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 will inform students and may reassign individuals to another semester unless they can demonstrate an academic/leadership reason for their original preference.

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 online application due February 17, 2023 for all students. 

Link to application

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 17, 2023 for all students

Link to downloadable form

Sample form (general credit only)

Sample form (major/minor credit)

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

Our recommended way to complete this form is to open the form and fill it out. Then, print it out and bring with you by hand to faculty members to obtain their signatures. Once all signatures are obtained, please submit the hard copy to the OCS office in Moulton Union.

Another way to complete this form is electronically. This is much more cumbersome of a process. Watch this short video for instructions on how to complete the course form and submit for faculty approval.

OCS will inform students of their approval (or any problems) typically within one week of the final deadline. 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 3, 2023. The petition form itself is embedded within the normal OCS online application.

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

• Students are permitted to request a modification of their chosen study away program/university by submitting this 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 7th 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, this 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.

Approvals of late applications to study off-campus are rare and considered on a case-by-case basis. All late applications are reviewed by the Office of Off-Campus Study and must be approved by the Recording Committee.

The final deadline for late applicants to apply to study off-campus in the spring semester is September 15th, regardless of the program or university’s own deadlines. Students may request access to the late OCS online application by email OCS between September 1-15, after which time the period of consideration of late application closes. Students are responsible for being in contact with the OCS Office and requesting this form.

(Please note that all students planning to study off-campus in the fall or year periods must adhere to the regular application deadline as there will be no late applications considered for these periods).