QuestBridge and Bates College
Bates College is proud to partner with QuestBridge, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that connects high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds with leading institutions of higher education.
Our partnership with QuestBridge reflects Bates’ deep commitment to equity and access in higher education. We seek intellectually curious, community-minded students from all backgrounds who are eager to engage in rigorous academics and inclusive campus life.
Details on applying to Bates through QuestBridge are outlined below.
How do I apply to Bates through the QuestBridge National College Match program?
Applying to Bates through QuestBridge is one of several ways to apply to Bates. If you meet the QuestBridge eligibility requirements, the National College Match program is a great way to apply for free to some of the nation’s top colleges, be considered for early admission, and receive a QuestBridge Match Scholarship that covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, food and housing, books and course materials, and travel expenses.
What is the QuestBridge National College Match program application process?
QuestBridge manages its own application process for the National College Match Program that begins in the late summer before a student’s senior year. Students who apply to the program are later able to rank up to 15 colleges to be matched with, including Bates, as one of their preferred colleges. QuestBridge finalists are selected by QuestBridge and complete the submission requirements to college partners on their match rankings list.
Finalists who match through the National College Match program receive notice through QuestBridge of early admission and a QuestBridge Match Scholarship. Students who are matched understand that the admission decision is binding, and they are committed to attending the matched school the following fall.
Visit the QuestBridge website for full details on the National College Match application and timeline.
Non-matched students and non-finalists may proceed on their own with college applications, including Early Decision and Regular Decision opportunities at Bates summarized below.
What happens if I am a QuestBridge National College Match Program finalist and I am not matched with Bates?
If you match with another college, you are committed to attending the matched school the following fall.
If you are a QuestBridge finalist and do not match with any college through the National College Match, you may indicate your intention to apply Regular Decision to Bates through QuestBridge by using the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form. QuestBridge will forward your application to Bates in December. No additional Common Application or Coalition Application is required. You will be reviewed for admission during Bates’ regular decision timeline.
Note that all QuestBridge finalists who rank Bates for the College Match but did not match to a binding college, will automatically have their QuestBridge applications moved to the Bates Regular Decision process. Students who have applied under Regular Decision and who wish to convert their application to Early Decision II can do so by filing the Early Decision agreement (use the PDF found on the Common Application site) by 11:59pm ET on February 1, 2025.
Bates is committed to affordability. Bates meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, and we are test-optional in our admissions process.
What happens if I am a QuestBridge National College Match Program finalist and I choose not to rank any college?
If you are a QuestBridge finalist and you choose not to rank colleges you may apply to Bates through our Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision process. You may apply with your QuestBridge application, the Common Application, or the Coalition Application, and you will be reviewed through the Bates application timeline.
If you wish to submit your QuestBridge application for Regular Decision, you must apply to Bates through the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form and QuestBridge will send your applicant materials to Bates. You will receive access to your Bates Application Portal via email, and you may track the status of your Bates application through that Portal.
If you wish to submit your QuestBridge application for Early Decision I or Early Decision II consideration, please contact our Office of Admission at admission@bates.edu or (207) 786-6000.
All Bates early decision applicants must complete the Early Decision Agreement (use the PDF found on the Common Application site), which must be signed by the applicant, parent/guardian, and school counselor. Our Early Decision I deadline is November 15, and our Early Decision II deadline is January 10. You will be reviewed for admission during Bates’ early decision timeline.
If you wish to apply to Bates through the Common Application or the Coalition Application, that application will be considered your primary application for review. Details on applying to Bates through the Common Application or Coalition Application can be found here.
Bates is committed to affordability. Bates meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, and we are test-optional in our admissions process.
What happens if I apply to the QuestBridge National College Match program and am not selected as a finalist?
If you were not selected as a QuestBridge finalist and would like to apply to Bates Early Decision I, Early Decision II or Regular Decision, please see the details outlined here to complete an application to Bates.
Bates is committed to affordability. Bates meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, and we are test-optional in our admissions process.
Is there support for QuestBridge Scholars at Bates?
As a matched QuestBridge Scholar at Bates, you’ll join a vibrant community of students supported by your Bates faculty and peers. You’ll also be supported as a QuestBridge Scholar through the Student Center for Belonging and Community, the Bobcat First program (for first-generation students), academic resources provided by the Student Academic Support Center, and more.
