Apply to Bowdoin

This is a non-binding, online form that begins the OCS process, facilitates a conversation between student and faculty about academics and timing, and introduces students to their options. This form, distributed directly to sophomores in the last week of October (to others upon request), is typically submitted in the fall of the sophomore year for study away at any point in the junior year. Upon review of all applications, OCS may discover an imbalance in semester-away preference; in this case, OCS may assign individuals to a semester other than their first choice after review of their semester choice reasoning.

The Registration of Intent form is due November 1st each year.

In the OCS application process, a student requests Bowdoin’s approval to study at a chosen program/institution for a given term in the upcoming academic year. The form is in two parts: an online portion and course form.  

Part 1: OCS application due February 16, 2024 (or February 2 for petition programs). 

Students complete an OCS online application through which they indicate a program/university and submit a short essay about this selection and their goals for study away. 

Part 2: OCS course exercise form due February 16, 2024 (or February 2 for petition programs).

Link to downloadable form

Sample form (general credit only)

Sample form (major/minor credit)

On the course form, students indicate classes they hope to take off campus, and request overall sign off from a faculty member in each intended major department; if major/minor credit for a particular course is desired, then a faculty member from that area of study must also sign off on that particular class.

Instructions: Print out a hard-copy form, complete it, and bring with you by hand to faculty members to obtain their signatures. Once all signatures are obtained, make a copy for your own records, then submit the original copy to the OCS office in Moulton Union.

OCS will inform students of their approval (or any issues) by March 1, 2024. Review the OCS Eligibility and Participation Requirements.

To get permission to study on a program not on the Options List, submit the online application and course exercise form (links above) by February 2, 2024. The petition form itself is embedded within the normal OCS online application.

The petition process requires meeting with Christine Wintersteen before February 1. Book an appointment with Christine here. 

Students are permitted to request a modification of their chosen study away program/university by submitting the below form and an attached explanation to the OCS office. Only programs/universities on the Options List will be approved. Any request to change should be submitted to OCS in enough time to complete an application to the new program on time (no later than March 1st for fall/year away, September 15 for spring away.) We welcome students thinking about changing to meet with us for an advising session.

Approval of program changes are made at the OCS office’s discretion and need to be clearly articulated in the attached explanation.

Click here for the Program Change form.

Students may consider withdrawing from OCS for a variety of reasons. We strive to help students overcome many common obstacles to study away, such as finances, credits, health needs, and much more, so please contact our office first in case we can help resolve any of these factors.

If students do need to withdraw, the below form must be submitted in order for the OCS office to review the request, circumstances, and submit paperwork to other College offices. It is your responsibility to understand the financial, academic, and personal impact of this change of plans, including informing the program/university of your withdrawal and pursuing any refunds, as well as securing housing and class registration at Bowdoin.

Please note: withdrawals are irreversible for that academic year, however students may re-apply to study away the following academic year.

Click here to fill out the withdrawal form.

Late applications are considered on a case by case basis and are approved rarely. Students must demonstrate that they faced extenuating circumstances that prevented them from participating in the regular application process. Students submit an appeal to the Off-Campus Study Office and the Recording Committee. These appeals are only considered for the spring term and may be submitted by April 25 or September 15.