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How to Get Into Bates College: Admissions Stats + Tips

What’s covered, how hard is it to get into bates college, average academic profile of accepted bates college students.

  • What is Bates College Looking For?
  • How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into Bates College

How to Apply to Bates College

  • Learn More About Bates College

Bates is among the most prestigious liberal arts colleges in the country and has a reputation for pushing the boundaries of higher education. When Bates was founded in 1855, it became the first coeducational college in New England and admitted students without regard to race, religion, national origin, or sex. In fact, some of Bates’ earliest students were formerly enslaved people. More recently, Bates became known for its pioneering test-optional admissions policy (the college has been test-optional since 1984, almost four decades).  

Admissions to Bates College are extremely competitive. Bates received 7,696 applications to its Class of 2025 and admitted just 1,085 —giving the college an overall acceptance rate of 14% . 

Bates has an Early Decision admissions process through which it received 838 applications. The school accepted 388 of those applicants, for an Early Decision acceptance rate of 46% .

Bates College’s acceptance rate is incredibly low, but your own chances depend on the strength of your profile. CollegeVine’s free admissions calculator can add clarity to your odds of getting into Bates. It uses your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and more to estimate your odds of acceptance and provide tips to improve your profile!

Bates doesn’t report the average GPA of accepted students, however, it’s clear that Bates students are generally exceptional academically. An impressive 60% of Bates’ Class of 2025 graduated in the top tenth of their high school. 

The middle 50% SAT and ACT scores of Bates’ Class of 2025 are 1210-1420 and 27-33 . 

What is Bates College Looking for?

When making admissions decisions in 2020, a Bates sports coach said , “I’m not looking for a player who can play. I’m looking for a player who makes an impact.” This is a great summation of what Bates admissions officials are looking for in all applicants. The ideal Bates applicant won’t merely come to the college and silently succeed; rather, their presence will resonate across campus. 

Bates has long been a believer in holistic admissions and has practiced test-optional admissions since 1984. While Bates values academics, they’re also searching for ambitious and inspired individuals prepared to learn and grow from their college experience.   

How Bates College Evaluates Applications

According to their 2020-2021 Common Data Set, Bates College considers the following factors “very important” :

  • Course rigor
  • Recommendations 
  • Extracurricular activities 

These factors are “important” :

  • Geographical location
  • State residence 
  • First generation 
  • Applicant interest 

These are “considered” :

  • Test scores 
  • Racial/ethnic status 
  • Volunteer work 
  • Work experience 

And these are “not considered” :

  • Religious affiliation

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Bates College

1. achieve the best possible gpa while taking the most challenging classes available..

Bates College students are academically exceptional. Of Bates’ Class of 2025, 60% graduated in the top tenth of their high school while 82% graduated in the top quarter. Bates considers GPA, class rank, and course rigor all “very important” to admissions. 

To submit a competitive application, you’ll need to have earned great grades in the most challenging courses available to you. At super-selective schools like Bates, it’s common for applicants to have completed anywhere between five and 12 AP classes in high school . 

It’s also common for schools like Bates to use a tool known as Academic Index to facilitate admissions decisions. Academic Index is your entire academic performance represented by a single numerical score. If your Academic Index fails to meet Bates’ standards, your application will likely not receive serious consideration. 

If you’re early in your high school career, the best way to improve your Academic Index is to raise your GPA—here are some awesome tips for increasing your GPA . If you’re a junior or senior, it’s more difficult to increase your GPA, which makes earning higher test scores the best method to improve your Academic Index.

2. Write an engaging essay.

Bates views the essay as “very important” to admissions and it is an area where you can both separate yourself from other applicants and call attention to why you belong at Bates. Applicants to Bates are required to respond to one of the seven essay prompts found in the Common Application. 

Bates’ Director of Admission suggests an attention-grabbing essay is one that will “Take me out of my office and into your life for five minutes.” The college also encourages applicants to use the essay to “describe your character and experience in ways that create a distinct person that an admission staff can come to know.” It’s worth noting that Bates also considers character “very important” to admissions. 

The best college essays are written in your own voice and include details that make your words come alive. No matter what prompt you respond to, your essay should highlight how you’ll fit at Bates and how the college will benefit from you being on campus. 

