When preparing to apply to Bates, consider visiting the campus and meeting with a member of the staff. That way, you'll get a personal view of the college and we'll get to meet you. Make sure to read the checklist carefully.

Checklist
Here is what you will need to apply to Bates:

APPLICATION

• Common Application.  Bates accepts the Common Application, which offers an application specifically for transfer students.  We strongly recommend using the application found at CommonApp.org with online submission.  Otherwise please print and mail us your application. 
• Supplement to the Common Application.  Please submit the Bates Supplement which includes an additional essay and a request to indicate the test scores you choose to submit.  This supplement is available online at CommonApp.org or to print and mail.
• Transfer Personal Essay.  The Common Application for transfers requires an essay concerning your motivation for transferring from your current institution.  Please note that this essay must be separate from the Bates Supplement essay question.
• A non-refundable $60 application fee. (We accept requests for fee waivers from appropriate school officials.  Students who are not citizens of the United Sates are not required to submit a fee or fee waiver request.)   

COLLEGE INFORMATION

• Your official college transcript(s). This should be sent directly from the office of the registrar and bear the college or university seal.
• A college catalog. The catalog should have course descriptions with the relevant pages indicated. You may include printable versions from your institution's on-line catalog.
• Three letters of recommendation (two from college faculty, one from college advisor or high school guidance counselor).  No particular form is necessary.
  Those who do not know their professors personally can submit recommendations from college teaching assistants or discussions leaders. Non-traditional students who cannot supply professor recommendations may submit employer or personal recommendations instead.
• A statement of good standing from the office of the dean of students of every college you have attended.  We do not have an institutional form.  The statement can be brief but must come from the Dean's Office, confirming your good social standing at each college.
• Mid-semester grade estimates. These are due by March 1 for Fall semester applicants, even if mid-semester exams fall after the March 1 deadline.  These are due by November 1st (same as the application deadline) for Winter semester applicants.  The mid-semester form is available on our application page.

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

• Your final official high school transcript. This should be sent directly from the high school and bear its official seal.

• Standardized test scores. The submission of standardized testing, such as the SAT I, SAT II, and the ACT, is optional. Students who speak English as a second language are required to submit their scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or similar test.

• Financial Aid Application: All students intending to apply for financial assistance from Bates should refer to our schedule of financial aid deadlines.
• For non-U.S. citizens, the Bates Financial Statement for International Students.  This is required whether or not you plan to apply for financial assistance, and deadlines vary. A downloadable form of the financial statement is available on the application page. Alternatively, you may receive a copy as part of the printed application by filling out this form; be sure to use the comment box to request the financial statement form specifically. 
• Additional writing samples.  Additional writing samples, and other evidence of creative ability are also encouraged.

Deadlines for Transfer Applicants

For More Info
For additional information, please contact admissions@bates.edu or call 207-786-6000. For financial aid information, contact the Office of Student Financial Services by calling 207-786-6096, faxing 207-786-8350, or emailing finaid@bates.edu.