Hi! I’ve been lucky enough to be able to choose between these three colleges. I’ve visited all the schools and can see myself living at each of these even though they’re all pretty different. I want to pursue an Econ major. I’ll list some of the pros for each school, but I was wondering if anyone could give some advice to help me decide.
Wellesley: Close to Boston, even though it’s all girls lots of different school interaction (if I take advantage of that), very empowering
Amherst: Has good stores near it (TJ, Whole Foods, Target), good food around it, open curriculum
Bowdoin: students seem very happy, #2 dining halls in nation, near Target, nicest facilities (athletes)
I chuckle at your pros - target, Trader Joe’s but my daughter loves UGA as it had Urban Outfitters.
If shopping were equal everywhere, which do you prefer ?
Do you want access to the big city ? Or how important is that ?
Many kids do look at food and it’s smart. After all you eat three times a day. Per Niche Bowdoin is an A+, Wellesley and B- and Amherst a C. I don’t know if Amherst students can eat at UMass which is a top three dining college. For me, food would matter and you noted it but how important is it ?
Three individuals could easily make three different choices.
Good luck.
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Welcome!
You tagged “class of 2025.” Are you a graduating senior (class of 2024) or a rising senior who will be applying next year?
I’m a rising senior!
I like that Wellesley is close to Boston, but I am worried about it being all girls(I never would’ve considered it until a recruitment opportunity). Although I said that there is pretty frequent interaction with other colleges, I know there are a few people that say there isn’t
So you’ve not been admitted to any …but you expect athletic help for admission ?
Any cost concerns ? All meet need but may formulate differently.
yes, given a good pre-read opportunity
If you are a rising senior…you are not yet accepted at these three colleges. Is that correct?
It’s great you have a positive preread, but until you receive an acceptance, you are counting your chickens before they hatch.
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yes, just recruitment opportunities which means I have to make a decision earlier
Athletics will be a major part of your college experience as a recruited athlete. Since all 3 are outstanding schools, it may come down to how you relate to your future coach & teammates.
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In terms of comparing these schools for your academic interests, this analysis may be of worth viewing: https://ideas.repec.org/top/top.uslacecon.html.
Passing a preread is great and I am sure you know that passing a preread does not mean an offer. It allows the coach to have a list of qualified athletes/students and then pull from those based on team needs, fit, interest on where the student ranks the school and potentially financial
need, if school is not need blind. It is common for coaches to have a much bigger number of qualified candidates vs final offers. You are wise to learn more about each school, life as an athlete, coaching style and team dynamics and hopefully you will be able to visit your top
choices. The team will be your social circle - so that should be a main consideration (along side academic fit) plus potential for playing time too. When a school is your top choice for academics and your sport - speak up 
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I agree with coffeeat that there doesn’t seem to be a choice between these schools yet.
Amherst and Bowdoin can’t/wont do formal pre-reads with admissions until July 1. Assuming they are positive, the coach will then choose who will get their full support at some point, likely in July or August.
Have these coaches told you where you are on their list of recruits? Do you have a verbal offer from Wellesley? I would continue communicating with the coaches and see what happens/how things play out. Even if all three were to offer you a slot, the timing might not line up. Good luck.
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For us offers weren’t made until a fall OV. There were about 2x as many kids at the visit as offers the coach intended on making.
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What’s your sport? That could factor.
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