It sounds like you are pretty sold on Bowdoin! The atmosphere of the place is amazing; it’s laid-back yet also academically challenging. It is full of tradition, and Brunswick, ME definitely beats Providence, RI in my opinion. Bowdoin also lets you shop classes (it’s just something they don’t advertise for some reason). It has a fairly open curriculum, and it’s super easy to double major and minor if that’s something you’re interested in doing. Bowdoin will care about you as a person, not just a student (common good), so people will help you out and be very welcoming. It’s a great community! I’ve only heard good things from current students. They all love it. The quality of the education paired with small classes really can’t be beat by larger lectures at a university. Brown has more prestige, but I’d say that you could get a great education at either school. College is expensive, and if Bowdoin gave you more financial aid, I’d go there just because of that. I’d look into the departments you are interested in and see what you can find out. Best of luck with your decision! (and maybe I’ll see you at Bowdoin in the fall )