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 and you DID NOT rank Bates as a finalist, you may indicate your intention to apply to Bates through QuestBridge by using the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form.

• To submit your QuestBridge application to Bates, complete the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form (which will be available on your QuestBridge Manage page) from November 4 through December 11. Visit the QuestBridge website for more information.
• QuestBridge will forward your QuestBridge application to Bates in mid-December.
• Please check your Bates application portal to make certain Bates has all of your required materials to review your application, including an updated mid-year transcript.
• No additional Common App or Coalition App is required, and we encourage you not to submit more than one application to Bates. There is no application fee to apply to Bates.
• If you have already applied to Bates through the Common App or the Coalition App, you do not need to complete the process to submit a QuestBridge app. However, if you do complete the steps to apply to Bates through QuestBridge by using the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form, the QuestBridge application will be considered your primary application for review.
• If you apply to Bates through QuestBridge by using the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form, you will be reviewed for admission during Bates’ regular decision timeline unless you convert your application to Early Decision II.
• If you wish to convert your application to Early Decision II you can do so by filing the Early Decision agreement (use the PDF found on the Common App site) with Bates by 11:59pm ET on February 1. You will then be reviewed for admission during Bates’ Early Decision II timeline. Visit our Bates application details page for more information on converting to Early Decision II.
• It is not possible to apply to Bates for Early Decision I as a QuestBridge finalist who has not matched. 

If you are a QuestBridge finalist and do not match with any college through the National College Match and you DID rank Bates as a finalist, Bates will automatically move your QuestBridge application to be considered through the Bates Regular Decision process.

• Please check your Bates application portal to make certain Bates has all of your required materials to review your application, including an updated mid-year transcript.
• No additional Common App or Coalition App is required, and we encourage you not to submit more than one application to Bates. There is no application fee to apply to Bates.
• If you have applied to Bates through the Common App or the Coalition App, the QuestBridge application will be considered your primary application for review.
• You will be reviewed for admission during Bates’ regular decision timeline unless you convert your application to Early Decision II.
• If you wish to convert your application to Early Decision II you can do so by filing the Early Decision agreement (use the PDF found on the Common App site) with Bates by 11:59pm ET on February 1. You will then be reviewed for admission during Bates’ Early Decision II timeline. Visit our Bates application details page for more information on converting to Early Decision II.
• It is not possible to apply to Bates for Early Decision I as a QuestBridge finalist who has not matched. 

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.

If you are a QuestBridge finalist and you choose not to rank colleges (i.e., a Non-Participating Finalist) you may apply to Bates through our Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision process. See details below.

• To submit your QuestBridge application to Bates, complete the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form (which will be available on your QuestBridge Manage page) from November 4 through December 11. Visit the QuestBridge website for more information.
• QuestBridge will forward your QuestBridge application to Bates in mid-December.
• Please check your Bates application portal to make certain Bates has all of your required materials to review your application, including an updated mid-year transcript.
• No additional Common App or Coalition App is required, and we encourage you not to submit more than one application to Bates. (However, see details below regarding Early Decision I.) There is no application fee to apply to Bates.
• If you have already applied to Bates through the Common App or the Coalition App, you do not need to complete the process to submit a QuestBridge app. However, if you do complete the steps to apply to Bates through QuestBridge by using the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form, the QuestBridge application will be considered your primary application for review.
• If you apply to Bates through QuestBridge by using the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form, you will be reviewed for admission during Bates’ regular decision timeline unless you convert your application to Early Decision II.
• If you wish to convert your application to Early Decision II you can do so by filing the Early Decision agreement (use the PDF found on the Common App site) with Bates by 11:59pm ET on February 1. You will then be reviewed for admission during Bates’ Early Decision II timeline. Visit our Bates application details page for more information on converting to Early Decision II.
• If you wish to apply to Bates for Early Decision I, it is not possible to apply Early Decision I to Bates using a QuestBridge application. Bates requests that you instead apply using the Common App or Coalition App. Details about applying via the Common App or Coalition App can be found on our website here. Our deadline to convert to Early Decision I is by 11:59pm ET on December 1.

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.

