to have that separation of class life and career plans, because part of college is about learning to be a better rounded, more open-minded person, not about biding your time until you get a job!

Professors know your name, they invite you to dinner at their house, students babysit their kids. Close community. They are also very VERY VERY smart people, which makes getting to know them so much more exciting. Dedicated, involved, passionate, approachable, and they teach fascinating courses.

Academics at Bowdoin are absolutely the best. Professors make a huge effort to get to know students personally. People here work extremely hard, but we're not competitive. Students work together all the time, which is encouraged by professors. I don't know what I am majoring yet, but that's fine. Bowdoin encourages us to explore all sorts of subjects. We have some division and distribution requirements, but they're very general and easy to fulfill without really trying. Plus, they get students to step out of their comfort zone a little. I've taken two first-year seminars this year - one was 16 students (they're capped at 16) and the other is 8 students. My seminar right now is about personal ethics, which is so much fun. My other classes include Animal Life, which focused on animals in literature and Cryptography (basically code-making), among others. Learning here is purely for the sake and enjoyment of learning. We're encouraged to try new things, not prepare for a job from the moment we begin classes. Best of all, learning extends far beyond the classroom. In the dining halls you can always here people talking about their classes, in addition to their plans for the weekend.

Academics at Bowdoin are as advertised. Though difficult, the classes are interesting and often rewarding. Being around smart students makes every class better.

professors very engaged!