Bates offers live virtual information sessions to provide greater insight on our campus, community, and holistic admission process. Join us to ask questions and learn more about academics and life at Bates. Our information sessions are co-hosted by a Bates student and a member of our Admission staff and take place from 8pm–9pm Eastern time.

For an on-demand experience, we invite you to watch our recorded information session.

Bates offers live virtual panels of current students who will discuss all facets of the student experience and be available to answer your questions. No admission staff members are present, as this is meant to be a casual opportunity to connect in real time with students. We encourage you to come with plenty of questions and curiosity! Join us for these one-hour events by registering below.

September 17, 2025, 8pm–9pm Eastern time
Bobcat Chat: Come as you are! The Feeling of Belonging at Bates
Collaboration and support are at the heart of the Bates experience. Hear how students encourage one another to be their authentic selves and discover the ways this community fosters a sense of belonging!

September 24, 2025, 8pm–9pm Eastern time
Bobcat Chat: Academics & Research
Hear from students across a range of disciplines about Bates’ rigorous but collaborative academic environment. Research opportunities and examples will be highlighted.

October 8, 2025, 8pm–9pm Eastern time
Bobcat Chat: Play Hard, Study Hard: Ask me anything about student-athlete life at Bates!
Join us for a panel on all things varsity sports and managing time as a student athlete. Learn from various athletes about their experiences and what they love about Bates Athletics.

October 15, 2025, 12pm–1pm Eastern time
Bobcat Chat: International Bobcat Chat
This Bobcat Chat welcomes all students interested in applying to Bates. We hope that this special time creates an opportunity for us to connect with prospective international students at a more convenient time. Please come with lots of questions. (Woo!)

October 22, 2025, 8pm–9pm Eastern time
Bobcat Chat: Applying Early Decision? Why You Should Consider Bates
Join us for a panel to answer any last questions you may have about Bates! With the impending November 15 Early Decision I deadline, feel free to ask any final questions you have that will help you make your decision. No specific topic or area will be highlighted, and any and all questions about anything can be asked.

November 5, 2025, 8pm–9pm Eastern time
Bobcat Chat: Living in Vacationland (AKA the Great State of Maine!)
Maine is often referred to as Vacationland, since it’s been a place where people have come to enjoy its natural beauty, people, food, and culture for many decades. It’s also a wonderful place to call your home for four years (or more, if you decide to stay after graduation). Join us for a panel on how Bates students enjoy everything Maine has to offer outside of the classroom. Whether that’s hiking and camping or just chilling at the beach, this chat is a great opportunity to learn what makes going to college in Maine so special!

November 19, 2025, 8pm–9pm Eastern time
Bobcat Chat: Student Life
Gain an understanding of the ins and outs of student life at Bates, from clubs and organizations, to living on campus, to favorite traditions. Come with your questions about dorms, food, the Cheese Club, and anything else about life at Bates.

December 3, 2025, 8pm–9pm Eastern time
Bobcat Chat: Balance at Bates
Discover how Bates students balance academic rigor and an enjoyable extracurricular life. We’ll discuss how Bates students  promote well-being for themselves, their peers, and the community.

January 7, 2026, 8pm–10pm Eastern time
Bobcat Chat: Two-hour Special!
Join us for one final panel prior to our Early Decision II and Regular Decision application deadlines. Feel free to ask any final questions you have about Bates that will help you make your decision. No specific topic or area will be highlighted, any and all questions about anything can be asked!

These virtual Ask Me Anything (AMA) events are opportunities for students and families to ask Bates Admission leaders questions about the college search and application process. These Zoom events begin at 8 p.m. Eastern on the dates listed below.

Upcoming AMA events:

October 29, 2025, 8pm–9pm Eastern time
Ask Me Anything with Darryl Uy, Director of Admission

December 10, 2025, 8pm–9pm Eastern time
Ask Me Anything with Darryl Uy, Director of Admission

Previous event recordings:

December 18: AMA with Leigh A. Weisenburger, Vice President for Enrollment & Dean of Admission and Financial Aid and Darryl Uy, Director of Admission

This webinar series is directed at primarily high school students who are navigating the college search and application process! Join us to hear from Bates educators in and out of the Office of Admission as they share insight, tips, and stories.

Please check back in spring 2026 for an updated schedule.

Below is a list of past sessions:
January 31, 2024: Why Study the Liberal Arts and Sciences?
February 7, 2024: How to Find Your ‘Fit’

For more general information about Bates College, please register for a Virtual Admission & Financial Aid Information Session.

An Alumni Conversation is an opportunity to connect one-on-one with a Bates community member and ask the deeper and specific questions that will help you determine if Bates aligns with your interests and aspirations.

Conversations are not interviews, and they are both optional and informational — meaning you are not being evaluated as part of the application process. Generally, these conversations are considered a fun and interesting way to learn more about what is great about Bates and to network with a Bates alum.

To register, complete the form at the link below. On this form, you can indicate your preference for a virtual or in-person conversation.