Morning rain pitter-pattered down the windshield glass and a cloud of fog rose quietly before my eyes. As the car ceased in the parking zone of Bates College, I think it is important to mention the Maine weather. Rain is a scene in New England – perhaps the reason for calling America’s northeastern states New England has to do with climate. Winter is cold and snowy without wind. Summer is either unshielded sun or grey skies, but never too hot. Does this sound like London? Well, it is New England, after all.
Bates has a well-connected location. Although it cannot be described exactly as ‘urban’, it is next to Lewiston, the second most populated area in Maine. It is about thirty minutes away from Portland, the largest city in Maine. A number of small towns also circulate Bates. As a small liberal arts college within the NESCAC (New England Small College Athletic Conference) association, Bates is ranked #25 by US News, its regional competitors being Bowdoin College (ranked #6) and Colby College (ranked #24).
I have a coincidental connection to Bates College. I go to Beijing City International School, and quite a few students here get accepted every year. In fact, a notable alumni who I remember as the warmest, kindest senior with too many extracurricular achievements to count, Chris Lu, is a history major at Bates. He would gently remind you that SAT scoring and GPA aren’t the defining factors to Bates admissions, They are important, but a strong sense of community is the ultimate ‘fit’. For example, bettering your own surroundings with activities that reflect commitment and care, collaboration and diversity, service, and adventure.
Bates’ emphasis on community threads through its history. Inclusion is the trademark. Considered radical for its time, Bates was one of the first liberal arts colleges in the 19th century to educate both black and white students, admit both men and women and later, offer financial aid to both domestic and international school students.
Bates also makes an effort to engage with the blue-collar towns around it. Students frequently teach in primary and secondary schools there to help others whenever they could. In return, these institutions often live broadcast Bates’ basketball games and other activities, illuminating the college’s reputation in small, unexpected ways. The Purpose Internship Program is another way for students to not only gain working experience at prestigious, leading institutions in their respective fields but also find out where their interests come from, why they are interested in certain things, and in the end, ignite the sense of purpose that leads to success in all careers. Students keep their own missions close to their chest and truly wish to make an impact in the world.
While Bates is a special place, its campus isn’t exactly special, It is small and quaint, located on the corner of Maine, and clearly nothing grand. The dining and residential halls are typical of liberal arts colleges and the student body is miniature in size. The summer is mostly quiet and short terms, a 3-week program in May that allows students to just take one class and explore it in depth, is even quieter. There are theatre groups designated just for throwing together performances during short terms, but it will feel like a tiny home, won’t feel like a buzzing city crowd. Many students come from Maine and most come from Massachusetts.
Bates Fun Facts
- Bates especially value demonstrated interest. It tracks which of the emails it sends you actually open, and records a student’s list of engagements with the school. That should say something about Bates. A very intentional college
- Bates is a Division 3 sports school that competes in the NESCAC
- It has 12% of international students
- After the supreme court decision, Bates is still trying to maintain racial balance and work around it with legal advisors
- Do not simply judge Bates by its website. It’s better to visit and feel the ambiance yourself before applying
- Definitely take Maine’s weather and location into account
- I believe you can get exceptional lobsters and oysters and all kinds of seafood in Portland, Maine, which is not too far away
- Bates feels like a school in the middle of a vacation
- Bates is a predominantly white school but by no means exclusive. It has an interesting combination of tradition and openness
