<p>S visited both and applied to Amherst, not Bowdoin, so based on our experience, I would say Amherst for many reasons. In hindsight, we realize he should have applied to Bowdoin too, but we got fixated on safeties. But I digress.</p>
<p>Both are wonderful schools, but both are small. Amherst opens into the consortium that compensates for weakness in a department.</p>
<p>My S eventually chose Williams and graduated from Williams, so all the Amherst folks will know how sincere my post is. Williams folks don’t usually say nice things about Amherst. LOL.</p>
<p>However, if your kid is in love with Bowdoin, the differences are not significant enough to force the issue. But if all things are equal (money, preference, etc.) I would recommend Amherst.</p>