Placement Surveys
These required surveys cover topics that you studied in high school.
Academics and Course Registration
This is the starting point for registering for classes your first semester. Use the tabs to find quick guidance on placement surveys, how to explore courses and create sample schedules, and prepare for course registration with confidence. You’ll also find links to live help and resources along the way—everything you need, all in one place.
Get started with placements »
First-Year Writing Seminar
Your fascinating introduction to college-level writing and class discussions.
Requirements
What you need to graduate with a Bowdoin degree.
Choosing Courses
How to choose courses for your first semester.
Registration
Set an alarm and make it official. Build a schedule and have alternatives ready.
Advising
What to ask—and bring—when meeting with your liberal arts advisor.
Online Q&A sessions during the week of July 27th allow Bowdoin faculty and staff to answer questions about course selections, placement results and registration.
- The schedule of Q&A sessions and Zoom links will be posted here. (Bowdoin login required).
Save the Date:
Course registration for first-year students will open at 9:00 a.m. EDT on August 6, 2026 (Transfer students can register starting July 30 at 9:00 a.m. EDT!)
- We encourage you to explore the curriculum and review our advice and guidelines on how to build your fall schedule.
- Registration is first come, first served, so when it opens, you should have at least one saved schedule built in Workday with alternative choices ready.
- You will meet your liberal arts advisor on August 31, 2026 to discuss (and possibly adjust) your course selections.