Visiting Bates College in Maine

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Last day of high school junior year. By the gates, there will be stressed students who almost grew out of adolescence but is not yet an adult. They will pass a busy summer specked with infinitesimal moments of fun. The heat waves will carry a certain restlessness: one year into IB, a few months after AP, a half term of A-levels, and five months until the college application deadline.

This summer, I am that student.

I attend the Beijing City International School (BCIS) and intend to study in the United States, with a focus on small private universities and liberal arts colleges.

I will be a creative writing major with a minor in communications and media. I love the arts and journalism and everything in between. in classic post-covid fashion, I am going to visit schools with my dearest dad.

Join me as I take you on my college visit tour across the US.

Little Ivy Leagues:
Williams College, Amherst College, Pomona College
Women’s Colleges:
Scripps College, Smith College, Wellesley College, Mount Holyoke College
Ivy Leagues:
Brown University, Dartmouth University
Liberal Arts Colleges:
Middlebury College, Bates College, Hamilton College, Kenyon College
Private Universities:
Tufts University, Chapman University

Morning rain pitter-pattered down the windshield glass and a cloud of fog rose quietly before my eyes. As the car ceased in the parking zone of Bates College, I think it is important to mention the Maine weather. Rain is a scene in New England - perhaps the reason for calling America's northeastern states New England has to do with climate. Winter is cold and snowy without wind. Summer is either unshielded sun or grey skies, but never too hot. Does this sound like London? Well, it is New England, after all.

Bates has a well-connected location. Although it cannot be described exactly as 'urban', it is next to Lewiston, the second most populated area in Maine. It is about thirty minutes away from Portland, the largest city in Maine. A number of small towns also circulate Bates. As a small liberal arts college within the NESCAC (New England Small College Athletic Conference) association, Bates is ranked #25 by US News, its regional competitors being Bowdoin College (ranked #6) and Colby College (ranked #24).

I have a coincidental connection to Bates College. I go to Beijing City International School, and quite a few students here get accepted every year. In fact, a notable alumni who I remember as the warmest, kindest senior with too many extracurricular achievements to count, Chris Lu, is a history major at Bates. He would gently remind you that SAT scoring and GPA aren't the defining factors to Bates admissions, They are important, but a strong sense of community is the ultimate 'fit'. For example, bettering your own surroundings with activities that reflect commitment and care, collaboration and diversity, service, and adventure.

Bates’ emphasis on community threads through its history. Inclusion is the trademark. Considered radical for its time, Bates was one of the first liberal arts colleges in the 19th century to educate both black and white students, admit both men and women and later, offer financial aid to both domestic and international school students.

Bates also makes an effort to engage with the blue-collar towns around it. Students frequently teach in primary and secondary schools there to help others whenever they could. In return, these institutions often live broadcast Bates’ basketball games and other activities, illuminating the college’s reputation in small, unexpected ways. The Purpose Internship Program is another way for students to not only gain working experience at prestigious, leading institutions in their respective fields but also find out where their interests come from, why they are interested in certain things, and in the end, ignite the sense of purpose that leads to success in all careers. Students keep their own missions close to their chest and truly wish to make an impact in the world.

While Bates is a special place, its campus isn’t exactly special, It is small and quaint, located on the corner of Maine, and clearly nothing grand. The dining and residential halls are typical of liberal arts colleges and the student body is miniature in size. The summer is mostly quiet and short terms, a 3-week program in May that allows students to just take one class and explore it in depth, is even quieter. There are theatre groups designated just for throwing together performances during short terms, but it will feel like a tiny home, won’t feel like a buzzing city crowd. Many students come from Maine and most come from Massachusetts.

Bates College Fun Facts

Bates especially value demonstrated interest. It tracks which of the emails it sends you actually open, and records a student’s list of engagements with the school. That should say something about Bates. A very intentional college

Bates is a Division 3 sports school that competes in the NESCAC

It has 12% of international students

After the supreme court decision, Bates is still trying to maintain racial balance and work around it with legal advisors

Do not simply judge Bates by its website. It’s better to visit and feel the ambiance yourself before applying

Definitely take Maine’s weather and location into account

I believe you can get exceptional lobsters and oysters and all kinds of seafood in Portland, Maine, which is not too far away

Bates feels like a school in the middle of a vacation

Bates is a predominantly white school but by no means exclusive. It has an interesting combination of tradition and openness

Images: Helen Wang

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