We asked the Bates admission team what advice they might have, both for seniors right now and for younger students just beginning their college search.<\/p>\n
The number one piece of advice comes from the dean herself, Leigh Weisenberger.<\/p>\n
\n
Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Leigh Weisenberger<\/h3>\n![\"Leigh](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/files\/2013\/10\/120726_Weisenburger_063_EDIT-212x300.jpg\")
<\/a>Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Leigh Weisenburger.<\/p><\/div>\n
The college application is your opportunity to tell us about what you truly enjoy doing, what inspires you and what holds meaning for you.<\/p>\n
It is not a sin to fail, said Benjamin Mays ’25, the revered civil rights leader and Bates graduate. But aiming low is.<\/p>\n
In all your efforts, show us that you can aim high.<\/p>\n
The academic work you do in high school, the initiative you take, is what will set you apart. Showing us that you can take the extra step in your coursework is the first thing any college admission team will notice.<\/p>\n
\nDirector of Admission Scott Steinberg \u201986<\/h3>\n![\"Director](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/files\/2013\/11\/steinberg_ab91fade64_h-214x300.jpg\")
<\/a>Director of Admission Scott Steinberg \u201986<\/p><\/div>\n
Choose your college carefully, and be mindful of what it stands for.<\/p>\n
In the best sense, going to college isn’t a transactional relationship, it’s a transformational one. You’re not just choosing a place to study for four years. You’re choosing an association of people \u2014 students, faculty, staff, and alumni \u2014 with whom you’ll study, play, network, socialize, work, and grow for many, many years to come.<\/p>\n
\nDirector of Student Financial Services Wendy Glass<\/h3>\n![\"Director](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/files\/2013\/12\/WGG.Generation-218x300.jpg\")
<\/a>Director of Student Financial Services Wendy Glass<\/p><\/div>\n
Once you\u2019ve submitted your application, it’s easy to settle back into your high school routine and forget about your financial-aid application \u2014 especially since aid deadlines are often later than admission deadlines.<\/p>\n
So, just as you’ve focused on application deadlines all fall, now be mindful of financial-aid deadlines. Note them on your calendar at home, and on your computer or smartphone.<\/p>\n
Communicate with your parents so you can together create a schedule that gives you enough time to gather information and submit the required forms on time.<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n
Associate Dean of Admission Jared Rivers<\/h3>\n![\"Associate](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/files\/2013\/11\/130724_Rivers_007-214x300.jpg\")
<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission Jared Rivers<\/p><\/div>\n
Try your best to remain true to yourself throughout the college search process without placing too much value in what your friends say.<\/p>\n
That should help you find the best college match based on your interests and things that are important to you.<\/p>\n
\nAssociate Dean of Admission Johie Seltzer \u201903<\/h3>\n![\"Associate](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/files\/2013\/11\/seltzer-8a7902e9cc_h-214x300.jpg\")
<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission Johie Farrar Seltzer ’03<\/p><\/div>\n
Don\u2019t forget to be a senior. You have worked hard to get to this point in your high school career. Make sure that you are taking time to enjoy that.<\/p>\n
This year isn\u2019t all about your college search, it\u2019s also about savoring your final year in high school.<\/p>\n
\nAdmission Counselor Noah Jenkins<\/h3>\n![\"Admission](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/files\/2013\/12\/jenkins_3742-214x300.jpg\")
<\/a>Admission Counselor Noah Jenkins<\/p><\/div>\n
Bates students are intelligent, active, multifaceted people and a good application calls attention to the student\u2019s individual talents and passions. Students that thrive here are ones that enrich campus with their individuality.<\/p>\n
\nAdmission Counselor Katy Nowiszewski<\/h3>\n![\"Admission](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/files\/2013\/12\/Nowiszewski_3783-214x300.jpg\")
<\/a>Admission Counselor Katy Nowiszewski<\/p><\/div>\n
The smartest way to get to know a college is by talking to its students and alumni. Bates interviews are conversations that can help you understand this place best \u2014 and help you decide if you are a Bobcat at heart.<\/p>\n
\nAssociate Dean of Admission LK Gagnon \u201988<\/h3>\n![\"Associate](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/files\/2013\/11\/gagnon-e4a7ddac3e_h1-214x300.jpg\")
<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission LK Gagnon \u201988<\/p><\/div>\n
Just be yourself. We want to know who you are, not who you think we want you to be.<\/p>\n
Although, Judy Garland said it way better: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”<\/p>\n