3. Get really great recommendations. 

Recommendations are “very important” to Bates admissions. Bates requires you to submit three letters of recommendation with your application: one letter from your high school counselor and two recommendations from teachers. It will also accept an optional non-academic recommendation, such as one from a coach or employer. 

Teacher recommendations are important for showing a college not just your attitude for learning but also your aptitude for college-level work. Consequently, teacher recommendations hold significant sway with admissions officers. 

To a large extent, you’re in control of the quality of teacher recommendations you receive—not just by your actions in the classroom, but also by who you ask and the support that you give your writer. The nine rules of requesting letters of recommendation from teachers cover the entire recommendation process with tips on everything from who to ask to what materials to provide to how to show your appreciation.      

4. Cultivate a strong portfolio of extracurriculars.

Extracurricular activities are “very important” to Bates admissions. To stand out among a crowded field of applicants, you’ll want an extracurricular profile with one or two well-developed interests, or a highly developed interest known as a “ spike ” supported by a few impressive extracurriculars. 

The four tiers of extracurriculars are a good guide to understanding how colleges value your activities outside of the classroom:

  • Tier 1 activities are impressive and uncommon; for example, winning a prestigious award, earning national recognition in athletics, or attending an acclaimed merit-based summer program.  
  • Tier 2 extracurriculars demonstrate achievement of leadership but lack the prestige of those in Tier 1. Common Tier 2 activities include gaining state-level recognition in athletics or holding a leadership position like student body president. 
  • Tier 3 activities are better for showing your interests outside of the classroom than calling attention to any particular distinction. Tier 3 includes activities such as captaining a varsity sport or holding a minor leadership role in a club.
  • Tier 4 is home to activities that highlight your interests but don’t display the dedication of those in the higher tiers. These activities include playing a sport or instrument, participating in a club, or general volunteering. 

Because of Bates’ selectivity, a strong extracurricular profile will have one or two activities from one of the top tiers. It’s also worth noting that while volunteering and after-school jobs fall into Tier 4, Bates “considers” volunteer work and work experience when making admissions decisions.  

5. Aim for a 1420 SAT and 33 ACT. 

Bates is well-known for its test-optional admissions and only “considers” standardized test scores when making admissions decisions. That said, a strong test score can make a convincing case you’re ready to tackle Bates’ challenging curriculum. The middle 50% SAT/ACT scores of Bates’ Class of 2025 are 1210-1420 and 27-33 . 

CollegeVine recommends taking either the SAT or ACT—if you can do so safely—and submitting scores at or above the 25th percentile of accepted students (1210/27). Students who submit test scores paint a more complete picture of themselves as a student and are accepted at higher rates than those who do not submit scores. You can get recommendations on whether or not you should apply test-optional using our free chancing engine . 

Bates superscores both the SAT and ACT; consequently, it’s recommended that students take the SAT/ACT between two and three times to maximize their score. For more tips to improve your SAT/ACT scores, check out these free CollegeVine resources:

  • How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
  • How to Get a Perfect 36 Score on the ACT
  • More SAT Info and Tips
  • More ACT Info and Tips

6. Apply Early Action/Early Decision.

Bates has three admissions processes: Early Decision (ED), Early Decision II (ED II), and regular decision. Applying Early Decision can provide a substantial boost to your odds of acceptance at Bates. The college’s 46% Early Decision acceptance rate is significantly better than its 14% overall acceptance rate. 

Early Decision isn’t for everyone, however, and while it will amplify your odds of getting into Bates, it comes at a cost. Both ED and ED II are binding, which means that when you apply through them you commit to attending Bates if you’re accepted. This makes ED and ED II best suited for applicants who are sure that Bates is their first choice. 

Application Requirements

Bates accepts the Common Application. Other requirements include:

  • Transcript 
  • Counselor recommendation 
  • Two teacher recommendations
  • Mid-year grades 

Other optional materials include: 

  • SAT/ACT scores
  • Non-academic recommendation 
  • Art supplement 

Learn more about Bates College

Interested in learning more about Bates? Check out these other informative articles: 

  • What Does It Cost to Attend Bates College?
  • What Are the Little Ivies and NESCAC?
  • Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges in New England
  • Top 10 Colleges with the Richest Students

Want to know your chances at Bates? Calculate your chances for free right now .

