Bowdoin College’s admission pages state that the Early Decision 1 application and financial aid application for fall 2027 entry are both due November 15, with decisions in mid-December, and that the Bowdoin Supplement includes two optional short essays of up to 250 words each. Irvine 12th graders applying to this liberal arts college have four weeks to prepare.
Who Is Affected by the Bowdoin Optional Essays
High school seniors applying to Bowdoin College through the Common App, Coalition on Scoir, or QuestBridge. Both essays are optional; the prompts are summarized below (paraphrased; the college’s page has the exact wording):
| Essay | Length | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| The Offer of the College | 250 words maximum | Read “The Offer of the College,” written in 1906 by the college president at the time, and explain which line resonates most |
| Navigating through Differences | 250 words maximum | Share the experiences and perspectives the student would bring to Bowdoin, or an experience that required navigating across or through difference |
The dates for each round are:
| Round | Application deadline | Financial aid application | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision 1 | November 15 | November 15 | Mid-December |
| Early Decision 2 | January 5, 2027 | January 5 | Early February |
| Regular Decision | January 5, 2027 | February 1 | Mid-March |
What to Do Now About the Bowdoin Early Decision Deadline
Decide whether to write the optional essays. Neither essay is required, but each can add what the main essay does not cover; Bowdoin reminds applicants that their writing should reflect their own ideas and experiences. The optional video response opens in the applicant portal in late October and is due November 24 for Early Decision 1.
Confirm three recommendations. Bowdoin requires a counselor recommendation, a recommendation from a teacher of a core academic subject in 11th or 12th grade, and one other recommendation, which may come from a second teacher, a coach, an employer, or a community member. Recommendations and other supporting materials are accepted after the deadline, though Bowdoin asks that they arrive as soon as possible.
Remaining items. The Early Decision agreement requires signatures from the student, a parent, and a school counselor, and the school sends first-quarter senior grades when available. The application fee is $70 and is waived automatically for financial aid applicants and first-generation college students. Bowdoin has been test optional for more than 50 years.
Writing for each college’s supplements is covered by the EDUBUS College Essay Bootcamp, and college lists and application rounds by the college admissions planning service.
Sources
- Bowdoin College: Apply (accessed October 17, 2026)
- Bowdoin College: Application Dates and Deadlines (accessed October 17, 2026)
- Middlebury ED Due November 2, No SupplementMiddlebury College's Early Decision I deadline is November 2, and it requires no supplemental essay, so the main essay carries more weight. Dates and requirements.
- Occidental Early Decision Due November 1Occidental College's Early Decision I and Early Action deadlines are November 1, applying is free, and Early Decision admits receive at least $20,000 a year.
- Santa Clara Early Deadlines Are November 1Santa Clara University's Early Decision I and Early Action deadlines are November 1, and it offers an optional 150 to 300 word supplemental essay. Dates and materials.
- Wesleyan Early Decision Due November 15Wesleyan University's Early Decision I application and financial aid deadlines are both November 15, and aid applicants pay no application fee. Dates and materials.
