Admissions

What is Bowdoin’s standardized testing policy?

The submission of SAT (I and II) and ACT scores has been optional for the purposes of admission since 1969. Bowdoin adopted this policy so that applicants could decide for themselves whether or not their test results accurately reflect their academic ability and potential. There is no score above which applicants should decide to submit test results. For candidates electing to submit them, the scores will be reviewed along other indicators of academic ability. Approximately 15 percent of the applicants and 18 percent of the matriculants in recent classes chose not to submit scores during the admissions process.

How do I ask Bowdoin to remove scores from my application?

If a student chooses to have his/her test results removed from an application, requests must be submitted in writing to the Admissions Office by letter or email (admissions@bowdoin.edu) by the application deadline. If that request is received after the application deadline, we cannot guarantee that we can accommodate the request but we will make every effort to do so.

Is standardized testing required for certain applicants?

Yes, home-schooled applicants and candidates applying from secondary schools that provide written evaluations rather than grades are required to submit ACT test results OR SAT I test results and two or more SAT II test results. SAT II tests should include Math Level 1 or Math Level 2 and a science.

Note: Because standardized test results are used for academic counseling and placement as well as for the College's ongoing research into the relationship between standardized testing and success at Bowdoin, all entering first-year students must submit scores over the summer prior to enrolling.