Bowdoin College vs Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is the more selective of the two at 6%, versus 7% at Bowdoin 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
Johns Hopkins University
Most selective
6%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1560
Private · Maryland

Bowdoin College vs Johns Hopkins University: the differences that matter

How Bowdoin College and Johns Hopkins University stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Bowdoin College and Johns Hopkins University are almost equally selective (7% vs 6%), 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 application essay, recommendations, extracurricular activities, while Johns Hopkins University puts more weight on class rank, 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 Johns Hopkins University's is around 1560. Admitted students at Johns Hopkins University 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 CollegeJohns Hopkins University
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Class rankconsideredimportant
Standardized test scoresconsideredvery important
Application essayvery importantimportant
Recommendationsvery importantimportant
Extracurricular activitiesvery importantconsidered
Talent / abilityvery importantconsidered
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Bowdoin College or Johns Hopkins University harder to get into?

Johns Hopkins University is harder to get into, with a 6% acceptance rate versus 7% at Bowdoin College.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Bowdoin College and Johns Hopkins University?

Bowdoin College's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1520, and Johns Hopkins University's is around 1560.

What are my chances at Bowdoin College and Johns Hopkins University?

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