Q.  Are all international students required to take the TOEFL? What is the minimum score required to gain admission?

A.  Bates College requires that all non-native English speakers (even those who attend English-medium schools or live in the U.S.) submit their scores for the TOEFL or some parallel form of testing. While we have no minimum for the TOEFL score, the average score of the international students at Bates is 637 on the paper-based scale, and 270 on the computer-based scale. Results must be sent by the testing service and received by the appropriate application deadline (January 1 for Fall enrollment).

Q. Does Bates require international students to submit SAT scores? What is the minimum score required to gain admission?

A. The submission of standardized test results (SAT I, SAT II and ACT) is optional for all students who apply to Bates. If you do choose to submit them, they will be evaluated. The median score for students at Bates is 1340. Results must be sent by the testing service and received by the appropriate application deadline (January 1 for Fall enrollment).

Q.  Will Bates accept a photocopy of standardized test results?

A. Bates does require that score reports be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) or the College Board, and they should be received no later than the appropriate application deadline. The institutional code for Bates is 3076. Photocopies, even if they are notarized, will not be accepted. Please be aware that students who submit unofficial copies of test results may place themselves at a disadvantage in the application evaluation process.

Q. What financial aid and scholarships are available for international students applying to Bates?

A. Financial aid is indeed available for international students at Bates College. If a student is accepted for admission and is in need of financial assistance, the College will meet the full need of the student for the duration of his/her college career at Bates. This financial aid package usually includes a grant, an interest-free loan and a campus job (not to exceed 15 hours per week).

Bates does encourage students to seek financial assistance through sponsors and outside sources. In many countries, it is often possible to find information at U.S. Information Service (USIS) posts or at educational advising centers designated by the U.S. Embassy. If you have access to the Internet, here are some websites that may be of help:

Q.  Is it possible to request an application fee waiver?

Students who are not citizens of the United States are not required to submit an application fee or fee waiver request.

U.S. Citizens should submit an application fee of $60 or a fee waiver request.  Fee waiver requests should be written by a school official (e.g., guidance counselor, headmaster, etc.)