Bowdoin College, with its rich history and commitment to academic excellence, has released its 2024-2025 supplemental essay prompts. This year, the prompts invite applicants to reflect on their personal journeys and connect with the timeless ethos of Bowdoin. Let's dive into these prompts and explore how you can craft compelling responses.
Essay Prompts:
1. How did you first learn about Bowdoin? (Word Limit: 250)
2. Generations of students have found connection and meaning in Bowdoin's “The Offer of the College,” written in 1906 by Bowdoin President William DeWitt Hyde. Which line from The Offer resonates most with you? (Word Limit: 250)
"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."
Approaching These Prompts
1. How did you first learn about Bowdoin?
This essay prompt encourages you to share your personal discovery journey of Bowdoin College. Whether it was through a family member, a passionate alum, a captivating campus visit, or an inspiring school presentation, everyone’s story is unique. Be genuine in your response and provide specific details that paint a vivid picture of that moment. If you had specific turning points or eureka moments, highlight those too.
Need help figuring out how to get started? Sups AI can assist you in brainstorming unique angles and feedback to refine your narrative.
2. Which line from The Offer resonates most with you?
The Offer encapsulates Bowdoin’s core values and aspirations for its students. Reflect on which line speaks to your heart and aligns with your personal experiences and future aspirations.
“To be at home in all lands and all ages”: Do you have a passion for history, culture, and travel? Discuss how your experiences interact with this line and how Bowdoin can further this journey.
“To count Nature a familiar acquaintance, and Art an intimate friend”: If the beauty of nature or art has profoundly influenced you, delve into your interactions with these elements and why Bowdoin’s environment will nurture them.
“To gain a standard for the appreciation of others' work and the criticism of your own”: Reflect on your critical thinking skills and how you value the critique process in personal and academic growth.
“To carry the keys of the world's library in your pocket, and feel its resources behind you in whatever task you undertake”: Showcase your love for learning and how access to knowledge shapes your ambitions.
“To make hosts of friends... who are to be leaders in all walks of life”: Emphasize your social and leadership skills, and how Bowdoin’s community will foster meaningful relationships.
“To lose yourself in generous enthusiasms and cooperate with others for common ends”: Discuss your passions and how collaboration drives you towards common goals.
These lines aren't just poetic—they're guiding principles that can shape your time at Bowdoin. Be introspective about why a particular line stands out and illustrate how it aligns with your personal journey and future goals.
Feeling stuck? Sups AI provides one-on-one chats with current Bowdoin students and feedback loops to ensure your essay stands out.
Ultimately, your Bowdoin supplemental essays should reflect your unique story and how it intertwines with Bowdoin's values and offerings. Use these essays as an opportunity to show your genuine enthusiasm for the college and how you will contribute to its legacy.
Good luck, and remember—the best essays come from the heart. And with a little help from Sups AI, you’re on your way to crafting an application that shines!
