Contact Bowdoin Admissions

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Approximately 24-48 hours after submitting your application you will receive an email from Bowdoin with information about how to access your Bowdoin Application Portal. If you don't see the email, check your spam folder. The email comes from admissions@bowdoin.edu.

Be sure to check all the email addresses you may have. If you discover the email went to an email address that you do not wish to use for correspondence with Bowdoin, login to your Application Portal and change it on the My Profile tab.

Also see the FAQ “When will I get access to my Application Portal?”

If you still can’t find your Application Portal login email, please contact us and provide your name along with your school name and school city so that we can verify your email address and send another email, if necessary.

Make sure you’re using the correct email address, which is the one we sent the email with subject line, “[Name], you application has been received. Set up your credentials.” If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “Forgot Your Password?” link on the Application Portal login page. If you’re still having difficulty, contact us. Please provide your name and city of the school you attend along with the email address you're trying to login with so that we can confirm your identity and send a password reset email.

If you applied through the Coalition on Scoir application, you will be able to access your Bowdoin Applicant Portal with your Scoir sign-on.

Log into your Bowdoin Application Portal to view and update your preferred name, your address, and other contact information. Navigate to the My Profile section and select Edit or Update to change.

Login to your Bowdoin Application Portal to find your current checklist of application materials. That will show you which materials have been received and which are still missing. If you or your counselor recently sent materials, note that it can take 3-5 business days for them to appear on your checklist. Please check back frequently.

We will send you email reminders if we are missing any of your application materials. It is not necessary for all materials to be submitted by the application deadline for you application to be reviewed, but please submit them as soon as possible.

Application Deadlines:

Early Decision 1: November 15
Early Decision 2: January 6
Regular Decision: January 6
Transfer: March 3

The application itself is subject to the application deadline. Additional materials (items that are not automatically submitted with your application) are accepted after the deadline. Check your Bowdoin Application Portal to view your checklist of application materials received.

For application materials that are not being submitted automatically with your application, these options are available:

Self-reported test scores may be submitted through your Bowdoin Application Portal.
For additional materials you wish to be considered as part of your application, you may email them to appmaterials@bowdoin.edu.

Please reach out to your Admissions Officer if you are having trouble obtaining your transcript from your high school.

Early Decision agreements must have three signatures: student, parent or guardian, and school counselor. It won’t be marked as complete until all three signatures are present. Your application will not be adversely affected if your Early Decision Agreement is not submitted until after the deadline; please submit it as soon as possible.

If you applied through the Common App, you can log in to see which signatures are missing. Click on Bowdoin College > Recommenders and FERPA and scroll down the page to check the status of each signature and resend invitations, if necessary. If you prefer, you may download a PDF version the Early Decision Agreement. The signed document should be emailed to appmaterials@bowdoin.edu and must be sent by your parent or school counselor.

If you applied through Coalition on Scoir, Common App with a round change, or QuestBridge, you will need to complete the Early Decision Agreement form in your Application Portal, which will also allow you to send the form to your parent or guardian, as well as your counselor, for a signature.

International students (non-US citizens)

If you are unable to submit the CSS Profile or doing so would present a financial burden, please complete the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) instead. Submit this document to us at your earliest convenience; we will waive the CSS Profile requirement when we receive your completed ISFAA. The best way to submit these documents is to scan the files and send via our secure File Upload. You may also send it to us by fax at 207.725.3864 or by regular mail to the address below.

Please note that international students are also required to submit income and wage documentation. Visit our website to determine what forms are required for you.

US citizens living abroad

If you are a US citizen living abroad and are writing to request a CSS Profile fee waiver, please contact the Student Aid Office at sao@bowdoin.edu.

US citizens living in the United States

CSS Fee Waivers are not available to US citizens who live domestically. However, the College Board does provide automatic fee waivers based on their own criteria.

All financial aid documents MUST be submitted through IDOC. The IDOC service allows you to submit your financial aid documents securely, confidentially, and electronically to the Bowdoin Student Aid Office.

After completing the CSS Profile you will receive an email from the College Board giving you access to IDOC. You will be able to access IDOC directly or from the "next steps" heading of the College Board dashboard. The IDOC site also provides forms that are requested such as the Federal Verification Worksheet (in the “Learn or do more” section, select “Get Forms”) and the Non-Tax Filer Statement (click on the link after the tax document to access this form).

