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.

Check back in March 2026 for upcoming virtual information sessions.

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. All Bobcat Chats are scheduled for 8pm–9pm EST.

Creativity and the Arts at Bates: February 25, 2026
Creativity is found and demonstrated in a myriad of ways at Bates College! Join us to gain insight into how students seek opportunities for self-expression and artistic pursuits through academics, clubs, and personal projects at Bates. Learn about the Bates Arts Collaborative, our outstanding programs and museum, and annual events.

The Bates Academic Experience: Research, Rigor, and Mentorship — March 4, 2026
Hear from current Bates students across a range of disciplines about our rigorous yet collaborative academic environment. You’ll learn about research opportunities, the seminar-style class environment, and how students find faculty mentorship and support from staff to help them reach their academic goals.

Short Term is Unique, Fun, and Enlightening — March 25, 2026
Bates has a unique academic calendar: two regular semesters and a four-week spring session we call Short Term during the height of Maine’s spring. You’ll immerse yourself in one class, and you’ll be a better student at the end of it. Short Term is your opportunity to learn from guest experts and Bates faculty offering unique classes you won’t find during the regular semesters, both on campus and abroad. During this event you’ll hear from current students about the different Short Term courses they have taken and what this time of year at Bates looks like!

Come As You Are! Belonging at Bates — April 1, 2026
Collaboration and support are at the heart of the Bates experience. Hear how students encourage one another to be their authentic selves at Bates and discover the ways our community fosters a sense of belonging.

Developing Your Writing Skills — April 8, 2026
Discover how Bates helps you grow as a writer across all disciplines and majors with our sequence of writing-attentive courses. Hear from current students about the mentorship they receive from professors, the support provided by the Student Language and Writing Center, and the many ways your abilities will evolve from your first semester onward.

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:

Check back in March 2026 for upcoming AMA events.

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.