Bowdoin College
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Bowdoin offers its students many liberties with its flexible core requirements. First-year students are required to take a first-year seminar, which essentially allows them to experience an extremely discussion-based course and introduces them to college writing. Additionally, Bowdoin students must fulfill division requirements throughout their four years by taking a class in each of the following categories: Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Humanities and Fine Arts, and Non-Eurocentric Studies. They must also take one class that fulfills each of the distribution requirements in Mathematical, Computational, or Statistical Reasoning; Inquiry in the Natural Sciences; Exploring Social Differences; International Perspectives; and Visual and Performing Arts. This sounds like a lot, but a liberal arts education focuses on just how much everything is related. Students can fulfill these requirements by taking a combination of exploratory courses, major courses, and "just for fun" classes. Bowdoin also urges students to take classes outside of their comfort zones by allowing everyone to take up to four classes as pass/fail over their four years—this allows students to branch out without worrying about it affecting their grades and is indicative of the fact that the College and professors want students to get as much out of their Bowdoin education as possible.

Receiving help and support from the professors 24/7 at Bowdoin is the norm. They are a boundless source of intriguing concepts, constructive criticism, advice, and good stories. Some professors grade very hard, others quite easily, but with either professor, your mind will be challenged and you will be provided valuable knowledge. Professors maintain office hours, but most will make time to meet with you outside of those hours if you have a scheduling conflict. Bowdoin professors are always trying to gain better access to their students, and some invite their pupils to dinner or ice cream at their homes. A few professors have even been known to sign their students on as co-authors in their professional journal writings. The faculty at Bowdoin is made up of long-time professors, as well as new and visiting professors. Bowdoin professors are often invited to speak at bigger universities about their research. Many alumni say that the Bowdoin faculty inspired them to feel empowered to do anything to which they put their minds.

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Academics at Bowdoin College

seeks88

'14

Physics

4.6

A

Challenging but With Loads of Opportunities

Bowdoin's academics are very rigorous. However, they are nothing to be afraid of because professors are almost always willing to meet and help you. The School offers students with countless academic, athletic and community opportunities.

Jan 06, 2012

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Academics at Bowdoin College

rml13

'13

Economics

4.6

A

Balanced.

People work hard - the library is always filled with all sorts of people. There's a real sense of collaboration and the competition is really only with yourself. Nobody knows one another's GPAs. Facilities are fantastic - macs and pcs everywhere. Wireless even in some off campus buildings. Lots of internship and job search opportunities. Professors easy to reach, but you have to make the effort. A real awesome balance of academics which are challenging and college social life.

Dec 28, 2011

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Academics at Bowdoin College

scottcmitchell

'15

Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering

5.0

A+

Hard work but great learning environment

Bowdoin's classes are full of excellent Profs and fired up high powered students who soak up learning in a stimulating and user friendly environment. Extra time always available with your teachers as well as a fully cooperative atmosphere between students lends well to a non-competitive, except versus your own extremely high standards, place where the sky is the limit for learning.

Dec 08, 2011

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Photos of Bowdoin College's Academics

Bowdoin College Museum of Art

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Bowdoin College Museum of Art This is a picture of the art museum (located on the main quad) on a summer day.

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Massachusetts Hall: Where It...

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Massachusetts Hall: Where It All Began Massachusetts Hall is the first building that made up Bowdoin College. Today it houses the English Department.

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Hubbard

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Hubbard The front entrance of Hubbard Hall.

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