ED II: Gettysburg vs. Bucknell vs. Trinity vs. Bates

Well, I am biased, but IMO, yes, Bates is worth it. If you got into all four of the colleges you are discussing here with no merit offers at any of them, I believe Bates is by far the best choice if money is not a consideration.

You might want to read this: How Bates prepared my student for her future