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

bates college supplemental essay

Bates College

bates college supplemental essay

At Bates, you will find a community of irrepressibly enthusiastic, unapologetically smart, and boldly individual people, who happen to think that finding the truth sometimes requires a leap into a frigid pond. We're known for our 100 clubs and organizations , nationally recognized centers for career development and community engaged work , a focus on sustainability , and a deep commitment to living up to our mission . Yes, we're a small liberal arts college nestled in a bucolic setting, and yes, we have small class sizes, but trust us - we're not like the rest. We invite you to begin your exploration of Bates College, an original from the start . 

Academic programs.

  • Art & Design
  • Engineering
  • Government/Political Science
  • Liberal Arts
  • Performing Arts
  • Social Science
  • Visual Arts

Student experience

  • Affinity Groups
  • Co-op/Internship Opportunities
  • Community Service
  • Counseling Services
  • Disability Services
  • First Generation to College Program
  • Intramural/Club Sports
  • LGBTQIA Services
  • On-Campus Housing
  • Religious Groups
  • Study Abroad
  • Undergraduate Research

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

We’re interested in students who work hard, are curious about the world beyond them, take intellectual risks, believe that education is not confined to a classroom, and get deeply involved in their community. Bates offers two rounds of a binding Early Decision and Regular Decision. Since 1984, Bates has not required that applicants submit SAT, SAT Subject Tests, or ACT scores to be considered for admission to the college. Bates meets 100 percent of students’ financial need and works closely with families to ensure that graduates have the lowest possible student loan debt — less than half the national average.

We’re interested in students who work hard, are curious about the world beyond them, take intellectual risks, believe that education is not confined to a classroom, and get deeply involved in their community. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. We welcome applications from students who have attended or are attending other institutions, including international students enrolled overseas. Transfer students are eligible for need-based financial aid and are guaranteed on-campus housing.

school

Additional Information

I love a place that does what is right, rather than what is expected. A. Clayton Spencer, Bates College President

School seal

Admissions office

23 Campus Ave Lewiston , ME 04240-6098 , United States of America

[email protected]

Phone number

(207) 786-6000

For first-year students

Admissions website.

www.bates.edu/admission/

Financial aid website

www.bates.edu/financial-services/financial-aid/first-year-applicants/

For transfer students

New England

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The material on this page is from the 2000-01 catalog and may be out of date. Please check the current year's catalog for current information.

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Three Tips for a Great College Application

Don’t stress out.

Whether it’s writing the essay or completing the application process as a whole, time spent reflecting on and communicating your experience can be valuable and positive. Bring that positive attitude to the process, and believe that admission officers will enjoy getting to know you.

You have control.

Cailene Gunn '16 of Granby, CT (Summer Research with Prof. Beverly Johnson) does some sunset-inspired Yoga on Hermit Island in Phippsburg, ME.

Remember that 7.5 billion people live on this planet.

Your courses and grades are not the only traits that define you. Colleges and universities value authenticity, genuineness, and honesty throughout one’s application. Just be yourself in this process. That is the best way to stand out as an applicant.

Reflect on Your Experiences and Aspirations 

How have you grown.

Tell us  how and why your most important activities (perhaps a team captaincy, paid work at a local restaurant, or a community book club facilitated over Zoom) have helped you grow as a person. Tell us what you’ve learned from your experiences, not just what you’ve done.

What’s your background?

View the admission forms as the place to chronicle your family background, schooling, activities, work experiences, and other autobiographical information. Be clear, concise, and detailed.

What inspires you?

Use the subjective questions and the personal statement to share aspects of your character and lived experience that may not be apparent from your courses and grades. In addition to your successes, tell us what you truly love to do, what inspires you, and what is meaningful for you. The quality of your writing matters.

Write a strong personal statement

What’s the purpose of this writing sample.

We place a premium on strong writing. We look for mastery of the mechanics of writing as well as fluency and originality. Your personal statement reveals the caliber of your thinking and your readiness for a competitive liberal arts program.