Due to processing at IDOC and the Student Aid Office, please allow up to 1 week for your documents to appear in your checklist before contacting the Student Aid Office.

Please email us at sao@bowdoin.edu with any questions.

All international students must upload original documentation of income and taxes paid/withheld for your parents, and employer provided documentation of income and benefits to the Student Aid Document Upload Portal. Applicants from China should submit a Salary Certificate issued by the parents’ employer.

All electronic documentation should preferably be sent in .pdf format. All documentation should be in original foreign currency and your home language. All documentation and notations must be translated into English (it does not need to be a paid translation service; your own translation is sufficient). Digital signatures are not accepted; original signatures are required on all forms.

Please carefully review the instructions and policies we have posted on our website for our international applicants.

Allow up to 1 week for your documents to appear in your checklist before contacting the Student Aid Office. Email us at sao@bowdoin.edu with any questions.

For all questions related to financial aid, please visit the Student Aid website or email sao@bowdoin.edu. Please also review your Financial Aid checklist in your Application Portal.

Bowdoin requires three recommendations:

A counselor recommendation. This evaluation should be completed by a high school counselor or principal.

A teacher recommendation. This evaluation should be completed by a teacher who has taught applicant either junior or senior year in an academic core subject (English, math, lab sciences, social sciences, and foreign languages) that appears on their official high school transcript.

An “other” recommendation. The “other” recommendation may be a second teacher evaluation (who has taught the student in any subject area) or a recommendation from a clergy, coach, community-based organization counselor, employer, peer, or community member who can speak to the applicant's contributions to the wider community or share insights not otherwise captured in the application.

Whether you submit two teacher recommendations or one teacher and one other recommendation, the “other recommendation” will be marked as complete on your checklist. It does not matter to your application how they are categorized on your checklist.

Self-report your test scores on your application.
Self-report ACT and SAT test scores in your Bowdoin Application Portal after you have applied.
Submit test scores directly to Bowdoin through the testing service at any time.
Ask your counselor or school official submit your test scores through Slate.org or by emailing them to appmaterials@bowdoin.edu.

Because Bowdoin is test optional (and has been for more than 50 years!), test scores are hidden on your application that is submitted to us, but you can still view them in your Application Portal. If you choose to have your test scores considered for your application, they will be made available to the Admissions Committee during the review process.

You may change your test-optional choices up until the application deadline.

Login to your Bowdoin Application Portal and review your current choices. If you wish to change your choice, email your new test preference choices to admissions@bowdoin.edu or complete our contact us form.

English proficiency tests are optional for all international students; we will review your scores if you choose to include them with your application. You may submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Duolingo English Test (DET) or Cambridge English Assessment (CEA). Because English Proficiency Tests are optional, we no longer offer Duolingo coupon codes. Test scores may not be deleted after they are submitted to us.

Please note that we do not offer English as a Second Language courses at Bowdoin so all incoming students are expected to be highly proficient in spoken and written English at a college level.

Please see our International Students page for more information.

Once you've submitted your application and logged into your Bowdoin Application Portal, you can submit the video response. Look for the "Video Response" link on your application checklist. Learn more about the optional video response.

The video response offers you the opportunity to share a bit of insight into you and your experiences. You'll have two opportunities to complete it, and the second response may not be deleted.

Respond just as you would answer a question from someone you’ve just met. We’re not critiquing your conversational skills. We’re not bothered by "ums" or "ahs", or the laundry on your bed, or the need to take a moment to think and redirect your answer. We care about what makes you excited, what you experience in your day-to-day life, and the way in which you would normally express yourself!

For more information, go to our Optional Video Response webpage.

To change your application round, please email admissions@bowdoin.edu and let us know the new round you wish to apply to. Please let us know as soon as possible, some late round changes may not be possible.

You may withdraw your application through your Bowdoin Application Portal.

Bowdoin does not have an early action (non-binding) application round. We offer two early decision rounds, which encompass a binding agreement. Please read about early decision on our website to make sure that this choice is right for you.

