Frequently Asked Questions
Is admission to the engineering school guaranteed?
Generally, no, although the criteria for admission depends on the partner institution. Admission decisions are made by the partner institutions and, at the minimum, generally require successful completion of all engineering prerequisite courses and GPA at the 3.25 level or better.
Will I receive financial aid during the final two years?
Bates College provides financial aid only for the three years of study at Bates. Aid for the remaining two years is subject to the policies of the partner institution.
What is the “engineering major” at Bates?
The engineering major is used to track students interested in the combined plan programs and to establish an advising relationship between interested students and the combined plan liaison. Students planning to apply to the combined plans should declare the engineering major by March 1 of their sophomore year.
The engineering major is not a standalone Bates major in the sense that students cannot graduate Bates in four years with only the engineering major. The engineering major is used within the context of the engineering combined plans only, and students are strongly encouraged to begin a major other than engineering in case they choose not to pursue the combined plans.
Can I study abroad?
Generally, yes, although students interested in studying abroad in addition to the engineering combined plans should discuss with the combined plan liaison as soon as possible. Any courses taken abroad to satisfy engineering prerequisites should be transferred back as the equivalent Bates course and should appear on the student’s Bates transcript.
Are there other pathways to engineering from Bates?
Yes. The combined plans provide a convenient way to combine the benefits of liberal arts study at Bates with targeted study in engineering. That said, many Bates students successfully apply to continue on to graduate study in engineering after completing a four year Bates degree.
Can AP or IB courses be used to satisfy engineering prerequisites?
Yes. These courses should be transferred for credit and should appear on the Bates transcript. Questions about transfer credits, please see the Registrar’s FAQ
For additional questions, contact the Combined Plan Advisor:
Professor Ryan Cole
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Bates College
44 Campus Ave.
Lewiston, ME 04240
Email: rcole@bates.edu