Bates College

Report Card

Overall ExperienceWhat's This?

Bates students vary greatly in their opinions of their school. Some feel that Bates is a great school and wouldn’t dream of having gone to another. Others spend their four years at Bates wishing they were someplace else. Bates is a very unique school, and for the people it suits, it’s amazing. People who were looking for a different college experience are less happy. Bates does provide its students with a number of opportunities, and considering its size and resources, tries hard to accommodate every student. However, it is a small school in a small city and obviously can’t have all the same resources that are available at larger universities. The student body isn’t characterized by diversity, so if people who go to Bates aren’t your type, it’s easy to feel frustrated and out of place.

But whether you love Bates or hate it, when you graduate, you’ll have a degree from one of the most selective liberal arts schools in the country, which definitely counts for something. Before you decide which school you want to go to, you need to be very sure what you want from a college. If you’re looking for an intimate atmosphere, a close-knit campus, and an academically challenging school, you’ll probably enjoy Bates. If you want a big university with a diverse student body and an exciting city nearby, you might be better off somewhere else. Overall, Bates is a good school with an amazing faculty and a very strong academic program. Even students who might wish they were somewhere else will leave the school with a very valuable degree and a unique learning experience.

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Local Atmosphere at Bates College

jdiallo

Environmental Studies '15

2.7

C+

Not Much to Do Without a Car

The city of Lewiston has a few attractions (mostly restaurants) and a lot of them are not walking-distance. There is a movie theater and a Walmart nearby. Other than that, you have to drive to Portland (which is about 45 minutes away) if you want to do anything really fun. Portland is a really cool city; very artistic. There are TONS of restaurants, lots of concerts, and cool stores to browse (especially Mexicali Blues). The upside to not having tons of attractions within reach is that you spend a lot less money over the course of the year!

May 01, 2012

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Guys & Girls at Bates College

jdiallo

Environmental Studies '15

3.8

B+

Lots of Athletes

There are a lot of athletes on campus, which makes for a very attractive student body. The guys are generally preppy and attractive. There are lots of outdoors-y guys (and girls) on campus who are really into hiking, frisbee, etc. The girls are mostly really preppy as well, but there is a sizable hipster population as well. The girls are generally attractive... mostly blonde if that's what you're into!

May 01, 2012

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Diversity at Bates College

jdiallo

Environmental Studies '15

1.5

D+

Diverse on Paper, Not in Practice

There are people from many different countries at Bates, but usually only one or two per country. This results in a wide diversity on paper, but in actuality, the overwhelming majority of students are white, upper class, New England students. Being African-American, and coming from a diverse high school, it was a little shocking to first witness this. However, a lot of friendships are based on what activities and interests you have in common with people, not your race.

May 01, 2012

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