Academics: Biochemistry (Major); Public Health (GEC)

Activities: STEM Scholar, AESOP Leader, Helicase Biology Club Secretary

Why Bates? Four things: Collaboration. Close faculty-student relationships. Impact beyond the classroom. Research.

Academics: Interdisciplinary (Major); Theatre (Minor)

Activities: Varsity Basketball and Track, Senior Admissions Fellow, Presidential Search Committee, Student Affairs Committee, WRBC Radio

Why Bates? What made Bates standout were the opportunities available to have diverse experiences academically, athletically, and extracurricularly. From clubs, to teams, to courses, Bates allows for students to partake in all that they may desire.

Academics: History (Major); Politics (Major)

Activities: Senior Fellow in the Admissions Office, Intern in the Advancement Office, Student Affairs Committee Representative, Bates Law Society

Why Bates? I love Bates because of the deep engagement our professors have with their students, resulting in high level conversation and writing throughout our courses. Bates’ global lens has given me the opportunity to explore the world, while our alumni network’s commitment has given me professional internship experiences. Overall, the friendships I have made at Bates have been the best part of the last four years.

Academics: Biology (Major); English (Major)

Activities: Bates Student Newspaper; Club Soccer; Debate Team; Snaggletooth Magazine Contributor.

Why Bates? How authentic and genuine the community is. How everyone does everything in their power to make sure everyone feels like they belong.

Academics: Biology (Major); Asian Studies (Major)

Activities: Global Ambassador for the Center of Global Education, STEM Scholar

Why Bates? I chose Bates because not only did it offer all of the academics that I needed to pursue a career in medicine, but Bates allows all students to have equal opportunities for research, study abroad experiences, fellowships/internships, and more. Also, the sense of community at this school is like no other, and I felt it as soon as I stepped on the campus and immediately knew this was the school for me. 

Academics: Economics (Major); Math (Minor)

Activities: President of Club Basketball

Why Bates? How authentic and genuine the community is. How everyone does everything in their power to make sure everyone feels like they belong.

Academics: Biology (Major); English (Major); Undeclared Theater Specialty

Activities: Social media manager for a political club, DEI director for the Robinson Players, Bates Musicians Union

Why Bates? One of the reasons that I chose Bates was for the opportunities to explore different academic interests. While being here I’ve discovered a deep love for conservation biology, a passion for Early Modern literature, and a surprising interest in healthcare injustice. I would not have been able to form and develop these very different passions without Bates’ unique format. With required areas of study and no requirement to declare my major until the end of my sophomore year, I had time to truly explore and cultivate my academic interests.

Academics: Sociology (Major); Law & Society (GEC)

Activities: Editor: The Bates Student

Why Bates? I chose Bates because it was the first place where I truly saw the community in action. As someone who came across the country for college, that sense of connection mattered. From the start, I felt supported. Over time, Bates became a home away from home, where I’ve grown, belonged, and found people who genuinely care.

Academics: American Studies (Major); Gender and Sexuality Studies (Major), Material Culture (GEC)

Activities: Donor Relations Intern, Snaggletooth Magazine, Students Demand Action

Why Bates? I chose Bates because I could feel the warmth and connection the moment I stepped on campus. It combines academic rigor with a deep sense of community — where the one dining hall turns strangers into friends, and the Peer Learning Center reflects how much students genuinely support one another. I knew it would be a place I’d love — and somehow, I love it more every day.

Academics: Neuroscience (Major); Hispanic Studies (Minor)

Activities: Jewelry Making Club, STEM Scholars, Club Soccer, Volunteer at Trinity Jubilee Center, Writing Course Attached Tutor (W-CAT)

Why Bates? I was immediately drawn to the community at Bates. I remember during my first campus visit my tour guide was waving to students passing by at almost every stop on the tour. This alongside the small class sizes and opportunity to make personal connections with professors really stuck out to me. Now that I’m here, I couldn’t be any happier! 

Academics: Sociology (Major); Art and Visual Culture (Minor); Knowledge, Action and the Public Good (GEC) Children, Adolescents and School (GEC)

Activities: Manager of the Village Club Series, Manager Bates Outing Club Equipment Room, Research Assistant in the Psychology Department

Why Bates? I knew Bates was going to be a place where I could explore every avenue of myself and be supported in doing so. Bates also felt like home the moment I set foot on campus.

Academics: Psychology; Education; Japanese

Activities: Writing & Language Tutor, Table Tennis Club Leader, Purposeful Work Intern, TA for 2025 China Short Term Course

Why Bates? I personally consider myself as an introvert, so back in application season I always kept a look out for a small liberal arts school with a small student-teacher ratio so that I can actually connect with my peers and professors. Secondly, an upper classman peer from my high school was a junior at Bates when it was my application season. After a few talks, I applied early decision at Bates, having heard amazing and interesting stories from him. Third, it’s a very inclusive school as it’s the first school that admitted both women and other minority races. Also it is very international-student friendly with no supplemental essays at the time, so I can really share and be who I am by sharing something more exciting, which were my art portfolios.

Academics: Biology (Major); French & Francophone Studies (Major); Philosophy and Psychology (GEC)

Activities: Co-President of Le Club Francophone, Member of the Residence Life Team, Montello Elementary School Mentor, Harward Center Community Outreach Fellow

Why Bates? I love the collaborative atmosphere here at Bates, where we get to forge meaningful connections with peers and also find thoughtful mentorship from professors and faculty as well!

Academics: Psychology (Major); Rhetoric, Film, & Screen Studies (Minor); Public Health (GEC)

Activities: The Merimanders A Cappella

Why Bates? I chose Bates because of the tight-knit community, the collaborative environment academically, the emphasis on community engagement, and the low student-professor ratio.

Academics: Economics (Major); Hispanic Studies (Minor); Religious Studies (GEC)

Activities: Club Volleyball, Women in Economics, Club Ultimate Frisbee, Equestrian Club

Why Bates? Bates teaches me to think critically and imagine my own role in creating positive change, both for my community and the wider world.

Academics: Sociology (Major); History (Minor)

Activities: International Club

Why Bates? Bates fosters an environment of mutual understanding for each other’s differences, creating an accepting space for cross-cultural dialogue.