You might be wondering what is this tiny school all the way in Maine, but before you write it off, just know that this school gives provides so many opportunities. Aside from that, the food is absolutely amazing, the dorm options are nice/expanding, the clubs are endless, and the people are very chill. If you are looking for a school with growing diversity, an active campus environment, challenging and rewarding academics, great food, affordable cost, good sports (mainly swimming/diving, track, rowing), and raging fun on the weekends then choose Bates.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Visit the campus and try to stay over night and sit in on classes so you can really experience Bates. That's how most people fall in love with it. Come in first semester willing to work hard because your first semester courses will be interesting but hard. Also, join a club on campus (outing club, debate, dance, chess, eating, volleyball, etc.) because that's how you'll get the most out of Bates socially.
Go on an AESOP trip. It's our annual entering student's outdoor program. You can do backpacking on the easiest trail or do a level five as a first time backpacker like myself in the White Mountains. You can chill on the Maine beach, go canoeing, etc.
Also, stay for your first short term (five weeks-one class). The class options are so unique and you will love whatever you choose. There are things happening every single day after classes like dances, day at the beach, hiking trips, concerts (Lupe Fiasco), and much more.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
If you are looking for an easy school you might not want to consider Bates. It is considered a Little Ivy and boasts studies that compete with the Ivy League schools as far as value and difficulty. With that said, the classes are much smaller, so professors are willing to help you as long as you take the initiative. You will learn a lot and once you get into the groove of things, the work obviously becomes very manageable.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
If you want a setting with no alcohol at all, there are houses for you. If you want a dorm life with upperclassmen and underclassmen, there are dorms for you. If you want to live in a room with the opposite sex, this is an option as long as you are an upperclassmen and preferably not dating. As the years go on, the dorm options get bigger and better. All dorms are clean except on a crazy weekend when the custodians have the day off (which does not happen often). There are also new dorms being built. Options are endless.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Some of the best dining hall food EVER! Currently, there is only one dining call but honestly it has everything you ever wanted or did not know you wanted, like the vegan bar that cooks the best food.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Go to a trip with the Outing Club, go watch a well known guest lecture/give a speech, go to one of the movie screenings, go to football game, go watch a dance performance, go listen to the acapella groups, go to one of the dances (Halloween, Glow, 80's, 90's, etc) or go chill at the campus coffee house. Always something to do, just look for it.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Bates does a really good job of accessing financial need, so don't let the tuition of $50,000+ scare you away. They take into account all family/personal expenses and will not make you pay what you cannot afford. Compare the Bates scholarship to what any other private/public school gives you and I guarantee Bates offers a better deal.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a puddle on campus and when it freezes over, the Outing Club breaks the ice so students can jump in dressed in the most ridiculous outfits or lack thereof. There is Lick It!, which is a dance put on by Outfront (LGBTQ club) and it is always a great time, which is usually followed by the Gala (a much classier, formal event attended by the entire college with dinner, live music, and dancing).
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Curious, engaging, and academically well-rounded students who are there to work hard and play hard!
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Over 80+ clubs (Outing Club, Debate, Chess, Eating, Latinos Unidos, 5 Acapella groups, International club, IM soccer/tennis/volleyball/frisbee/etc.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There is no Greek Life.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Very occasional theft of a bike when it is not locked up for an extended period of time. If there any issues of violence or harassment (rare), then security and the administration is on it immediately.
You might be wondering what is this tiny school all the way in Maine, but before you write it off, just know that this school gives provides so many opportunities. Aside from that, the food is absolutely amazing, the dorm options are nice/expanding, the clubs are endless, and the people are very chill. If you are looking for a school with growing diversity, an active campus environment, challenging and rewarding academics, great food, affordable cost, good sports (mainly swimming/diving, track, rowing), and raging fun on the weekends then choose Bates.
Visit the campus and try to stay over night and sit in on classes so you can really experience Bates. That's how most people fall in love with it. Come in first semester willing to work hard because your first semester courses will be interesting but hard. Also, join a club on campus (outing club, debate, dance, chess, eating, volleyball, etc.) because that's how you'll get the most out of Bates socially. Go on an AESOP trip. It's our annual entering student's outdoor program. You can do backpacking on the easiest trail or do a level five as a first time backpacker like myself in the White Mountains. You can chill on the Maine beach, go canoeing, etc. Also, stay for your first short term (five weeks-one class). The class options are so unique and you will love whatever you choose. There are things happening every single day after classes like dances, day at the beach, hiking trips, concerts (Lupe Fiasco), and much more.
If you are looking for an easy school you might not want to consider Bates. It is considered a Little Ivy and boasts studies that compete with the Ivy League schools as far as value and difficulty. With that said, the classes are much smaller, so professors are willing to help you as long as you take the initiative. You will learn a lot and once you get into the groove of things, the work obviously becomes very manageable.
If you want a setting with no alcohol at all, there are houses for you. If you want a dorm life with upperclassmen and underclassmen, there are dorms for you. If you want to live in a room with the opposite sex, this is an option as long as you are an upperclassmen and preferably not dating. As the years go on, the dorm options get bigger and better. All dorms are clean except on a crazy weekend when the custodians have the day off (which does not happen often). There are also new dorms being built. Options are endless.
Some of the best dining hall food EVER! Currently, there is only one dining call but honestly it has everything you ever wanted or did not know you wanted, like the vegan bar that cooks the best food.
Go to a trip with the Outing Club, go watch a well known guest lecture/give a speech, go to one of the movie screenings, go to football game, go watch a dance performance, go listen to the acapella groups, go to one of the dances (Halloween, Glow, 80's, 90's, etc) or go chill at the campus coffee house. Always something to do, just look for it.
Bates does a really good job of accessing financial need, so don't let the tuition of $50,000+ scare you away. They take into account all family/personal expenses and will not make you pay what you cannot afford. Compare the Bates scholarship to what any other private/public school gives you and I guarantee Bates offers a better deal.
There is a puddle on campus and when it freezes over, the Outing Club breaks the ice so students can jump in dressed in the most ridiculous outfits or lack thereof. There is Lick It!, which is a dance put on by Outfront (LGBTQ club) and it is always a great time, which is usually followed by the Gala (a much classier, formal event attended by the entire college with dinner, live music, and dancing).
Curious, engaging, and academically well-rounded students who are there to work hard and play hard!
Over 80+ clubs (Outing Club, Debate, Chess, Eating, Latinos Unidos, 5 Acapella groups, International club, IM soccer/tennis/volleyball/frisbee/etc.
There is no Greek Life.
Very occasional theft of a bike when it is not locked up for an extended period of time. If there any issues of violence or harassment (rare), then security and the administration is on it immediately.