This weekend between 75 and 80 prospective students of a variety of ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographical backgrounds will be on campus as part of the College's Experience weekend. Most are students of color and hail from a wide range of states.
The Bowdoin Experience is just one of the four programs for admitted students that will take place in the next ten days.
"We have three visiting programs for admitted students, in addition to the Experience in the next ten days. It's our chance to show the students we've admitted the character and 'specialness' of Bowdoin. For many of the Experience students it's the first time they've seen the College," said Jim Miller, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid.
The College invited approximately 220 students to the Bowdoin Experience. Around 80 prospectives accepted the invitation.
The prospective students will participate in a variety of admissions and student-sponsored events during the weekend.
Numerous student organizations are attempting to make this weekend a memorable one. Though the Student Activities Office does not work directly with Office of Admissions on events for admitted students, it has assisted students in organizing events to supplement Admissions' programs for prospective students.
"We are very mindful of the admissions office schedule, as I want to make sure that visiting students can get an accurate glimpse of what the out-of-class experience could be for them at Bowdoin. And by supporting the efforts of the various students organizations, the accepted applicants can actually see current Bowdoin students displaying their talents, and contributing to the life of the college," said Director of Student Activities.
The Asian Students Association (ASA), which will hold its annual Fashion Show on Saturday in Smith Union, is just one of the student organizations sponsoring an event this weekend. There will be a number of other performances and events this weekend ranging from a Hip Hop show organized by the Poeting Club to a salsa band performance sponsored by Latin American Student Organization (LASO) on Saturday in Daggett Lounge.
"This weekend is extremely important for both current students, and future students," said Howard, "It will be [prospective students] last chance to actually see and get a feel for a place where they may spend the next four years. So, having a chance to see the school, talk to the other new students who might be their classmates, and a chance to see and meet students who are already shaping Bowdoin, and gain insights from them."
Several current students remember impact of admitted student programs such as the Bowdoin Experience on making their college decision.
"I remembered having an amazing experience at ASA's Annual Fashion Show. It was why I came to Bowdoin in the first place," said sophomore Thu-Nga Thi Ho, who is hosting a student for the weekend.
Being a host allows current students to share their experiences with prospective students to give perspectives that the admissions office cannot give students.
"One of the best parts about being a host is that I get to tell all my funny college stories to the [prospective students]. It gets them really excited for college life," said Ho.
For some hosts, meeting prospective students might be the start of long-lasting friendships.
"I think [being a host is] an awesome opportunity to serve the Bowdoin community by helping to welcome some amazing students from really diverse backgrounds. The girl who I hosted back in the fall and I became friends, and we've stayed in touch long since that weekend," said Meredith Segal '08 who hosted during the fall invitation and will host another this weekend.
Although the weekend primarily offers prospective students a glimpse of life as a Bowdoin student, it is also a weekend for current Bowdoin students to show their talents and share their experiences.
"We want students to come away from their time on campus with a strong sense of those things that distinguish Bowdoin, and make it the remarkable place that it is," said Miller.
-The Orient's Anna Karass contributed to this report.