Additional QuestBridge Frequently Asked Questions
What is QuestBridge?
QuestBridge is a national nonprofit that connects high-achieving, low-income students with leading colleges and universities. Bates College is proud to be a QuestBridge partner and is committed to making a Bates education accessible to talented students from all backgrounds.
Does Bates College participate in the QuestBridge National College Match?
Yes, students selected as finalists may rank Bates and be considered for admission and a Match Scholarship through the National College Match. Students matched to Bates are admitted with a binding Early Decision agreement and will receive a Match Scholarship.
What are the eligibility requirements to participate in the QuestBridge National College Match program?
Learn more about the QuestBridge National College Match program eligibility and selection criteria here. The QuestBridge National College Match program and Match Scholarship offered by Bates is available only to U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents. U.S. citizens and permanent residents living abroad are eligible to apply for the match.For information on your eligibility as a non-U.S. citizen to apply to Bates College, visit this web page for details or contact Bates at admission@bates.edu.
Can non-U.S. citizens apply to the QuestBridge National College Match program?
No, the Match Scholarship Package offered by Bates College is available only to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. U.S. citizens and permanent residents living abroad are eligible to apply for the match.
For information on your eligibility as a non-U.S. citizen to apply to Bates College, visit this web page for details or contact Bates at admission@bates.edu.
Can I use the QuestBridge application to apply to Bates College?
Yes, if you were selected as a QuestBridge finalist, Bates accepts the QuestBridge application for both National College Match participants and students applying through Regular Decision. If you are a QuestBridge finalist and do not match with any college through the National College Match, you may indicate your intention to apply Regular Decision to Bates through QuestBridge by using the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form. QuestBridge will forward your application to Bates in December. No additional Common Application or Coalition Application is required. You will be reviewed for admission during Bates’ regular decision timeline.
If you are a QuestBridge National College Match Program finalist and choose not to rank any college, see the detailed instructions outlined above.
If you were not selected as a QuestBridge finalist and would like to apply Regular Decision to Bates, please see the details outlined here to complete an application to Bates.
What is the difference between a QuestBridge finalist, a Match Scholarship Recipient, and a non-finalist?
Read here to understand what it means to be a QuestBridge finalist and Match Scholarship Recipient. Read here to understand what it means to be a non-finalist.
What happens if I am a QuestBridge finalist and I don’t match with Bates or another school?
If you do not match with any of your ranked colleges, you can still apply to Bates via Regular Decision using your QuestBridge application. If you wish to submit your QuestBridge application for Regular Decision, you must apply to Bates through the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form and QuestBridge will send your applicant materials to Bates. You will receive access to your Bates Application Portal via email, and you may track the status of your Bates application through that Portal.
What happens if I am not selected as a QuestBridge finalist?
If you were not selected as a QuestBridge finalist and would like to apply Regular Decision to Bates, please see the details outlined here to complete an application to Bates.
Is the Match binding at Bates College?
Yes, if you are matched with Bates through QuestBridge, it is a binding Early Decision admission. You must withdraw all other college applications and commit to attending Bates.
Is Bates test-optional?
Yes, Bates has been test-optional since 1984. We do not require SAT or ACT scores for admission, including for QuestBridge applicants. If you choose to submit test scores, we will consider them as part of a holistic admission review but they are never required.
How do I know if Bates has received my QuestBridge application?
Once your QuestBridge application has been forwarded to Bates, we’ll send you instructions to log into your Bates applicant portal, where you can monitor your application status and any missing materials.
What are the financial aid application requirements for QuestBridge students applying to Bates?
Details for applying for financial aid at Bates as a first-year applicant can be found here. Details on financial aid deadlines can also be found on the Student Financial Services website.
Bates is committed to affordability. Bates meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.
What should I do if I want to withdraw my application to QuestBridge or Bates?
Please contact QuestBridge directly to let them know of your desire to withdraw from the Match Process. If you no longer wish to be considered as a Bates applicant, please complete a QuestBridge withdrawal form to withdraw your Bates application.
Where can I find more answers to questions about QuestBridge?
Answers to specific questions about QuestBridge can be found on the QuestBridge support site.
Contact Us
If you have questions about applying to Bates through QuestBridge, please see the frequently asked questions below or contact our Office of Admission at admission@bates.edu or (207) 786-6000.