Bowdoin College (Bowdoin), a prestigious liberal arts institution in Brunswick, Maine, considers SAT scores as part of its holistic admissions process. While academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays are critical components, SAT scores can provide a standardized measure of a student’s readiness for the rigorous curriculum at Bowdoin College. For applicants who choose to submit scores, these results help the admissions committee assess quantitative and verbal reasoning skills. Understanding the typical SAT score ranges for admitted students can guide prospective applicants in preparing for admission to Bowdoin.
SAT Score Ranges for Admitted Students:
- Score Range: 1460–1580 (based on recent admissions data for the middle 50% of admitted students)
- Average Score: Approximately 1520, reflecting the competitive nature of Bowdoin College admissions
- 75th Percentile: Around 1580, indicating that top applicants often score near or above this threshold
Key Points:
- SAT/ACT scores are optional at Bowdoin College, as the school has adopted a test-optional policy since 1969, one of the first in the nation.
- When submitted, scores are evaluated holistically alongside grades, rigor of coursework, and other application materials at Bowdoin.
- Bowdoin College practices superscoring, combining the highest section scores from multiple SAT test dates to create the best possible composite score.
- Alternatives such as AP or IB test results can strengthen an application, especially for students opting not to submit SAT scores.
- For competitive applications to Bowdoin, aiming for an SAT score of 1500 or higher is recommended to align with the upper range of admitted students.
