Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Bowdoin Early Decision pros & cons?

Hey guys! I really love Bowdoin and I'm considering applying Early Decision, but I'm not sure if it's the right move. Can anyone give me some insight into the pros and cons of applying ED to Bowdoin?

a year ago

Sure! Applying Early Decision (ED) is a big choice, so it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Here are some points to consider:

Pros:

1. Boost in admission chances: Applying ED increases your chances of being accepted, since it demonstrates a high level of interest in the school and also boosts their yield rate (the percentage of accepted students who ultimately enroll).

2. More certainty: If you are accepted in the ED round, the college search process ends early, and you can enjoy the remainder of your senior year without the stress of finalizing applications or waiting for decisions.

3. Early college preparation: Knowing where you'll attend college earlier on allows you more time to plan and prepare for your transition to college life.

Cons:

1. Binding commitment: Applying ED is a binding agreement. If you're accepted, you're expected to enroll at Bowdoin and withdraw all other college applications. So, you need to be absolutely certain Bowdoin is your top choice.

2. Financial considerations: If you're relying on financial aid or comparing aid offers from multiple schools, applying ED can be risky since you commit to attending before knowing your financial aid package. While an insufficient financial aid package is one of the few reasons you are allowed to break your binding ED commitment, that process can be stressful, and lead to heartbreak as you have to say no to your dream school after being accepted.

3. Less time to polish your application: The earlier deadline for ED applications gives you less time to get your application in the shape you want it, especially with regards to things like writing essays or earning standardized test scores you're happy with.

Ultimately, if you're confident in Bowdoin being your top choice and are comfortable with the possible financial aid outcome, applying Early Decision could be a beneficial option. However, if you're uncertain or need more time to explore your options, it might be better to apply during the Regular Decision round. Either way, best of luck with your application - Bowdoin is a phenomenal school!

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.