Bowdoin College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Bowdoin is test-optional, but submitted scores still cluster high: 31% submitted SAT results, and the middle range is 1470 to 1540. For a 7.1% admit rate, aim for the upper half of that range, roughly 1500+ SAT, or a 34+ ACT if that is your stronger test.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Bowdoin College facts and stats
Bowdoin College enrolls 1,881 undergraduate students in a small-town campus setting. Bowdoin has a 97% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 95% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1.
Brunswick, ME
How do your scores compare at Bowdoin?
Unlock your future with Acely
Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.
Key Bowdoin College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 5
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
November 15
Priority Deadline
—
Coming soon
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Bowdoin, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes. For the November 15 Early Decision deadline, an October retake is typically the last sitting likely to arrive in time, so use retakes to improve your score and, where available, strengthen a superscore.
Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Bowdoin College?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
Bowdoin is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $67,832, with 53% of students receiving aid and an average merit award of $1,000.
Bowdoin’s total listed cost for tuition, fees, room and board is $86,320. About 53% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $68,055, which can substantially reduce the amount families pay. Merit awards are limited, averaging $1,000. Students graduate with an average debt of $24,988.
Student life at Bowdoin College
94% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Bates College
Lewiston, MEAcceptance rate: 13.3%
SAT: 1410–1490
ACT: 30–33
Beal University
Bangor, MEAcceptance rate: 100%
Maine College of Health Professions
Lewiston, MEAcceptance rate: 71.4%
Central Maine Community College
Auburn, MEAcceptance rate: 98.8%
Ready to fit Bowdoin College's core benchmarks?
Start practicing today and track your progress toward a competitive score.