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“Motivation, imagination, initiative, strong personality and character”

Bates seeks promising individuals from diverse educational, ethnic, socioeconomic, cultural and geographic backgrounds. “Motivation, imagination, initiative, strong personality and character” — traits cited decades ago by former Dean of Admission Milt Lindholm ’35 — still describe the ideal Bates student.

Of course, intelligence counts too! Admission to Bates is highly selective. The college typically receives more than 4,500 applications each year for 500 places in the first-year class. Every applicant’s credentials — grades, essays, recommendations, interview reports and SATs (optional for admission) — are reviewed at least three times by our Admission staff.

We pay close attention to each applicant’s voice. Bates is the rare college whose deans and Alumni in Admission volunteers interview students both on campus and off, across the country and around the world.