\nAdmission Counselor Freddi Dupre<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Leigh Weisenburger.<\/p><\/div>\n
The college application is your opportunity to tell us about what you truly enjoy doing, what inspires you and what holds meaning for you.<\/p>\n
It is not a sin to fail, said Benjamin Mays ’25, the revered civil rights leader and Bates graduate. But aiming low is.<\/p>\n
In all your efforts, show us that you can aim high.<\/p>\n
The academic work you do in high school, the initiative you take, is what will set you apart. Showing us that you can take the extra step in your coursework is the first thing any college admission team will notice.<\/p>\n
\n
Director of Admission Scott Steinberg \u201986<\/h3>\n<\/a>Director of Admission Scott Steinberg \u201986<\/p><\/div>\n
Choose your college carefully, and be mindful of what it stands for.<\/p>\n
In the best sense, going to college isn’t a transactional relationship, it’s a transformational one. You’re not just choosing a place to study for four years. You’re choosing an association of people \u2014 students, faculty, staff, and alumni \u2014 with whom you’ll study, play, network, socialize, work, and grow for many, many years to come.<\/p>\n
\nDirector of Student Financial Services Wendy Glass<\/h3>\n<\/a>Director of Student Financial Services Wendy Glass<\/p><\/div>\n
Once you\u2019ve submitted your application, it’s easy to settle back into your high school routine and forget about your financial-aid application \u2014 especially since aid deadlines are often later than admission deadlines.<\/p>\n
So, just as you’ve focused on application deadlines all fall, now be mindful of financial-aid deadlines. Note them on your calendar at home, and on your computer or smartphone.<\/p>\n
Communicate with your parents so you can together create a schedule that gives you enough time to gather information and submit the required forms on time.<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n
Associate Dean of Admission Jared Rivers<\/h3>\n<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission Jared Rivers<\/p><\/div>\n
Try your best to remain true to yourself throughout the college search process without placing too much value in what your friends say.<\/p>\n
That should help you find the best college match based on your interests and things that are important to you.<\/p>\n
\nAssociate Dean of Admission Johie Seltzer \u201903<\/h3>\n<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission Johie Farrar Seltzer ’03<\/p><\/div>\n
Don\u2019t forget to be a senior. You have worked hard to get to this point in your high school career. Make sure that you are taking time to enjoy that.<\/p>\n
This year isn\u2019t all about your college search, it\u2019s also about savoring your final year in high school.<\/p>\n
\nAdmission Counselor Noah Jenkins<\/h3>\n<\/a>Admission Counselor Noah Jenkins<\/p><\/div>\n
Bates students are intelligent, active, multifaceted people and a good application calls attention to the student\u2019s individual talents and passions. Students that thrive here are ones that enrich campus with their individuality.<\/p>\n
\nAdmission Counselor Katy Nowiszewski<\/h3>\n<\/a>Admission Counselor Katy Nowiszewski<\/p><\/div>\n
The smartest way to get to know a college is by talking to its students and alumni. Bates interviews are conversations that can help you understand this place best \u2014 and help you decide if you are a Bobcat at heart.<\/p>\n
\nAssociate Dean of Admission LK Gagnon \u201988<\/h3>\n<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission LK Gagnon \u201988<\/p><\/div>\n
Just be yourself. We want to know who you are, not who you think we want you to be.<\/p>\n
Although, Judy Garland said it way better: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”<\/p>\n
\nAdmission Counselor Freddi Dupre<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Director of Admission Scott Steinberg \u201986<\/p><\/div>\n
Choose your college carefully, and be mindful of what it stands for.<\/p>\n
In the best sense, going to college isn’t a transactional relationship, it’s a transformational one. You’re not just choosing a place to study for four years. You’re choosing an association of people \u2014 students, faculty, staff, and alumni \u2014 with whom you’ll study, play, network, socialize, work, and grow for many, many years to come.<\/p>\n
\n
Director of Student Financial Services Wendy Glass<\/h3>\n<\/a>Director of Student Financial Services Wendy Glass<\/p><\/div>\n
Once you\u2019ve submitted your application, it’s easy to settle back into your high school routine and forget about your financial-aid application \u2014 especially since aid deadlines are often later than admission deadlines.<\/p>\n
So, just as you’ve focused on application deadlines all fall, now be mindful of financial-aid deadlines. Note them on your calendar at home, and on your computer or smartphone.<\/p>\n
Communicate with your parents so you can together create a schedule that gives you enough time to gather information and submit the required forms on time.<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n
