When Bates opened in 1855, it was New England’s first co-educational college. Since then, we have admitted students regardless of their nationality, race, religion, sex, or socio-economic status. While this openness was at the core of our founding identity and principles, it has been tested throughout time and requires us to constantly reflect upon and recommit to our mission.

At Bates, we value the diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, and engage in the transformative power of our differences. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is the guiding principle behind Prologue to Bates, a program geared towards students entering their senior year who express interest in being a part of our inclusive and pluralistic community.

What is Prologue?

Prologue is an all-expenses-paid, student access fly-in program, Sunday, October 11 – Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Bates will provide transportation to and from our campus, meals, and accommodations.

Students enjoy a unique and engaging few days of conversation and community where you’ll learn, have some fun, and meet like-minded, college-bound seniors. Together, we’ll talk about tips for the college application and financial aid processes, connect you with current Bobcats (that’s our mascot!) so you can get a sense of the student experience, introduce you to our devoted faculty and staff, and much more!

Programming is also aligned with our larger Fall Visit Day, when students from around the country and the world come to visit and learn more about Bates.

Want to know some additional highlights of what you’ll experience? During Prologue, you’ll…

• Meet other students who are interested in Bates and a liberal arts education
• Attend academic sessions and learn from professors who will guide you through Bates’ well-rounded and rigorous academic experience
• Stay overnight in campus housing with a Bates College student
• Eat meals in Commons, our nationally-recognized and highly-ranked dining hall
• Learn more about Bates’ athletic, cultural, and co-curricular events and clubs
• Visit Maine and the heart of downtown Lewiston (the diverse city where Bates is located)
• See why Bates is a special and amazing place to spend four years and develop the skills you need to succeed

Hear from Past Prologue Attendees

Before Prologue, I really wasn’t sure at all what college would be like. During Prologue, I got to ask all my burning questions and make a lot of connections I still have today.

My favorite part was breaking off from the main schedule to go see a theater production of “Body Awareness” and coming back to learn how to hoverboard with my host’s friend. I chose Bates because the tight knit community felt real, not faked.
– Kainda Nzinga ’29

Everyone on Prologue came from all walks of life, and that was what connected us all together. My Prologue experience was why I came to Bates. Everyone here that I met smiled at each other, and it felt like a genuine community. I chose Bates College because it based its community around students’ own individual communities; I saw a school who valued and encouraged diversity….

Opportunities like these don’t come up often because of how I’ve grown up; being first-gen made it hard to look for them. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Bates College for accepting me to Prologue to Bates.
– Marc Croteau ’29

Who should apply?

Applications are welcome from students intending to enter college in Fall 2027 who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or undocumented/DACA students residing in the United States. Prologue is designed to serve students who are first-generation-to-college students* and low-income students.

*Bates College defines a first-generation college student as an individual from a family where no parent or guardian has earned a Bachelor’s degree.

Thank you for your interest! The application for Prologue to Bates has closed for Fall 2026.

Have additional questions about Prologue to Bates?

Contact the Office of Admission at 207-786-6000 or admission@bates.edu.