How To Write Bowdoin Supplemental Essays (FAQs) | 2023

Bowdoin College supplemental essays can seem difficult at first glance because they are four in number and are not like conventional essay questions.

However, you can create a stellar essay if you know what is expected of you.

So, this article will discuss each of the four Bowdoin supplementary essays and how you can tackle the questions.

It will also provide general tips for writing essays.

Bowdoin Supplemental Essay Prompt 1

Question: How did you first learn about Bowdoin? (Limit 140 characters)

As stated in the question, when writing this essay, you are not expected to exceed 140 characters, not words.

So, you must ensure that you provide a detailed response that is very clear right from the beginning of the essay.

However, it is still possible to pen a beautiful piece under 140 characters. Begin the essay by talking about how you first learned about Bowdoin.

Moreover, if you have more than one source, emphasize the source that motivated you to attend Bowdoin.

For instance, if you know Bowdoin because you have a brother enrolled there and the school is probably located in your hometown, talking about the first option will make more sense.

Furthermore, when responding to this essay prompt, ensure that your answers are brief and don’t try to lie, as the school can run a fact check on your claims.

After all, there are no right or wrong responses to this essay prompt.

Bowdoin Supplemental Essay Prompt 2

Question:

Generations of students have found connection and meaning in Bowdoin’s “The Offer of the College.”

To be at home in all lands and all ages;

To count Nature a familiar acquaintance,

And Art an intimate friend;

To gain a standard for the appreciation of others’ work

And the criticism of your own;

to carry the keys of the world’s library in your pocket,

and feel its resources behind you in whatever task you undertake;

to make hosts of friends…who are to be leaders in all walks of life;

to lose yourself in generous enthusiasms and cooperate with others for common ends –

this is the offer of the college for the best four years of your life.

-William DeWitt Hyde, 7th President of Bowdoin College, 1906

Which line from The Offer resonates most with you? (Select an option.)

This particular essay prompt is a big deviation from the nature of essay prompts at many schools.

However, to answer this essay prompt, ensure that you go through the quote above repeatedly, which will enable you to make the right choice.

Moreover, before making a choice, ensure that you do the following things:

Go to Bowdoin College’s website and find out the origin of the quote and its significance.

Although there is no right or wrong answer to this question, you are expected to have a reason for your answer still.

Optional Essay Prompt 1

Question: The Offer represents Bowdoin’s values. Please reflect on the line you selected and how it has meaning to you. (Limit 250 words.)

You could handle this essay prompt effectively if you researched Bowdoin’s “The Offer” that was just suggested to you.

Although the description claims that this essay is not mandatory, if you want to get into Bowdoin College, ensure that you attempt it.

This essay prompt offers you the perfect opportunity to pitch your abilities to the school.

You do not even have to shed light on your professional objectives, as what is expected of you is to discuss the reason behind your answer to the last prompt.

Moreover, this prompt has a limit of 250 words, so going straight to the point is very important.

Once again, there is no correct or wrong answer to this prompt, and all that is expected from you is to provide the answer to the last prompt.

Also, make sure that you are honest with your answers.

Bowdoin Supplemental Optional Essay Prompt 2

Navigating Through Differences, Bowdoin believes that only through building a more diverse and inclusive campus community will the College best prepare graduates to be contributing and useful citizens of the world. Every graduate of this institution should be confident in their preparation to navigate through differences and all sorts of situations. A Bowdoin education does not guarantee these skills, but it does impart a set of tools necessary to bravely enter unfamiliar conditions with the confidence to deal effectively with ambiguity. If you wish, you may use this space to share anything about your personal background not otherwise captured in your application or your experience navigating through differences. (Limit 650 words)

This is another optional essay prompt that Bowdoin College offers.

When answering this essay prompt, ensure that you stay in line with the purpose of the essay and supply additional information about yourself that was not sufficiently captured in the first three essay prompts.

However, unlike the first three prompts, only answer this prompt if needed.

Tips For The Bowdoin Supplementary Essays

Here are three tips for the Bowdoin supplement essay:

1. Only the important information should be discussed

A major piece of advice that you should apply when writing any of the four essay prompts is to focus on the most crucial points.

This will give the reader the impression that you are well-organized.

Furthermore, be truthful in the information you give.

Most professionals who read your essay have the experience of spotting an essay with so many false narratives.

2. Be sure to use proper diction

Word choice is crucial while crafting an essay. It is possible to convey the wrong impression by employing imprecise language.

Further, the reader will have a favorable image of you if your essay demonstrates that you have a firm grasp of English.

On the other hand, you will come off as unprofessional if you use slang or informal language.

3. Completely review your essay

Always review your essay before turning it in.

The truth is that even if you take great care when writing your essay, there will be errors. Once you’ve finished writing, read it and edit it for grammar and vocabulary.

However, you can get help editing your essay using online editing software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on How To Write Bowdoin Supplemental Essays

Does Bowdoin require supplemental essays?

It is up to each applicant whether or not they submit a Bowdoin Supplemental Essay.

Does Bowdoin give free ipads?

Bowdoin College has announced that beginning in the fall of 2022, each student will be provided with a 13-inch MacBook Pro equipped with the M1 chip, an iPad mini, and an Apple Pencil, as well as access to a wide variety of specialized software required for their classes.

Does Yale have any supplemental essays?

Yes. There are other Yale extra essay questions in addition to the Common Application personal essay. There’s a wide range in length for these Yale essay questions; the briefest essays can be as few as 35 words!

Is Bowdoin a dry campus/alcohol free?

It is against the rules for any Bowdoin College student, regardless of age, to be in possession of hard liquor anywhere on campus. Campus security will seize any alcoholic beverages upon discovery. Alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, and hard cider are usually not included.

Conclusion

Bowdoin College has four supplementary essay prompts.

While two of the essay prompts are mandatory, two are optional.

Moreover, learning Bowdoin’s “The Offer of the College” is important if you intend to provide two of the essay prompts very well.

However, apply the tips provided in this article to write a stellar essay.

Awesome one; I hope this article answers your question.

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Abasiofon Fidelis
Abasiofon Fidelis

Abasiofon Fidelis is a professional writer who loves to write about college life and college applications. He has been writing articles for over 3 years. He is the Content Manager at School and Travel.

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