Early Decision 1 decisions are released in mid-December

Early Decision 2 decisions are released by early February

Regular Decisions are released in mid-March

All admissions decisions are released into your Bowdoin Application Portal. We will send you an email a few days prior to decision release to let you know the exact date and time you will receive the decision in your Portal.

Your Early Decision application will automatically be reviewed again in our Regular Decision (RD) round. Many applications with the defer decision are admitted in RD. Students admitted to Bowdoin in RD are not obligated to enroll.

Deferred applicants may not submit a second application for consideration in RD. However, feel free to submit an update about any new activities or other relevant material you feel might be helpful. Updates may be uploaded in your Application Portal. Interviews are not available at this time of year to any prospective students or applicants.

All final decisions will be sent in March.

Students admitted to Bowdoin may apply to defer their attendance for one year. Gap year requests can be submitted through your Application Portal after you've accepted Bowdoin's offer of admission. Note: Students offered admission from the waitlist and transfer students are unable to defer their enrollment.

Your request must include a general timeline of how your year will be spent and what you hope to learn during that time. During your gap year you may not apply to or enroll at any another institution as a degree seeking student or take courses at another college or university for credit.

Bowdoin accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition on Scoir. All applications are treated equally, regardless of source. We also partner with Questbridge, a nonprofit organization that matches high-achieving, low-income students with opportunities in higher education.

Learn more on our apply page.

Your application fee will be automatically waived within the Common Application and Coalition Application if you are applying for financial aid and/or first-generation-to-college student (neither parent graduated from a four-year college or university).

You do not need to request a waiver prior to applying as the fee waiver happens automatically. Learn more about our fee waiver policy.

International students (non-US citizens)

If you are unable to submit the CSS Profile or doing so would present a financial burden, please complete the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) instead. Submit this document to us at your earliest convenience; we will waive the CSS Profile requirement when we receive your completed ISFAA. The best way to submit these documents is to scan the files and send via our secure File Upload. You may also send it to us by fax at 207.725.3864 or by regular mail to the address below.

Please note that international students are also required to submit income and wage documentation. Visit our website to determine what forms are required for you.

US citizens living abroad

If you are a US citizen living abroad and are writing to request a CSS Profile fee waiver, please contact the Student Aid Office at sao@bowdoin.edu.

US citizens living in the United States

CSS Fee Waivers are not available to US citizens who live domestically. However, the College Board does provide automatic fee waivers based on their own criteria.

Application Deadlines:

Early Decision 1: November 15
Early Decision 2: January 6
Regular Decision: January 6
Transfer: March 3

The application itself is subject to the application deadline. Additional materials (items that are not automatically submitted with your application) are accepted after the deadline. Check your Bowdoin Application Portal to view your checklist of application materials received.

Our admissions counselors are ready to talk with you about Bowdoin and answer your questions. You can find your counselor's contact information here on our website.

We also have current students who are eager to answer any questions you may have. Meet them on our Ask a Student page.

Our Student Aid staff is also available to answer your questions and help you through the financial aid process, even before you apply. Find your Student Aid contact.

The best way to learn about events is to introduce yourself so we can let you know if we'll visiting your school or in your area. You can also check out our visit page to learn about in-person and virtual events such information sessions with admissions counselors or walks to talk with current students. We also have several virtual tours to choose from.

If you have matriculated at another college or university; that is, if you have enrolled in a degree-granting program, then you should apply as a transfer student. However, if you have taken some college-level work while enrolled in secondary school then you should apply as a first-year candidate. If you are a veteran or active member of the US military, please contact our veteran liaison for more information and to discuss your options. Students who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree are ineligible for admission to Bowdoin.

Applicant materials for a student may be submitted through Slate.org or through partner organizations such as Common App, Coalition, Naviance, Parchment, SCOIR, and other electronic services.

Materials may also be emailed to appmaterials@bowdoin.edu—please be sure to provide the student's full name and name of their high school.

Materials may also be submitted by fax to 207-725-3101 or mailed to:

Bowdoin College Admissions
5000 College Station
Brunswick, ME 04011

High school counselors and community based organization representatives are welcome to join a campus tour. Tour sizes are limited, and pre-registration is required. Please submit your tour request here.

The best way to learn about Bowdoin and receive materials is to submit an information request. We are not able to provide t-shirts or other apparel; however, such items are available for purchase at the campus bookstore.

