How to Apply to Bowdoin College

The following table summarizes the contact and directory information to apply Bowdoin. Bowdoin offers benefits for veterans, service member, or qualified family members. You may need to prepare certificate of eligibility (COE ) from the Veterans Affairs .
Admissionhttps://www.bowdoin.edu/admissions/
Online Applicationhttps://www.bowdoin.edu/admissions/apply/
Financial Aidhttps://www.bowdoin.edu/student-aid/
Net Price Calculatorhttps://npc.collegeboard.org/app/bowdoin
Veterans Tuitionhttps://www.bowdoin.edu/admissions/apply/veterans/
Disability Servicehttps://www.bowdoin.edu/accessibility/student-accessibility-office/

Admission Statistics Charts

The following chart visualizes the admission statistics at Bowdoin and compares to similar schools by type, level and location.
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

Test Scores Comparison

In 2025, the average SAT score at Bowdoin College is 1,520 and the average ACT score is 34. Compared to similar schools in college rankings, the admission score of Bowdoin College is comparable to the schools (average score is 1,531). You can check and compare the SAT and ACT scores by subject with tables and charts.
Bowdoin SAT/ACT Scores and Comparison
SAT AverageACT Average
Bowdoin College1,52034
Similarly Colleges in Rankings1,53134
All U.S. Colleges1,12368
Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges1,13269
4-Years Colleges1,12468
Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Maine1,13572

SAT/ACT Scores by Subject

SATACT
At Bowdoin College, 158 students submitted SAT scores (31% of enrolled students).
The average SAT score is about 1,520 and it is extremely competitive scores than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Maine. The following table shows the SAT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
SAT Scores by Subject
25th percentile50th percentile (Median)75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing730750770
Mathematics740770780
Total1,4701,520 1,550
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)(Last update: June 5, 2025)
At Bowdoin College, 85 students submitted ACT scores (17% of enrolled students).
The average ACT score is about 34 and it is lower than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in Maine. The next table shows the ACT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
ACT Scores by Subject
25th percentile50th percentile (Median)75th percentile
Composite333435
English353536
Mathematics303234

Bowdoin Admission Requirements

The following table summarizes the admission requirement to apply to Bowdoin College. The school requires 4 items to submit - Secondary school record, Completion of college-preparatory program, Recommendations, and Legacy status.
7 items are Considered if submitted - Secondary school GPA, Secondary school rank, Formal demonstration of competencies, Admission test scores, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), Work experience, and Personal statement or essay.
Admission Requirements for Applying to Bowdoin College
Secondary school GPAConsidered, if submitted
Secondary school rankConsidered, if submitted
Secondary school recordRequired
Completion of college-preparatory programRequired
RecommendationsRequired
Formal demonstration of competenciesConsidered, if submitted
Admission test scoresConsidered, if submitted
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)Considered, if submitted
Work experienceConsidered, if submitted
Personal statement or essayConsidered, if submitted
Legacy statusRequired