Information for Transfer & Non-Traditional Students

Can I apply for the winter semester?
Yes. Transfers and non-traditional students may apply for January admission. The deadline for the recommended interview, the Common Application, the Bates Supplement, additional documentation, and financial aid forms is November 1.  See our checklist for transfer applicants.  Please note that enrollment for January is limited.

Is it better to apply online or by mail? To expedite the process for transfer students, we recommend that you apply online, if possible. The CommonApp.org offers an application specifically for transfer students, as well as our Bates Supplement. If you are not able to apply online, please fill in and mail Transfer Application and Bates Supplement.

 

What essays are required to be submitted by transfer students? The online CommonApp.org application for transfer students requires a Personal Essay regarding the motivation for transfer. The Bates Supplement requires one short answer essay regarding interest in applying to Bates. These must be completed as two separate essays.

Will my credit transfer to Bates?
Bates College transfers most of your liberal arts and science courses that are similar to Bates courses in content, rigor and length and have been taken at accredited institutions. A grade of at least a C is required for course credit to transfer to Bates.

Bates College has a Transfer Credit Policy that details the review of credit transfers as well as Bates College degree requirements, Transfer Credit Policy.  For other credit transfer information, please refer to the Non-Bates Credit section in the Office of the Registrar.

As a transfer student, am I eligible for financial aid?
Yes. You should know that aid is based on need. Unfortunately, college aid is not always available for students entering in January, but we will assist eligible students to secure loans, government grants, and campus employment. See our complete instructions for applying for financial aid.

Will I get campus housing?
At Bates, housing is guaranteed for all students. New students are assigned rooms on the basis of a questionnaire mailed before matriculation. (Returning students choose rooms in an annual lottery system.)

When will I know if I have been accepted to Bates?
Applicants for September admission will receive decision letters in early April. Applicants for January admission will receive decision letters in mid-December. Each accepted student who wishes to enroll is required to send a non-refundable deposit of $300.  The deadline for a September deposit is May 1st and extensions are not granted.

For more information.
For general information, 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.

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