About

See what students say:

Academics

Located in Lewiston, Maine, Bates College is a small liberal arts college that invites intellectual exploration and tailors every education to the individual student. This “unbelievably tight-knit community” thrives on an “everyone is welcome” atmosphere and an open classroom environment in which everyone is “challenged to express their opinions, try something new and stand up for a cause.” “I’ve honestly never felt competitive in a class at Bates,” says a student. Between academic studies, extracurriculars, volunteering, and employment, students here are known for being “well-rounded, curious, and supportive of all aspects of Bates life.” Classes are small here which means that students can really take advantage of their professors’ time and attention. The “dynamic” teachers here “make you think and come up with your own opinion about issues.” They are “incredibly passionate people who are not afraid to stand on a desk, play devil’s advocate, and urge you to think critically about the material you are learning.” “The most important thing I’ve learned so far is how to come up with an intelligent stance on an issue or idea,” says a student. A Short Term at the end of the year allows students to explore one subject in depth, and the “flexible calendar” also encourages studying abroad (which the majority of students do). The extensive and “helpful” alumni network demonstrates “a fundamental love for the school,” and students are given plenty of additional support through “advising and residential life staff, student leadership opportunities, [and] fun and engaging school-wide traditions.” “I couldn’t ask for more helpful professors, a more helpful administration, or a variety of classes that suit the needs and requirements of my major,” sums up a student.

Student Body

Bates students have a range of interests and passions—“no student does just one thing”—and “are not a judgmental group.” Everyone finds their niche, and there “is a ton of crossover and interaction between different people.” In order to “fit in” here, a student “just has to be friendly and willing to make new friends.” A normal lunch conversation “will span from the divine cheese quesadillas in Commons to the implications of language-use and its impact on creating a culture of apathy and ableism.” Many here are New Englanders, so there are a fair number of “really preppy” students, and everyone “enjoys the great outdoors.”

Campus Life

Bates students are a busy group, but they also appreciate the weekends and having fun with friends. There are “dances, theater productions, and a multitude of other events to go to any day of the week”; students also “really enjoy eating out and going to on-campus events like Wind Down Wednesdays,” hosted by various student groups,” and “the Village Club Series on Thursdays” when musical groups and performers play for campus. Students say that the Bates security plus a “pretty strict no-hard-alcohol policy” is “quite effective” at restricting underage alcohol consumption as well as maintaining a safe campus environment. The food and dining are “absolutely amazing at Bates”: Fare here is “all extremely healthy, organic, and naturally sourced,” plus “there’s food for every dietary restriction.” Opportunities to serve the community surrounding campus are abundant, and students take advantage of the outdoor activities Maine has to offer. The student-run Outing Club, in particular, “hosts events every weekend, from skiing at our nearby mountains to sunrise paddles to backpacking trips” and “has a room full of gear that’s free to check out.” The nights start early and end early here, mostly because “students want to get up early the next day to ski, hike, or just do something with their day.” With Portland and Boston being so close, “you can always switch up your scenery when you need city life.”

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Leigh A. Weisenburger
Dean of Admission and Financial Aid

Address
Office of Admission / Lindholm House
23 Campus Avenue
Lewiston, ME 04240

Phone
207-786-6000

Email
admission@bates.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Pettengill Hall
Bates College Museum of Art
Dining Commons
The George and Helen Ladd Library
Merrill Gymnasium/Underhill Arena

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area
Lost Valley Ski Area
Museum L/A
The Old Port (Portland)
Freeport Outlet Shopping

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday
8am-5pm
207-786-6000

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: No
Dates: Year-round
Times: Check website for times
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times
January-March, August, September-November

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Year-round

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Advance Notice
1 week

Contact Email Address for Visit
admission@bates.edu

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Available

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Limitations
mid-September through mid-November

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
The Portland International Jetport is a 40-minute drive from campus. Shuttle van service is available at the airport for the ride to campus. Arrangements must be made in advance through the campus travel agency. Greyhound provides service to Lewiston.

Driving Instructions to Campus
The College is located approximately 3 miles from I-95 (Maine Tpke), Lewiston Exit 80. Northbound travelers: take Lewiston Exit 80 and turn left onto Alfred A. Plourde Pkwy. at the stop sign at the end of the off ramp. Southbound travelers: Take Lewiston Exit 80 and bear right onto Plourde Pkwy. Continue on Plourde straight to stoplight at intersection of Plourde and Pleasant; continue on Plourde .6 miles to stoplight at Webster Street. Turn left onto Webster and travel 1 mile to stoplight at Farewell Street. Turn right onto Farwell and follow .6 miles to stoplight. Continue straight across intersection onto Russell Street and follow for .9 miles to the third stoplight. Turn left onto College Street and follow to second blinking stoplight; turn left onto Campus Avenue. Take your first right onto Wood Street and turn right into the admissions parking lot. The admissions office (Lindholm House) is at 23 Campus Avenue.

Local Accommodations
The Hilton Garden Inn (207-784-4433) is located just 7 minutes from campus. If you're on a budget, there's the Super 8 Motel (1440 Lisbon St.; 207-784-8882) and Motel 6 (207-782-6558), both about 5 minutes from campus. The Ramada Inn (490 Pleasant St.; 207-784-2331) has an indoor pool, an exercise room, and a live band with country rock every night in the lounge. The Marriott Residence Inn Auburn (207-777-3400)is a 5-minute drive from campus.

Admissions

Applicants: 5,316
Acceptance Rate: 22%






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