If you were not selected as a QuestBridge finalist (i.e., a Non-Finalist) you may apply to Bates through our Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision process. See details below.

• To submit your QuestBridge application to Bates, complete the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form (which will be available on your QuestBridge Manage page) from November 4 through December 11. Visit the QuestBridge website for more information.
• QuestBridge will forward your QuestBridge application to Bates in mid-December.
• Please check your Bates application portal to make certain Bates has all of your required materials to review your application, including an updated mid-year transcript.
• No additional Common App or Coalition App is required, and we encourage you not to submit more than one application to Bates. (However, see details below regarding Early Decision I.) There is no application fee to apply to Bates.
• If you have already applied to Bates through the Common App or the Coalition App, you do not need to complete the process to submit a QuestBridge app. However, if you do complete the steps to apply to Bates through QuestBridge by using the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form, the QuestBridge application will be considered your primary application for review.
• If you apply to Bates through QuestBridge by using the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form, you will be reviewed for admission during Bates’ regular decision timeline unless you convert your application to Early Decision II.
• If you wish to convert your application to Early Decision II you can do so by filing the Early Decision agreement (use the PDF found on the Common App site) with Bates by 11:59pm ET on February 1. You will then be reviewed for admission during Bates’ Early Decision II timeline. Visit our Bates application details page for more information on converting to Early Decision II.
• If you wish to apply to Bates for Early Decision I, it is not possible to apply Early Decision I to Bates using a QuestBridge application. Bates requests that you instead apply using the Common App or Coalition app. Details about applying via the Common App or Coalition App can be found on our website here. Our deadline to convert to Early Decision I is by 11:59pm ET on December 1.

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.

As a 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 to college students), academic resources provided by the Student Academic Support Center, and more.

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, Bates accepts the QuestBridge application from National College Match participants. 

However, if you are a QuestBridge finalist and do not match with any college through the National College Match, you may apply to Bates for Regular Decision or Early Decision II to Bates through QuestBridge by using the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form. QuestBridge will forward your application to Bates in mid-December. No additional Common App or Coalition App is required, and we encourage you not to submit more than one application to Bates. You will be reviewed for admission during Bates’ application timeline. It is not possible to apply to Bates for Early Decision I as a QuestBridge finalist who has not matched. Please see the detailed instructions outlined above.

If you are a QuestBridge National College Match Program finalist and choose not to rank any college (i.e., a Non-Participating Finalist), you may apply to Bates for Regular Decision or Early Decision II to Bates through QuestBridge by using the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form. No additional Common App or Coalition App is required, and we encourage you not to submit more than one application to Bates. (See details below regarding Early Decision I.) If you wish to apply to Bates for Early Decision I, it is not possible to apply using a QuestBridge application. Bates requests that you instead apply using the Common App or Coalition App. Details about applying via the Common App or Coalition App can be found on our website here. You will be reviewed for admission during Bates’ application timeline. Please see the detailed instructions outlined above.

If you were not selected as a QuestBridge finalist (i.e., a Non-Finalist), you may apply to Bates for Regular Decision or Early Decision II to Bates through QuestBridge by using the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form. No additional Common App or Coalition App is required, and we encourage you not to submit more than one application to Bates. (See details below regarding Early Decision I.) If you wish to apply to Bates for Early Decision I, it is not possible to apply using a QuestBridge application. Bates requests that you instead apply using the Common App or Coalition App. Details about applying via the Common App or Coalition App can be found on our website here. You will be reviewed for admission during Bates’ application timeline. Please see the detailed instructions outlined above.

What happens after Bates receives your QuestBridge application?

Once Bates has received your application from QuestBridge, you will receive an email acknowledgement from Bates with instructions about accessing your Bates application portal. Once you log in, you will be able to complete a supplemental form, which includes a short questionnaire. In addition, you will need to submit an official transcript(s) and complete financial aid requirements. See complete details here.

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.

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. For information about the National College Match Scholarship package, details can be found on the QuestBridge website. Information about 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 withdrawal form to withdraw your Bates application, which can be found in your Bates applicant portal.

Where can I find more answers to questions about QuestBridge?

Answers to specific questions about QuestBridge can be found on the QuestBridge support site.