Associate Dean of Admission Jared Rivers<\/h3>\n<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission Jared Rivers<\/p><\/div>\n
Try your best to remain true to yourself throughout the college search process without placing too much value in what your friends say.<\/p>\n
That should help you find the best college match based on your interests and things that are important to you.<\/p>\n
\nAssociate Dean of Admission Johie Seltzer \u201903<\/h3>\n<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission Johie Farrar Seltzer ’03<\/p><\/div>\n
Don\u2019t forget to be a senior. You have worked hard to get to this point in your high school career. Make sure that you are taking time to enjoy that.<\/p>\n
This year isn\u2019t all about your college search, it\u2019s also about savoring your final year in high school.<\/p>\n
\nAdmission Counselor Noah Jenkins<\/h3>\n<\/a>Admission Counselor Noah Jenkins<\/p><\/div>\n
Bates students are intelligent, active, multifaceted people and a good application calls attention to the student\u2019s individual talents and passions. Students that thrive here are ones that enrich campus with their individuality.<\/p>\n
\nAdmission Counselor Katy Nowiszewski<\/h3>\n<\/a>Admission Counselor Katy Nowiszewski<\/p><\/div>\n
The smartest way to get to know a college is by talking to its students and alumni. Bates interviews are conversations that can help you understand this place best \u2014 and help you decide if you are a Bobcat at heart.<\/p>\n
\nAssociate Dean of Admission LK Gagnon \u201988<\/h3>\n<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission LK Gagnon \u201988<\/p><\/div>\n
Just be yourself. We want to know who you are, not who you think we want you to be.<\/p>\n
Although, Judy Garland said it way better: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”<\/p>\n
\nAdmission Counselor Freddi Dupre<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Director of Student Financial Services Wendy Glass<\/p><\/div>\n
Once you\u2019ve submitted your application, it’s easy to settle back into your high school routine and forget about your financial-aid application \u2014 especially since aid deadlines are often later than admission deadlines.<\/p>\n
So, just as you’ve focused on application deadlines all fall, now be mindful of financial-aid deadlines. Note them on your calendar at home, and on your computer or smartphone.<\/p>\n
Communicate with your parents so you can together create a schedule that gives you enough time to gather information and submit the required forms on time.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Associate Dean of Admission Jared Rivers<\/h3>\n<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission Jared Rivers<\/p><\/div>\n
Try your best to remain true to yourself throughout the college search process without placing too much value in what your friends say.<\/p>\n
That should help you find the best college match based on your interests and things that are important to you.<\/p>\n
\nAssociate Dean of Admission Johie Seltzer \u201903<\/h3>\n<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission Johie Farrar Seltzer ’03<\/p><\/div>\n
Don\u2019t forget to be a senior. You have worked hard to get to this point in your high school career. Make sure that you are taking time to enjoy that.<\/p>\n
This year isn\u2019t all about your college search, it\u2019s also about savoring your final year in high school.<\/p>\n
\nAdmission Counselor Noah Jenkins<\/h3>\n<\/a>Admission Counselor Noah Jenkins<\/p><\/div>\n
Bates students are intelligent, active, multifaceted people and a good application calls attention to the student\u2019s individual talents and passions. Students that thrive here are ones that enrich campus with their individuality.<\/p>\n
\nAdmission Counselor Katy Nowiszewski<\/h3>\n<\/a>Admission Counselor Katy Nowiszewski<\/p><\/div>\n
The smartest way to get to know a college is by talking to its students and alumni. Bates interviews are conversations that can help you understand this place best \u2014 and help you decide if you are a Bobcat at heart.<\/p>\n
\nAssociate Dean of Admission LK Gagnon \u201988<\/h3>\n<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission LK Gagnon \u201988<\/p><\/div>\n
Just be yourself. We want to know who you are, not who you think we want you to be.<\/p>\n
Although, Judy Garland said it way better: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”<\/p>\n
\nAdmission Counselor Freddi Dupre<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission Jared Rivers<\/p><\/div>\n
Try your best to remain true to yourself throughout the college search process without placing too much value in what your friends say.<\/p>\n
That should help you find the best college match based on your interests and things that are important to you.<\/p>\n
\n
Associate Dean of Admission Johie Seltzer \u201903<\/h3>\n<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission Johie Farrar Seltzer ’03<\/p><\/div>\n
