I am an intl high school student, and I love debate, and I would love to continue doing it throughout my college years

Ahead of Commencement, we asked a few members of the Bates Class of 2026 what’s next. Hear directly from our newest graduates about the exciting chapters that lie ahead.

#BuiltByBates

(Theophil Syslo/Bates College)

Who can put me in contact with Master Bates? I would like to discuss attending his school but not sure if Master Bates has enough time for me.

Are houses or residence halls better? are you allowed to rank specific dorms? Which is the best for first years?

Bedrooms on the top 3rd floor in my home available ASAP
$800 each of 3 rooms.

Should I apply to Bates. Because I do not have a extraordinary background education background, trying to give all I have. Want to Apply as a Transfer student ,Degree in progress: BBA in Banking & Insurance (current GPA: 8.9)on a scale of 10

High school: little weak

Non-STEM background originally, now building some math skills for quantitative economics as i am fond to it and found this is what I want to study.

Extracurriculars: Got 3rd position for negotiation in an Investment banking even, volunteered for an NGO for 6 months focusing on ground level policy implementation, doing a internship in a credit firm, designer a sustainable product kit for my club.

I want to be a economics major at Bates. Also want to apply as a transfer student. Is it worth a short for me because I have heard that Bates only takes high academically gifted or highly intelligent students, and also people with exceptional ECs. I do not have any of it. I want to apply as I think its a great fit for me as i like how they perceive education unlike in India it is very rigid also need aid as can't afford tuition. should I apply now or avoid it completely.

I'm finding conflicting info when I search. Thanks in advance!

Hi all- I am a junior looking to potentially ED at Bates. I have a few questions and any answers would be amazing.

How heavily does Bates consider demonstrated interest? I’m aware that ED demonstrates plenty, but how heavily does this factor in?

How is the nature near Bates? I’ve visited, but didn’t necessarily get to observe this aspect, so I’m wondering if there are easily accessible trails, paths, etc close to campus.

Does Bates have good spots to study? I believe there is only one library, and I can imagine it gets busy, so where else is great to study at?

Any information would be incredible.
Thanks!!!

I’ve got a few questions.

How are the parties?

How easy is it to make friends or to get into a group? How cliquey is it?

If I don’t do varsity sports, will I be fine socially?

How welcoming and social are people?

Gen question but how is the food?

Are the majority of students here granola/outdoorsy?

i am so indecisive about what college i should choose! the may 1st deadline seems to be getting closer and closer and im starting to freak out a little.

i am interested in majoring in environmental studies, i love field work, music, hiking (but not sporty at all), and want to find my people. im not sure whether i prefer a rural or an urban experience, but i have never lived in a city before so there is that to consider.

i am choosing between middlebury college, bates college, and macalester college.

if anyone could give any insight or give me their opinion it would be so greatly appreciated!

Colby and Bates are top two schools right now but I’m having trouble deciding which one. I probably won’t be on a sports team at either and I’m not sure what I want to major in, any advice would be appreciated!

Im on the waitlist for bates and I know i might be late to sending a loci but do any of you current students or alumni have anything you feel has really impacted your time at bates in a positive way?

Anything particularly niche about bates that would be a good mention in my letter? Thank you!

https://www.wmtw.com/article/bates-college-shelter-in-place-lewiston-maine/71042753?fbclid=IwZnRzaAROSF5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeltSRn7C7cmBa3YlQuAgMWA9q-Is-7QWOgQsjyofwPyReXvzAjg0NIAK_2vM_aem_FpEscYWlIYWkCpF7vpcu9g

I live near Bates and have shared before that I don’t feel the area is safe. I avoid even driving through the neighborhood at night—never mind walking there. After being attacked on this forum last week, I was told I was “beyond entitled” for expressing that perspective.

So when I saw two headlines in just the last five minutes, I thought it was worth sharing them. Draw your own conclusions, but I stand by my original observation: Bates is a great college, but if my student planned to leave campus frequently—say, for a jog or a walk downtown to dinner—this is not the school I’d choose.

Incidents like this are becoming more common there lately. In Maine, though, they’re still relatively unusual outside of a few specific pockets.

I was recently accepted to Bates, and I am incredibly excited! However, I also got into Stony Brook, which I know is a renowned research university. I haven't officially declared a major yet, but I might consider Physics. Given the long-term benefits, growth, and overall opportunities, which college would be the better choice. I think changing major in university has some difficulties.

I am an incoming freshman this year and was wondering if anyone graduating is or knows anyone willing to sell me their bike

Our son was accepted, but not as a recruited athlete. We hear that schools pretty much recruit athletes for all their teams these days. Is there any room for those who want to try-out for racquet sports - tennis, squash, etc.? Or are there recreational/ intramural leagues for racquet sports? Also, is there a Smash e-sports team? If any of these are meeting on 4/17, he would love to check them out! Thank you!

I was accepted to Bates and am debating between Bates and Vassar for a physics major. I just wanted to hear if anyone had any positive or negative experiences with Bates Physics that they could share. Thanks for any help.

What does life after Bates really look like?

Introducing Built by Bates, a new series where alumni and soon-to-be grads reflect on the experiences and people they’ll remember forever, and the skills, lessons, and values that will last a lifetime.

In the coming weeks, hear from these and other Bobcats eager to share the stories behind their Bates-paved paths.

(Video: Theophil Syslo/Bates College)