Bates College
Reviews

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.

Bates Students Openness

I can honestly say that everyone I have met at Bates is incredibly friendly and ready to talk to you. Some you may find to be a little different after you do start talking, but there is nobody who wouldn't be happy to help you with anything, even if it's just a short talk. I don't think you find people as open and friendly at other schools.

Great Trust Between Administration and Student Body

Bates security affords its students many privileges and trust. Beer and wine are allowed in the dorms and houses. Summons and strikes are really only given if you are being a complete idiot, or obvious about breaking rules. Otherwise, you can pretty much get away with anything. Bates trusts its students and rightfully so. I can say personally I have seen no police presence at on campus and off campus parties. Security usually rolls by to monitor, or break up anything that is too rowdy. Moral of the story: stay within the already relaxed limits, and you will have no problems.

Understated, but Rigorous, Challenging and Enriching!!!

Bates College academics are often shorted in comparison to its "higher ranked" (according to US NEWS) counterpart, Bowdoin, but many sibling comparisons have found that Bates offers more challenge with less inflation. Bates professors hold their students to a very high standard of discussion and critical thinking. The best part about academics at Bates is though all students are intelligent, they do not shove it down your throat. You can find yourself talking about last night's primetime television in Commons and then critiquing Kant's categorical imperatives. It is a nice "best-of-both-worlds" atmosphere that is reflected in the extremely approachable staff who all yield impressive resumes (often more impressive due to their young age). They are leaders in their field who chose Bates for many of the same reasons the students did: To enrich within a small, comfortable academic setting with a unpretentious atmosphere.

Lots of Choice, Great Departments

Professors are amazing, they help with everything so determining your course of study is easy and there's a lot of support. You apply to the whole school, its liberal arts so its all very connected.

50-50

Bates is half guys, half girls and there everyone is pretty good looking and interesting

Diverse Students in Many Ways

Racially the diversity on campus isn't great. But for a school in the whitest state in the country, Bates does a great job of attracting applicants who are diverse in all sorts of ways, not just racially. There are all different types of people at Bates.

Neuroscience

I'm a Neuroscience major. Although it's challenging, the program at Bates is great. You gain real lab experience that helps you apply for payed summer undergraduate internships and get jobs right out of college. The program is constantly being contacted by top neuroscience research programs to encourage Bates students to apply.

Outstanding Academics

People often overlook how rigorous Bates academics are. Because of our low endowment (which is a problem for many reasons) we're not accurately ranked. That is to say, if you think academic quality and integrity is what the rankings should reflect. Classes here are hard, and there is no such thing as easy A's and B's..maybe you'll take one class over your four years that you consider to be an 'easy A,' but that will be it. Students are held to a high standard and expected to work hard. Overall though, putting the work in really pays off. The faculty will push you to explore your limits, but they will also literally bend over backwards to help you. You won't believe the education you'll get here, it is top-notch.

Someone for Everyone

Bates is great because no matter what look or personality you're into, you will find it. Batesies come in a variety. Whether you're into hipsters, jocks, or intellects, there is a whole spectrum here. The gay scene is alive and well at Bates.

So Safe!

Security on campus is excellent. They are here to keep us safe, but not to get us in trouble. They will never let anything get out of control but they'll manage parties and prevent anything from getting too wild.

Great People

the average Batesie enjoys the outdoors, likes to party, does well in school, and participates in a varsity sport.

Hope You Like Drinking!

Drinking at Bates is incredibly widespread; however, hard drugs are essentially non-existent

Lewiston Can Be Fun!

The Bates' nightlife is definitely what you make it. Pub 33 and the Blue Goose are an easy walk from campus! House parties and dances are also eventful! You can always find a game of beirut or kings nearby.

Casual

Pretty much describes them. We're up in Maine, where it gets extremely cold, so the clothes we wear is not so essential. Most of the time students wear sweats and sweaters plus a light jacket just to stay warm. Everyone seems to be friendly as well, so don't be scared to say hi or wave at someone unfamiliar. We're all a happy community in the end. :)

Internet Access

the internet is really slow and the connections in buildings is not good

The Dining Hall Is GREAT

Our dining hall (New Commons) is really exceptional. It features a wide variety of food - including a vegan bar that makes incredible creations each day. It is a comfortable atmosphere.... and the unlimited food plan makes it an optimal, pleasant spot to take a study break for some coffee.

Some Surprises

When I entered Bates, I was hoping for a little bit of a less cliquey high school atmosphere, people settle in quickly, other than that, people are very friendly and I love it here.

Resources and Extra Help

Bates has numerous programs and workshops for students who need extra assistance in their major, primarily the sciences. Professors go out of their way to help students and giv them any extra assistance that they may need.

The workload is what you make of...

The workload is what you make of it. If you want to do well, you're going to be spending a lot of time in the library. There are times during the semester when you have something major due in every class, and other times when you're actually getting a normal night's sleep. But, it is academically very challenging.

There are only two bars that are...

There are only two bars that are frequented by most students: The Goose and The Pub. Parties on campus are frequent and fun, but the best ones are in off-campus housing, which means no encounters with security. To throw a big party in a dorm, the host has to work it out with security first, which includes paperwork.

Students can park all up and down...

Students can park all up and down the city streets before it starts snowing. But after about November, parking is really scarce.

A lot of students play a varsity...

A lot of students play a varsity sport on campus, but the culture itself isn't so big. Students flock to bleachers for big rivalry games only.

Bates is not the most diverse...

Bates is not the most diverse school. Economically, the campus is home to middle-upper-class students. The dominant ethnicity is Caucasian, but Bates is working very hard to gather students from all walks of life. Ideologically, students are generally very liberal, which brings about a comfortable discussion environment.

I never feel unsafe, and the...

I never feel unsafe, and the campus is pretty secluded within its walls. However, occasionally locals enter campus and cause disturbances.