Don\u2019t forget to be a senior. You have worked hard to get to this point in your high school career. Make sure that you are taking time to enjoy that.<\/p>\n
This year isn\u2019t all about your college search, it\u2019s also about savoring your final year in high school.<\/p>\n
\nAdmission Counselor Noah Jenkins<\/h3>\n<\/a>Admission Counselor Noah Jenkins<\/p><\/div>\n
Bates students are intelligent, active, multifaceted people and a good application calls attention to the student\u2019s individual talents and passions. Students that thrive here are ones that enrich campus with their individuality.<\/p>\n
\nAdmission Counselor Katy Nowiszewski<\/h3>\n<\/a>Admission Counselor Katy Nowiszewski<\/p><\/div>\n
The smartest way to get to know a college is by talking to its students and alumni. Bates interviews are conversations that can help you understand this place best \u2014 and help you decide if you are a Bobcat at heart.<\/p>\n
\nAssociate Dean of Admission LK Gagnon \u201988<\/h3>\n<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission LK Gagnon \u201988<\/p><\/div>\n
Just be yourself. We want to know who you are, not who you think we want you to be.<\/p>\n
Although, Judy Garland said it way better: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”<\/p>\n
\nAdmission Counselor Freddi Dupre<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission Johie Farrar Seltzer ’03<\/p><\/div>\n
Don\u2019t forget to be a senior. You have worked hard to get to this point in your high school career. Make sure that you are taking time to enjoy that.<\/p>\n
This year isn\u2019t all about your college search, it\u2019s also about savoring your final year in high school.<\/p>\n
\n
Admission Counselor Noah Jenkins<\/h3>\n<\/a>Admission Counselor Noah Jenkins<\/p><\/div>\n
Bates students are intelligent, active, multifaceted people and a good application calls attention to the student\u2019s individual talents and passions. Students that thrive here are ones that enrich campus with their individuality.<\/p>\n
\nAdmission Counselor Katy Nowiszewski<\/h3>\n<\/a>Admission Counselor Katy Nowiszewski<\/p><\/div>\n
The smartest way to get to know a college is by talking to its students and alumni. Bates interviews are conversations that can help you understand this place best \u2014 and help you decide if you are a Bobcat at heart.<\/p>\n
\nAssociate Dean of Admission LK Gagnon \u201988<\/h3>\n<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission LK Gagnon \u201988<\/p><\/div>\n
Just be yourself. We want to know who you are, not who you think we want you to be.<\/p>\n
Although, Judy Garland said it way better: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”<\/p>\n
\nAdmission Counselor Freddi Dupre<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Admission Counselor Noah Jenkins<\/p><\/div>\n
Bates students are intelligent, active, multifaceted people and a good application calls attention to the student\u2019s individual talents and passions. Students that thrive here are ones that enrich campus with their individuality.<\/p>\n
\n
Admission Counselor Katy Nowiszewski<\/h3>\n<\/a>Admission Counselor Katy Nowiszewski<\/p><\/div>\n
The smartest way to get to know a college is by talking to its students and alumni. Bates interviews are conversations that can help you understand this place best \u2014 and help you decide if you are a Bobcat at heart.<\/p>\n
\nAssociate Dean of Admission LK Gagnon \u201988<\/h3>\n<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission LK Gagnon \u201988<\/p><\/div>\n
Just be yourself. We want to know who you are, not who you think we want you to be.<\/p>\n
Although, Judy Garland said it way better: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”<\/p>\n
\nAdmission Counselor Freddi Dupre<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Admission Counselor Katy Nowiszewski<\/p><\/div>\n
The smartest way to get to know a college is by talking to its students and alumni. Bates interviews are conversations that can help you understand this place best \u2014 and help you decide if you are a Bobcat at heart.<\/p>\n
\n
Associate Dean of Admission LK Gagnon \u201988<\/h3>\n<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission LK Gagnon \u201988<\/p><\/div>\n
Just be yourself. We want to know who you are, not who you think we want you to be.<\/p>\n
Although, Judy Garland said it way better: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”<\/p>\n
\nAdmission Counselor Freddi Dupre<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Associate Dean of Admission LK Gagnon \u201988<\/p><\/div>\n
Just be yourself. We want to know who you are, not who you think we want you to be.<\/p>\n
Although, Judy Garland said it way better: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”<\/p>\n
\n
![\"Admission](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/files\/2013\/11\/120726_dupre_0411-214x300.jpg\")
<\/a>![\"Assistant](\"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/files\/2013\/11\/hinton_080_EDIT1-214x300.jpg\")
<\/a>