<p>While Bowdoin is SAT optional, I think it is very, very difficult to get admitted without submitting scores unless your application demonstrates that you are likely to make an extra-ordinary contribution to college community. Students admitted early on the basis of academic merit will have NMS level test scores. For everyone else, Good, solid EC’s are not enough. You need to have something which is ‘magical’, such as a national-level talent or something else which captures the imagination of the admissions officers and presages a great contribution by the student if they are offered a spot.</p>
<p>Athletes, Legacies and urms, as we all know, are in another category, but there is competition of a different kind which those admits face in order to earn their spot via a so-called tip.</p>