Go Figures

Last spring, Bates was among 28 private, four-year nonsectarian colleges that gave the “Your First College Year” survey to its incoming students. With 386 of 485 students responding, or 80 percent, here are some findings about their first Bates year – all expressed in percentages:

Became close friends with other students 89
Got to know faculty 87
Would probably/definitely choose Bates again 85
Satisfied with student sense of community 79
Same question posed at other colleges* 69
Drank beer occasionally/frequently 81
Same question posed at other colleges 64
Bates men who drank beer in high school 63
Men who drank beer at Bates 79
Women who drank beer in high school 52
Women who drank beer at Bates 82
Study at least 11 hours per week 51
Same question posed at other colleges 44
Highly value developing a meaningful life philosophy 65
Same question posed at other colleges 54