Amherst vs Bowdoin

[Anonymous]

Committed to Bowdoin, but got off the waitlist at Amherst. Only has until today to decide. Prefers the environment and atmosphere at Bowdoin, but concerned about turning down the prestige at Amherst. Government/poli sci major. What would you tell him?

[Anonymous]

Amherst.

[Anonymous]

Amherst

More optionality if come junior year they want to do mbb for a couple of years before doing something more interesting in gov/political space or going to law school.

Preserving optionality is so important when you are young.

[Anonymous]

Not a lot of difference between the two, TBH. Go where he feels comfortable.

[Anonymous]

Bowdoin will have more students that really want to be there, as evidenced by its higher yield numbers. Amherst will have more students that didn't get into their preferred Ivy League schools. No real difference in the quality of the education, the faculty, and the facilities. Also, the settings are very different: small town in gorgeous coastal Maine vs small town near attractions of Northhampton and other colleges.

[Anonymous]

Congrats! Just curious, did you apply for FA at Amherst?

[Anonymous]

Just choose what he/she likes better—I do not think there is a “prestige difference” that would be in any way meaningful. I think Amherst might be better if LGBT, and I think Brunswick is a better town.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just choose what he/she likes better—I do not think there is a “prestige difference” that would be in any way meaningful. I think Amherst might be better if LGBT, and I think Brunswick is a better town.

+1

[Anonymous]

If it was me, Bowdoin

Better food, better quality of life, more laid back atmosphere, same education

Just go where child feels a better vibe. Can’t go wrong either way.

Most people have never heard of either. Anyone who knows Amherst (and doesn’t think it is UMASS) knows Bowdoin.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Interesting that Amherst takes so many more students off the waitlist than Bowdoin or Williams.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If it was me, Bowdoin

Better food, better quality of life, more laid back atmosphere, same education

Just go where child feels a better vibe. Can’t go wrong either way.

Most people have never heard of either. Anyone who knows Amherst (and doesn’t think it is UMASS) knows Bowdoin.

Good luck!

This. I also think the difference between Bowdoin and Amherst is shrinking. I wouldn't be shocked if it was gone in a decade

[Anonymous]

The PP who responded with the phrase "preserving optionality" doesn't have sufficient command of the English language to contribute meaningfully.

Maybe I don't either! But honestly I don't think the prestige gap is significant at this stage of the game. Both great schools, with great reputations and serious academics. Unless there's a specific advantage - a major offered by one but not the other - your kid should go whereever they think they will be happiest.

I have a kid at another Maine SLAC who loves it there. Maine has been a big part of his experience, somewhat unexpectedly - and in a very positive way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Interesting that Amherst takes so many more students off the waitlist than Bowdoin or Williams.

They lose cross applicants to ivy+ ?

[Anonymous]

This is a clown question bro. Amherst on another level

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a clown question bro. Amherst on another level

based on what exactly?