Updated February 11, 2025

Bowdoin College – Acceptance Rate and Statistics

What is attending Bowdoin College like?

Bowdoin (which their official site notes rhymes with explodin’) is a private, prestigious liberal arts college in Brunswick, Maine. The town is known for its nature and walkability, and it’s just under 15 minutes for students to walk from campus into the town center. Bowdoin’s also located just thirty minutes north of Portland, Maine, where students can get away from campus to visit the Portland Museum of Art or see a concert at Thompson’s Point.

While there are thirty-three academic departments at Bowdoin, some of the most popular majors include: biology, biochemistry, computer science, English, government and legal studies, mathematics, and economics. There are over 40 majors, and 120+ student clubs, including organizations as unique as the Animation Society, Equestrian Team, Healthy Masculinity Club, and Ping Pong Club.

The college is also known for its smaller classes and faculty attention, along with having some of the best college food in America. Set alongside the varying New England seasons, Bowdoin’s stunning architecture provides the backdrop to a tightly-knit, rewarding academic experience.

Bowdoin College is also known for its smaller classes and faculty attention.

Bowdoin College 2023-2024 Admissions Data

Bowdoin College Admissions Statistics

Over the last few years, Bowdoin’s acceptance rate has hovered around the 8% mark. If you want to apply, you can choose from three deadlines outlined on their site: Early Decision I, Early Decision 2, and Regular Decision. Both early decision deadlines are binding, meaning that if you apply early and are accepted, you’ll be required to attend Bowdoin College.

2023-2024 Bowdoin College (Class of 2028) Acceptance Rate

Admission CycleNumber of applicantsNumber admittedAcceptance rate
Early Decision2,00527013.5%
Regular Decision11,2606545.8%
All Applicants13,2659247%

Bowdoin College Acceptance Rate History

YearNumber of applicantsNumber admittedAcceptance rate
2023-2024 (Class of 2028)13,2659247%
2022-2023 (Class of 2027)9,3768629.2%
2021-2022 (Class of 2026)9,3258228.8%
2020-2021 (Class of 2025)9,4028619.2%
2019-2020 (Class of 2024)9,3328459.1%

Bowdoin Class of 2027 Middle 50% score range of admitted students (25th and 75th percentiles)*

SAT Math750-790
SAT ERW730-760
ACT Math30-34
ACT Reading34-36
ACT English34-36
ACT Science32-35
ACT Composite33-35
SAT Composite1470-1530

*What does this mean? The middle 50% score range refers to students from the 25th to the 75th percentile of admitted students. So if 100 students were admitted and we ranked their SAT scores from lowest to highest, we’d be looking at 50 students’ stats (from student 25 through student 75).

What is Bowdoin looking for?

Bowdoin offers plenty of helpful admissions advice on their website. They talk about their holistic admissions process and break down their admitted students’ historical SAT scores. They also emphasize the following traits:

  • Students who are bright and engaged inside and outside the classroom
  • Curiosity and a willingness to take intellectual risks. 
  • Academic record
  • Academic potential
  • Community involvement
  • Personal character

You can demonstrate your unique perspective through your essays, academic profile, letters of recommendation, activities, and interview.

Other colleges you may be interested in:

College NameNumber of applicants (Class of 2028)Number admitted (Class of 2028)Acceptance rate (Class of 2028)
Amherst College13,7431,2389%
Columbia University60,2482,3193.9%
Swarthmore College13,0659757.5%

PrepMaven can help you in the admissions process

Wondering how to get into Bowdoin College? PrepMaven can help you along the way. Whether you’re looking to boost your test scores, write a killer personal statement, or improve your GPA, we can be a helpful resource. With tutors who are graduates of top universities, valedictorians, National Merit Finalists, and National AP Scholars, we’re here to help you no matter what step you’re at in the admissions process.

Give us a call at 609-945-2264 or fill out our website form to learn how our flexible packages can work for you.

Alexis

Alexis is a tutor, writer, and producer. She graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. As a tutor, she loves to help students explore their unique stories and share their personal journeys through impactful essay writing.

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