We're thrilled you're interested in learning more about Bowdoin, and we're here to support and your students in their college search. Learn more about Bowdoin's history of prioritizing access in admissions. (We're test optional, need blind, and meet full calculated need of all admitted students using grants, not loans.)

Join our mailing list to learn more about our CBO and counselor visit programs, such as the Colby, Bates, Bowdoin Tour.

The Admissions Office welcomes prospective students and their families year round. The Office is open Monday–Friday 9:00 am–5:00 pm and select Saturdays.

We encourage you to register for on-campus visits in advance when possible, but we also accept walk-ins.

The Directions webpage provides detailed information on driving directions and how to arrange travel to Brunswick by plane, train, or bus. Visit the campus map for parking locations.

View our Visitor Resources for hotels that are conveniently located near Bowdoin. Some hotels may offer discounts for students and their families, prospective students, alumni, and sports parents.

On rare occasions, Bowdoin College may issue a weather emergency resulting in the need to cancel, delay or modify our on-campus programming for safety reasons. The Admissions Office normally follows the College’s weather guidelines. Registrants will be notified by email if an event is canceled. However, we encourage visitors to consider their own needs when joining us for a campus visit. Should weather impact your ability to safely travel to campus, use your best judgement and note that we would be glad to reschedule your visit for another time.

See our full Weather Policy for more information.

English proficiency tests are optional for all international students; we will review your scores if you choose to include them with your application. You may submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Duolingo English Test (DET) or Cambridge English Assessment (CEA). Because English Proficiency Tests are optional, we no longer offer Duolingo coupon codes. Test scores may not be deleted after they are submitted to us.

Please note that we do not offer English as a Second Language courses at Bowdoin so all incoming students are expected to be highly proficient in spoken and written English at a college level.

Please see our International Students page for more information.

Yes. Learn more about the Bowdoin Host Family Program.

Bowdoin College is need blind for international students. That means your family's ability to pay is not a factor or barrier to admission. If you require financial assistance to attend college, Bowdoin will work closely with you and your family to ensure your financial aid meets your need.

Applicants who indicate they will apply for financial aid will be automatically granted an application fee waiver. If admitted, Bowdoin will meet your full calculated need using scholarships (not loans), which never have to be paid back.

International students (non-US citizens)

If you are unable to submit the CSS Profile or doing so would present a financial burden, please complete the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) instead. Submit this document to us at your earliest convenience; we will waive the CSS Profile requirement when we receive your completed ISFAA. The best way to submit these documents is to scan the files and send via our secure File Upload. You may also send it to us by fax at 207.725.3864 or by regular mail to the address below.

Please note that international students are also required to submit income and wage documentation. Visit our website to determine what forms are required for you.

US citizens living abroad

If you are a US citizen living abroad and are writing to request a CSS Profile fee waiver, please contact the Student Aid Office at sao@bowdoin.edu.

US citizens living in the United States

CSS Fee Waivers are not available to US citizens who live domestically. However, the College Board does provide automatic fee waivers based on their own criteria.

International students—those who are not US citizens or permanent residents—often find that admission to American medical schools is extremely difficult. Some institutions, especially medical schools at state-run universities, do not consider international applicants at all. Private institutions may consider international students for admission, but may also require that international applicants place a significant portion of four years' tuition in escrow prior to medical school enrollment.

While Bowdoin welcomes international students to campus regardless of their post-college academic goals, admission to American medical schools poses a significant challenge to international students, especially those of limited means. Think carefully about your plans and expectations before deciding to enroll at Bowdoin.

If you have matriculated at another college or university; that is, if you have enrolled in a degree-granting program, then you should apply as a transfer student. However, if you have taken some college-level work while enrolled in secondary school then you should apply as a first-year candidate. If you are a veteran or active member of the US military, please contact our veteran liaison for more information and to discuss your options. Students who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree are ineligible for admission to Bowdoin.

Contact Bowdoin Admissions

*How can we help?

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International students (non-US citizens)

US citizens living abroad

US citizens living in the United States

International students (non-US citizens)

US citizens living abroad

US citizens living in the United States

International students (non-US citizens)

US citizens living abroad

US citizens living in the United States