Tips for writing the college personal statement 

  • Be yourself . Give us a window into your values and experiences. You know yourself best, so be honest.
  • Proofread! Misspelled words and grammatical errors don’t give a good first impression of your writing ability.
  • Stay focused . Don’t write a research paper. Write a personal statement with meaning, and tell us something about yourself that will help admission deans imagine how you might fit into the Bates community.
  • Grab our attention . Start with a great opener that catches the reader’s attention immediately. Make the admission deans want to read more about you.
  • Show us. Don’t tell us . Use details to illustrate ideas and action words that bring your personal statement to life. Paint a picture that holds the reader’s attention.
  • Present your own work . We’ve seen plagiarized personal statements before, as well as the work of a parent, teacher or essay-writing professional. Don’t make that mistake.
  • Keep it simple . Don’t use words that sound overly sophisticated. Admission deans aren’t impressed by highfalutin language and vocabulary from the thesaurus. Tell us your story in your voice.
  • Get feedback . Have other people give you some feedback. Don’t allow someone else to rewrite your personal statement, but do take advantage of others’ edits and opinions when they seem helpful.
  • Enjoy the process! Enjoy the process of reflecting on and writing about one aspect of your life that is meaningful to you. Know that most admission deans will enjoy reading your story.

And remember. Bates is test optional. 

Applying to Bates

  • Application Rounds & Timeline
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Optional Testing
  • International Applicants
  • Undocumented & DACA Applicants
  • Homeschooled Applicants
  • Veteran Applicants
  • Transfer Applicants
  • Application Status Page

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PrepScholar SAT

Bates College Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are Bates College's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

  • GPA requirements
  • Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
  • Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into Bates College and build a strong application.

School location: Lewiston, ME

Admissions Rate: 13.8%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at Bates College is 13.8% . For every 100 applicants, only 14 are admitted.

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This means the school is extremely selective . Meeting their GPA requirements and SAT/ACT requirements is very important to getting past their first round of filters and proving your academic preparation. If you don't meet their expectations, your chance of getting in is nearly zero.

After crossing this hurdle, you'll need to impress Bates College application readers through their other application requirements, including extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation. We'll cover more below.

image description

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

Get Into Your Top Choice School

Bates College GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.88

The average GPA at Bates College is 3.88 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. This school did not officially report its average GPA, but we've estimated it here using data from over 1,000 schools.)

With a GPA of 3.88, Bates College requires you to be near the top of your class , and well above average. Your transcript should show mostly A's. Ideally, you will also have taken several AP or IB classes to show that you can handle academics at a college level.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.88, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

Bates College hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Bates College will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

Bates College SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1380

The average SAT score composite at Bates College is a 1380 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes Bates College Moderately Competitive for SAT test scores.

image description

Bates College SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1340, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1500. In other words, a 1340 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1500 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

Bates College has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, Bates College will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Bates College forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1500, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

image description

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

Get eBook: 5 Tips for 160+ Points

Bates College ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, Bates College likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 31

The average ACT score at Bates College is 31. This score makes Bates College Strongly Competitive for ACT scores.

image description

The 25th percentile ACT score is 31, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 33.

Even though Bates College likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 31 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 31 and above that a 31 will look academically weak.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 33 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

However, in our research, we found that Bates College does in fact offer an ACT superscore policy . To quote their Admissions Office:

The submission of standardized testing, such as the SAT I, SAT II and the ACT, is optional for all students applying to Bates.

Superscoring is powerful to your testing strategy, and you need to make sure you plan your testing accordingly. Of all the scores that Bates College receives, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all ACT test dates you submit .

For example, say you submit the following 4 test scores:

Even though the highest ACT composite you scored on any one test date was 20, Bates College will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 20 to 32 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Bates College forms your Superscore, you can take the ACT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your ACT score is currently below a 33, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the ACT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the ACT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

image description

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

Free eBook: 5 Tips to 4+ Points on the ACT

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

Bates College considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is extremely selective, getting a high SAT/ACT score and GPA is vital to having a chance at getting in . If you don't pass their SAT/ACT and GPA requirements, they'll likely reject you without much consideration.

To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1500 SAT or a 33 ACT . You should also have a 3.88 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score.

For a school as selective as Bates College, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.

But if you apply with a score below a 1500 SAT or a 33 ACT, you unfortunately start out with the odds against you and have a tiny chance of getting in. There are just too many students with high SAT/ACT scores and strong applications, and you need to compete against them.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

  • 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
  • 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
  • 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
  • 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
  • 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

  • PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
  • We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
  • Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
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There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

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Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of Bates College here.

