Yeah, that was smart not to send them. But students without test scores usually have a higher GPA. I’m concerned they might think you can’t do college level work. I am pretty sure you’ll get into Bates, tho, which honestly you might like better. I took my sons to Bates and Bowdoin and they thought Bowdoin was more preppy and stuck up. They were very impressed with Bates and the fact that we ran into two of the professors I had 30 years prior, and both immediately recognized me and called me by name!
I really do hope I get into Bates or Bowdoin because I really want a change of scenery. I have lived in Memphis, Tennessee my entire life, and I wish to live in another state. Wish me luck!!
@OldbatesieDoc I got rejected from Bowdoin. I hope I get into Bates.
@OldbatesieDoc I GOT INTO BATES!!! Thank you so much for saying that I’ll get in!
@Gpa348 me too! rejected from bowdoin, got into colby and bates
Gpa348 I’m so happy for you. That’s wonderful! To everyone accepted, it really is an awesome, nurturing place and I spent 4 of the happiest years of my life there.
@OldbatesieDoc Since I’m from the southeast, I’m not used to very cold weather. Where should I shop to prepare for the winter? What brands should I buy?
Well, LLBean of course! Definitely need the shearling-lined Bean Boots, flannel-lined jeans, and a Baxter State Parka!
@OldbatesieDoc thank you!
@OldbatesieDoc , I beg to differ:-) Daughter is a Batesie and has none of those things. She complains that her legs are cold and flat out refuses to wear thermals. She’s a sophomore, so this is her second winter there. Funny how smart kids can be dumb sometimes! @joy12345 , I’m biased, but Bates is far superior to Colby 
@Lindagaf, I can top that. My kid who just graduated refused to wear either a jacket or boots. He spent most of the year in a hoodie and Sanuks (light canvas shoes). Then again, as soon as he graduated he moved to Miami, so…
Back in the day I visited Bates in the morning and Colby in the afternoon of the same day. The wind whipping off the exposed hill at Colby helped make the decision easier.
@OldbatesieDoc @Lindagaf @Sue22 Thank you! Should I buy my clothes in the Northeast, like in Massachusetts or Maine when I get there?
I would. Bates will run regular shuttles to Freeport, which has fantastic shopping. If you go into the LLBean outlet store, you can get a lot of great deals on last season’s stuff. We did that with our daughter. She got a warm down coat for less than $100. Wears it every day. That’s a very good deal for down. You need thick gloves, not thin leather, ideally lined with wool or fleece. If you plan to ski or board, you need snow gear, including mittens or gloves. You need thick hats, a scarf, and boots with good traction. My daughter wears hiking boots on snowy days, Doc Martins on days that aren’t snowy or icy, Uggs on days wehn the paths aren’t too slushy or sandy (Bates uses sand, not salt, but it can make a mess of your dorm floor.) Get a mat to put shoes on, leave it by your door.
Good advice from @Lindagaf. You can also check out the brands your friends have and look for online sales.
And the Bates bookstore will have some good winter hats!
What is Bates’ reputation? I’m majoring in Econ and I’m looking for work in money management. I will join the Investment Club. Will a Bates degree help me or hurt me get a job on Wall St? I want to work in a hedge fund, in investment management. What is Bates’ alumni network like? Is it strong? Do companies recruit at Bates?
Thanks in advance!!
I would totally recommend the alumni network. I’m a doctor, not a banker, so I’ll leave the rest of the answer to others. I also think you should ask admissions to direct you to the proper person to answer your questions.
Well, it’s not going to hurt you. Is it as prestigious as Wharton? Probably not. The alumni network is very good, which is one reason why we were happy for our daughter to attend. You should get in touch with Bates’ career center. They can give you much better info than I can. They are knowledgeable and helpful. @Sue22 or @lookingforward any advice?
@Lindagaf @Sue22 @lookingforward @OldbatesieDoc
I see that Goldman, JP Morgan, and Credit Suisse recruit at Bates. I even see a hedge fund (Farallon Capital). I guess pursuing a career in finance as a student at Bates is a possibility.
About clothing. Personally, I wouldn’t wait too long to buy a winter jacket because it seems the selection goes down. We bought ours NorthFace fleece jackets (for fall or indoors) for a discount in Freeport, but it wasn’t inexpensive. I got them a great deal on down jackets online. There’s a nearby WalMart, for that lower price range. Kids tend to dress in layers, when they need to. Mine had Uggs boots (in addition to the lace-up LLBean noots) and the number one thing they knew to do was get them waterproofed (at a shoe repair place.) You don;t really eed to worry about brands, there’s a nice range of welcoming kids.
Mostly, in New England, it’s not thaaat cold up to Christmas. Buildings are warm, but you do need to walk a bit to get to the cafeteria and some dorms aren’t s close as others. Scarf and very warm gloves are good.
I really like the college and the town. Mine got a great education, made some long lasting friendships. I will warm you I see Bates as a grad-deflation school, so be on the ball, get your work under control early. Get academic coaching, if needed. Go to office hours (not just for help.)
Both of mine are happily employed, neither in finance.