Bates College (Bates)

Maine's Bates College is a small liberal arts college that celebrates an "unbelievably tightknit community" of students, professors, and the surrounding area. In fact, half of all students participate in a community-engaged, hands-on course each year, such as one where "French-speaking African immigrants met with Franco-Americans and we worked with the two groups to help the New Mainers learn English." Bates offers a "very holistic education" with an emphasis on critical thinking where everyone is "challenged to express their opinions, try something new, and stand up for a cause." As one student observes, "The most important thing I've learned so far is how to come up with an intelligent stance on an issue or idea." The opportunity for such realizations comes because "classes are mostly centered around personal progress rather than comparing students to one another."

The "flexible calendar" at Bates includes a springtime Short Term, in which students have four weeks to travel off-campus, complete fieldwork, or focus on just one class (the school says that "professors have a blast coming up with the topics"). Professors are universally beloved and "like to challenge students, and ask questions to encourage students to flesh out their opinions," and "make you think and come up with your own opinion about issues." A student sums up their Bates experience: "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."

As one student notes, "My peers are enthusiastic about learning, being outdoors, and making connections." Students are very scholastically motivated and there is "a lot of variability in academic interests and how people spend their time." While "everyone has their own passions and is very chill at the same time," students say that "one of [Bates'] most unique features" is that "students are also extremely social" with the result being an atmosphere that is "very collaborative and kind." With such a focus on community engagement, this is a group that is "incredibly curious, friendly, and involved around campus and the greater Lewiston area." Most everyone is "involved in things outside of academics, whether that be sports teams, volunteering, or extracurricular clubs," and there "is a ton of crossover and interaction between different people." All in all, Bates holds a special place in the hearts of its classes, a college that in turn helps to make "everyone very special."

For the entertainment-minded, Bates features "a multitude of...events to go to any day of the week," including "workshops for dance, fashion shows, and awesome days for food where the culinary staff brings themed food." Speaking of which, for those into food, the school's one dining hall is not only "absolutely amazing" but is also a popular gathering place "where students spend hours per day talking to many different people." And as for those focused on socializing or studying, the "library is also a large social hub where people like to talk while doing work." Above all, students are "always balancing academics with extracurriculars," and for them, there's a "huge amount of clubs and opportunities to get involved in the community," as well as traditions such as the Village Club Series on Thursdays, when musical groups play on campus. "Every time there is an acapella concert, you will see the seats packed, and everyone cheering for each group." Portland and Boston are close by, so "you can always switch up your scenery when you need city life." Students also "regularly explore other parts of Maine," both on their own and through organizations like the Outing Club, which "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."