Bowdoin College vs Colby College

Bowdoin College is the more selective of the two at 7%, versus 7% at Colby College. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Bowdoin College
Most selective
7%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1520
Private · Maine
Colby College
Most selective
7%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1500
Private · Maine

Bowdoin College vs Colby College: the differences that matter

How Bowdoin College and Colby College stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Bowdoin College and Colby College are almost equally selective (7% vs 7%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.

The two also read applications a little differently. Bowdoin College leans more on state residency, volunteer work, level of applicant interest, while Colby College puts more weight on standardized test scores. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Bowdoin College's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1520 and Colby College's is around 1500. Admitted students at Bowdoin College post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorBowdoin CollegeColby College
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Standardized test scoresconsideredimportant
Application essayvery importantvery important
Recommendationsvery importantvery important
Extracurricular activitiesvery importantvery important
Talent / abilityvery importantvery important
Character / personal qualitiesvery importantvery important
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Bowdoin College or Colby College harder to get into?

Bowdoin College is harder to get into, with a 7% acceptance rate versus 7% at Colby College.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Bowdoin College and Colby College?

Bowdoin College's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1520, and Colby College's is around 1500.

What are my chances at Bowdoin College and Colby College?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.