Should I apply as a transfer or a first-year student?
If you have ever matriculated at another college or university (that is, if you have enrolled in a degree-granting program), then you must apply as a transfer student, regardless of the number of credits received.
However, if you have taken some college-level work but never enrolled in a degree program, then you should apply as a first-year candidate. This includes dual enrollment and early college courses as well as certificate programs.
If you are a veteran or active-duty servicemember of the US Armed Forces, contact our veteran liaison for more information and to discuss your options. Military-affiliated students may choose whether to apply as first years or transfers.
Students who have already obtained a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are ineligible for admission to Bowdoin.
Required Application Materials
Important: These items must be sent to us by a school official (transfer coordinator, registrar, counselor, advisor, teacher, professor, principal, etc.), not by applicants themselves.
| College Report |
A document that indicates your academic and social standing at your current or most recent academic institution. A blank copy of the College Report is available here. |
| College Transcript |
An official transcript that includes all completed college work. If you have attended more than one institution, send us all applicable transcripts. |
| Final High School Transcript |
A transcript containing grades 9-12 (or equivalent) and a graduation date. |
| College Academic Evaluations (2) |
Letters of recommendation from a professor, instructor, lecturer, or teaching assistant at the applicant's current or most recent academic institution. |
Material Submission:
Electronically: We receive materials through a multitude of electronic services, including but not limited to: Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, SCOIR and Slate.org
Email: appmaterials@bowdoin.edu
Fax: 207-725-3101
Mail: Bowdoin College Office of Admissions, 5000 College Station, Brunswick, ME 04011
Optional Application Materials
| Mid-Term Report |
The Mid-Term Report allows you to indicate current grades and academic progress in your spring semester coursework. A blank copy of the Mid-Term Report is available here. |
| Standardized Test Scores |
Any applicant who indicates that they would like their SAT or ACT test scores considered during the application process may self-report the scores via the applicant's portal under Testing and Preferences. We also accept copies of score reports sent by a school official or applicant. Learn more about our Test-Optional Policy. Test score preferences cannot be changed after the application deadline (March 3). |
| Video Response |
The Optional Video Response will become available in the applicant's portal after we receive the applicant's Common Application. The deadline to submit the Optional Video Response is March 15. |
| English Proficiency Test Scores |
English proficiency tests are optional for all international students; we will review your scores if you choose to include them with your application. You may submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Duolingo English Test (DET), or Cambridge English Assessment (CEA).
Please note that we do not offer English as a Second Language courses at Bowdoin, so all incoming students are expected to be highly proficient in spoken and written English at a college level. |
Interviews and Arts Supplements are not available for Transfer candidates.