Application Requirements Overview

  • Common Application Accepted, supplemental forms required
  • Electronic Application Available
  • Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
  • Letters of Recommendation 3
  • Interview Not required
  • Application Fee $60
  • Fee Waiver Available? Available
  • Other Notes

Testing Requirements

  • SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
  • SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
  • SAT Subject Tests
  • Scores Due in Office January 1

Coursework Requirements

  • Subject Required Years
  • Foreign Language 2
  • Social Studies 3

Deadlines and Early Admissions

  • Offered? Deadline Notification
  • Yes January 1 April 1
  • Yes November 15, November 1 December 20

Admissions Office Information

  • Address: 2 Lewiston, ME 04240-6028
  • Phone: (207) 786-6255 x6255
  • Fax: (207) 786-6025
  • Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in Bates College, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Bates College.

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Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than Bates College. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

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Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for Bates College, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

image description

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for Bates College, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If Bates College is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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Bates College Supplement Essay

<p>The essay asks-“How will you, with your life experiences, contribute to the vitality of Bates?”</p>

<p>I having been trying and trying to figure this essay out for a week now and am just drawing blanks. Can someone please give me some tips on what to write?</p>

<p>i’m stuck too…</p>

<p>bump 10char</p>

<p>it helps me to just sit in a favorite spot with a writing pad and a fresh pen with the topic at the top… you’ll be surprised to find inspiration strikes when you’re relaxed:D im applying to bates too!</p>

<p>try weaving in this line: Based on my experiences in life, I think I would be able to master bates.</p>

<p>Haha I hate to revive an old thread BUT BuddyMcAwesome, that line was freakin’ hilarious! Pretty genius, I must say.</p>

<p>Bates is a small college. D is a freshmen there. What about your ECs. Is there something there that you could do in college? What about where you have volunteered - would you try to continue that in the Lewiston area? Let yourself come through on the esssay.</p>

<p>nice joke, haha has anyone there ever thought of designing a tshirt with that ‘master bates’?? haha, if i get in bates this time, next year i’ll propose to make that shirt…</p>

<p>hey guys, are you all applying to the class of 2014 to Bates in ed? how many of you are asking for the fin aid? are you all from the us itself?</p>

<p>I’m from Singapore, applying RD, asking for Fin Aid.</p>

<p>i think most bates students would have to agree with me here…the joke gets old…</p>

<p>hey srrinath, which JC are you from? i’m from SIngapore too im applying ED, asking for aid too</p>

<p>I’m applying RD. Still havent written a good though. I’m stuck at the same place I was when I started this thread. damn.</p>

:slight_smile:

<p>Mmm for the class of '12, we had “why do you want to come here?” Pretty generic college essay but you need to make a new one for every single school. Good luck guys!!! :D</p>

<p>How long is everybody’s supplement essay?</p>

<p>I was just looking at the supplement, it’s probably bad that I haven’t written it yet. But it says respond in two or three paragraphs. That seems kind of short to me? I might make it a little longer than that.</p>

<p>i, too, am stuck on the essay question. contribute to the vitality of bates? from what i’ve read about the student body, i would fit in well (white, upper middle class, private high school, interested in being an English major). How do i set myself apart in my essay?</p>

<p>they don’t really care how you are going to fit in, they want to know what you will bring. Write about something unique that you do that not many others do.</p>

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IMAGES

  1. College Supplemental Essay Examples for a Successful Paper

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  2. How to Write a Supplemental Essay: Best Writing Tips

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  3. ⭐ Examples of great college essays. 21 Stellar Common App Essay

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  4. How to Write Great Supplemental Essays for College

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  5. College Essay: Stanford supplement essay

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  6. 14 College Essay Examples: What Works, Why, and How

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VIDEO

  1. The Secrets to Writing and Editing Compelling Supplemental and "Why Us" Essays

  2. Bates College ranked among least economically-diverse elite universities in US

  3. 1 PPE for Machining

COMMENTS

  1. Apply

    Bates Office of Admission. Lindholm House 23 Campus Ave Lewiston, Maine 04240. Request Information. 207-786-6000. [email protected].

  2. How to Write the Bates Supplement 2023-2024

    Write a pleasant hello, give your name, and say that you are reaching out because there was no dedicated space on the Common App to express your interest in Bates. Ground your academic future in your backstory. You want an admissions counselor to remember you, and to do that, they have to know who you are and what you want to achieve in college ...

  3. Bates College's 2023-24 Essay Prompts

    Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so.

  4. How To Write the Bates College Supplement

    Bates is asking for 1-2 paragraphs—let's say ½ page (~350 words or so) to give you an idea of what you should be aiming for. We tell our students that they should write two paragraphs: the first should cover your academic interests and the other your cultural attraction to Bates. They should be concise, well researched, and fun to read.

