Bowdoin is known for its science departments! (Neuroscience especially but psychology is also respected as well) Amherst is more known for social sciences/prelaw. Bowdoin has a very collaborative environment so it is not cutthroat in anyway (not sure about Amherst, but I’ve heard Barnard can be stressful). You will have an advisor at Bowdoin, and there is a hospital in Brunswick, ME where you could volunteer and have an internship during the year if you want. Bowdoin also does a lot with research, more so than Amherst or Barnard. Brunswick, ME is a very cute suburban town 30 minutes north of Portland, ME, which is basically a smaller Boston. There’s stuff to do without being too distracted from a huge city. Amherst, MA is also nice. At Bowdoin, they would care about you as both a person and a student (common good); students love the school and the food/dorms/etc are all amazing. Great atmosphere. When I toured Amherst, I felt as if it was more preppy or uptight, whereas Bowdoin felt laid-back. It depends what you like. Whether you choose to attend Bowdoin or Amherst or Barnard really doesn’t matter; it’s what you do when you’re there and where you feel you can succeed. All three are great schools!