Last month, 820 high school students submitted early decision I (ED I) applications, a 12.5 percent increase from last year and the most ED I applications Bowdoin has ever received.

Bowdoin provided accommodations for early decision applicants affected by the extended teacher strikes in Chicago as well as natural disasters in California and Texas. Though most students ultimately did not need them, the accommodations included an extension on the application deadline, the option to solicit letters of recommendation from community members and allowing the uploading of a graded paper in lieu of a recommendation letter.

Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Whitney Soule did not attribute the increase to any singular effort by the Office of Admissions.

“Our recruitment efforts, our messaging campaigns, and broadening [the] reach of awareness of Bowdoin are probably all important influences,” Soule explained. “We are still working through the reading and selection process for this round, but the group is incredibly talented, making our work both really interesting and really complicated at the same time.”

ED I applications were due November 15, and applicants will receive a decision on December 15.