  5. How to Write Bates College's 2016-2017 Essay

    The Bates College Application Essay Prompt. Bates has one supplemental essay to the Common Application, which we have briefly analyzed below. What draws you to Bates? Consider the Bates Mission Statement (below) in your response (1-2 paragraphs). Since 1855, Bates College has been dedicated to the emancipating potential of the liberal arts.

  6. How to Get Into Bates College: Admissions Stats + Tips

    How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Bates College. 1. Achieve the best possible GPA while taking the most challenging classes available. Bates College students are academically exceptional. Of Bates' Class of 2025, 60% graduated in the top tenth of their high school while 82% graduated in the top quarter.

  7. What makes a good college application essay?

    What makes a good college application essay? | Ask the College Experts. "Take me out of my office and into your life for five minutes.". Bates Director of Admission Darryl Uy shares his take on what admission experts look for in your college application essay.

  8. Apply to Bates College

    Bates College. Apply for first-year Apply for transfer. Explore. Bates College. At Bates, you will find a community of irrepressibly enthusiastic, unapologetically smart, and boldly individual people, who happen to think that finding the truth sometimes requires a leap into a frigid pond. We're known for our 100 clubs and organizations ...

  9. Bates College: The College Catalog: The Admission of Students

    Bates uses the Common Application as well as a supplement. Aside from biographical data, the application requests information concerning the academic and extracurricular interests of the applicant. The required essay gives the applicant the opportunity to write on a suggested topic or one of personal choice.

  10. Three Tips for a Great College Application

    Stay focused. Don't write a research paper. Write a personal statement with meaning, and tell us something about yourself that will help admission deans imagine how you might fit into the Bates community. Grab our attention. Start with a great opener that catches the reader's attention immediately.

  11. PDF Introduction and Application Procedures

    and Bates Supplement Bates College uses the Common Application exclusively. In addition ... essay detailing current activity. ... Bates College 44 Mountain Avenue Lewiston, Maine 04240-6098 Telephone (207) 786-6096 Fax (207) 786-8350 E-mail: [email protected]

  12. Bates College Admission Requirements

    Bates College SAT Requirements. Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score. Average SAT: 1380. The average SAT score composite at Bates College is a 1380 on the 1600 SAT scale. This score makes Bates College Moderately Competitive for SAT ...

  13. Do Your Colleges Require Supplemental Essays?

    These supplemental essays ask students to respond to a wide variety of topics: their most meaningful activity, their interest in a particular college or major, an important community they belong to, etc. Essays range in length from just a few sentences to 650+ words. The essay prompts below are from the 2022-23 application cycle.

  14. Bates College Supplement Essay

    bates-college. PurpleMist October 3, 2009, 6:09am 1. <p>The essay asks-"How will you, with your life experiences, contribute to the vitality of Bates?"</p>. <p>I having been trying and trying to figure this essay out for a week now and am just drawing blanks. Can someone please give me some tips on what to write?</p>.

  15. Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

    Yale University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide. What do the 2024-25 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.

  16. Colleges that Don't Require Supplemental Essays

    Maybe you want to apply to a few schools, but don't want to write any essays. Perhaps you've already written so many supplemental essays that the thought of writing one more makes you want to lock yourself in your room with five family size bags of kettle corn and never come out. Maybe you're just trying to take advantage of the Common Application's 20 school cap by sending out your ...

  17. No supplemental essay. Test optional. 100% of demonstrated need

    No supplemental essay. Test optional since 1984. 100% of demonstrated need financial aid for all 4 years. = Not crazy at all.#batescollege #batestok #college...

  18. Bates College Supplemental Essay

    Bates College Supplemental Essay, Custom Speech Editing Services Ca, Nuclear Medicine Technologist Resume Samples, Essay Examples For Class 10 Icse, Essay On Importance Of Homework, Esl Dissertation Proofreading Service, Cover Letter For Apply Work ...

  19. Bates College Supplemental Essay

    Bates College Supplemental Essay. A standard essay helper is an expert we assign at no extra cost when your order is placed. Within minutes, after payment has been made, this type of writer takes on the job. A standard writer is the best option when you're on a budget but the deadline isn't burning. Within a couple of days, a new custom ...