Transfer Credits for Bowdoin College

Does anyone know how Bowdoin College handles transfer credits? I'm considering transferring and want to understand how my completed courses will be evaluated. Any advice on the process would be super helpful!

Bowdoin College does accept transfer credits, and evaluates completed courses on a case-by-case basis. However, they do have certain guidelines to follow to assess coursework for transfer credit.

In order for a completed course to be eligible for transfer credit, it must have been taken at an accredited institution, be comparable in depth and length to a course offered at Bowdoin, and you must have received a grade of C- or better.

Here's how the process generally works:

1. After Bowdoin's admission committee admits a transfer student, they will review your academic record.

2. The Registrar's Office will evaluate courses taken at other colleges and make recommendations about equivalent or comparable courses at Bowdoin, which is then approved by the appropriate academic department.

3. After the evaluation and recommendations are made, you'll receive a written evaluation of your transferable credits. It's important to keep in mind that the maximum number of transferable credits is 16.

4. Major requirements: If you have questions about whether a previous course will count towards your intended major at Bowdoin, it's best to consult with the appropriate academic department. Requirements for majors and minors can sometimes be more specific, so it's important to clarify this as well.

5. Another thing to keep in mind is that two years (four semesters) of full-time study at Bowdoin are required to earn a degree from the college. This means that even with transfer credits, you'll need to spend at least two years at Bowdoin.

In general, it's a good idea to hang on to your syllabi from your previous college courses. These can be helpful for the Bowdoin faculty in evaluating whether a given course is equivalent to a Bowdoin course.

Remember that these are general guidelines and the process can vary. You should consider reaching out to the Bowdoin College Office of the Registrar for the most accurate information for your specific situation. It's crucial to communicate early and clearly to ensure a smoother process and maximum recognition of your credits.