Bowdoin College vs Claremont McKenna College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the key differences in academic focus between Bowdoin and Claremont McKenna?

  Bowdoin College offers a broad liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and research opportunities across various fields. Claremont McKenna College (CMC), while also a liberal arts college, distinguishes itself with a focus on leadership, economics, government, and public affairs. CMC's curriculum is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in business, government, and the non-profit sector.

• How do the campus cultures compare at Bowdoin and Claremont McKenna?

  Bowdoin is known for its close-knit, collaborative community in a more secluded, natural setting in Brunswick, Maine. The campus culture emphasizes intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and a strong sense of place. Claremont McKenna, located in sunny Southern California as part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, offers a more pre-professional and politically engaged atmosphere. Students at CMC are often highly involved in campus debates and activities related to current events and policy.

• What is the student body size and composition at each college?

  Bowdoin has a student body of approximately 2,000 undergraduates, fostering a small, intimate learning environment. Claremont McKenna is slightly smaller, with around 1,300 undergraduates. Both colleges attract highly selective and diverse student populations from across the United States and around the world. However, CMC tends to attract more students interested in economics, government, and international relations.

• How do the locations of Bowdoin and Claremont McKenna impact the student experience?

  Bowdoin's location in Brunswick, Maine, provides a quintessential New England college experience, with access to outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and coastal exploration. The town offers a charming, small-town atmosphere. Claremont McKenna's location in Claremont, California, as part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, offers a vibrant, urban environment with easy access to Los Angeles and Southern California's cultural and recreational opportunities. The consortium allows students to take classes and participate in activities at any of the five undergraduate colleges.

• What are the career services and internship opportunities like at Bowdoin and Claremont McKenna?

  Both Bowdoin and Claremont McKenna offer robust career services to support students in their career exploration and job search. Bowdoin's Career Exploration and Development office provides resources for internships, networking, and career counseling. Claremont McKenna's Soll Center for Student Opportunity is particularly strong in connecting students with internships and job opportunities in finance, consulting, and government, leveraging its strong alumni network in these fields. Both colleges have strong alumni networks that actively support students and graduates.

• How do the financial aid packages compare between Bowdoin and Claremont McKenna?

  Both Bowdoin and Claremont McKenna are committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted students. They both offer generous financial aid packages, including grants and scholarships, to make college affordable for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. It's best to use their respective Net Price Calculators to get an estimate of your individual financial aid eligibility.

• What are the strengths of each college in terms of specific academic departments or programs?

  Bowdoin is particularly strong in the humanities, natural sciences, and environmental studies. It offers excellent research opportunities for undergraduates in these fields. Claremont McKenna excels in economics, government, international relations, and leadership studies. Its research institutes, such as the Rose Institute of State and Local Government, provide students with unique opportunities to engage in policy-relevant research.

• What is the role of athletics at Bowdoin and Claremont McKenna?

  Both Bowdoin and Claremont McKenna value athletics as an important part of the student experience. Bowdoin competes in NCAA Division III and offers a wide range of varsity and club sports. Claremont McKenna, along with Harvey Mudd and Scripps Colleges, forms the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (CMS) Athenas and Stags, also competing in NCAA Division III. While both emphasize academics, athletics are a significant part of campus life, fostering teamwork and leadership skills.

• What are the housing options like at Bowdoin and Claremont McKenna?

  Both Bowdoin and Claremont McKenna offer guaranteed housing for all four years. Bowdoin's housing options range from traditional dormitories to small houses and apartments. Claremont McKenna's residence halls are known for their strong sense of community and are designed to foster interaction among students. Both colleges prioritize creating inclusive and supportive residential environments.

• What are the similarities between Bowdoin and Claremont McKenna?

  Both Bowdoin and Claremont McKenna are highly selective liberal arts colleges that offer a rigorous academic experience, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to student success. They both emphasize critical thinking, communication skills, and ethical leadership. Both colleges also provide ample opportunities for students to engage in research, internships, and extracurricular activities.