Bowdoin College SAT & ACT Scores

Bowdoin dropped its testing requirement in 1969 and has not required the SAT or ACT since. On the application, you tell Bowdoin whether you want your scores reviewed, and you can choose some tests and not others, for example the SAT but not the ACT. You have until the application deadline to suppress scores. Bowdoin superscores both tests. For the SAT, it takes your highest section scores from any date. For the ACT, it takes your highest English, Reading and Math scores and recalculates a composite from them; the science section is optional and not part of that composite. Bowdoin accepts self-reported scores from all applicants and verifies them for students who enroll.

Among enrolled first-year students who sent the SAT, the median was 1510. The middle half scored 1470–1540, so a quarter scored 1470 or lower and a quarter scored 1540 or higher. Section ranges were 730–770 in Reading and Writing and 730–780 in Math.

Only 34.76% of the enrolled class sent SAT scores. At a school that has been test-optional this long, many admitted students apply without scores, and they are not counted in these ranges. The figures show what students who chose to submit had, not a cutoff.

If your SAT is at or above 1510, it falls in the upper half of what enrolled submitters reported. If it is below 1470, you can suppress it and let your transcript, writing and recommendations carry your application, which is how Bowdoin describes its approach.

Enrolled students who sent the ACT had a median composite of 34, with a middle half of 33–35. English scores ran 34–35 and Math scores ran 31–35. Bowdoin builds its own ACT superscore from your best English, Reading and Math results.

17.28% of the enrolled class sent ACT scores. Because applicants can choose which tests Bowdoin reviews, you can send the ACT and hold back the SAT, or the reverse. Send the test that shows you best; a composite at or above 35 sits in the top quarter of enrolled submitters.

Bowdoin offers two binding Early Decision rounds, Early Decision I and Early Decision II, plus Regular Decision. The only difference between the two Early Decision rounds is the deadline. Bowdoin does not offer Early Action.

If you plan to send scores to Bowdoin, a practical target is an SAT of 1540 or an ACT of 35, the top quarter of enrolled submitters. A score near 1510 or 34 is in the middle of that group. If your best score is well below 1470 or 33, applying without it is a normal choice at Bowdoin.

Bowdoin says it has selected students using the materials it requires: your transcript, your writing, and what your teachers say about you. Test scores, when you send them, are reviewed alongside those. With an admit rate of 6.8%, focus on a strong course record, careful essays and recommendations whether or not you submit scores.