| I'm not a science major, so I say this as an outsider, but Smith's programs are reputed to be very good. Though I'm sure Bowdoin's are as well.
One thing to think about will be your research opportunities. If you want to study physics and chemistry, your chances to do research work either alone or with a professor are important. Both for you own education and for your grad school opportunities. Smith has a lot of these opportunities on campus (as does Bowdoin), but Smith is closer to major cities with large science communities and research opportunities such as Boston and New York. Also, with a large research institution right down the road in the valley at UMASS, you might have a greater wealth of opportunities to do research.
This is just my observation, I'm not all that accquainted with Portland's research community. But it is a smaller city and you are at least a half hour from Portland in Brunswick, and four-five hours on the bus from Portland to Boston. So something to think about. |