@lookingforward Is the Econ program good?
I don’t know it, Gpa348. I would assume it is. This is a community of bright, motivated kids and many dedicated, engaged profs.
Look at the course catalogs, see the breadth and depth of topics, the backgrounds and research interests of profs, the requirements for the major.
@lookingforward Thanks
https://ideas.repec.org/top/top.uslacecon.html
https://www.bates.edu/career/class-outcomes/
The Bates Econ. department has a very strong reputation.
@Sue22 Thanks very much!
My husband was an econ major years ago and ended up getting an MBA and is now a partner in a consulting firm. He does a lot of mentoring with current students and loves it. I think Bates has really stepped up their game since we were there many years ago. There was a point where we didn’t think we would steer our kids there because we weren’t happy with the recruiting but now we are happily suggesting that our current high school freshman put it on her list in a few years.
Absolutely @LMC9902 ! Clayton Spencer is doing a phenomenal job! My D is only a sophomore and I have noticed amazing things happening at Bates.
@LMC9902 What does he mentor for? To connect Batesies to consulting jobs? What firm does he work for if you don’t mind me asking. I’m just a young man who is trying to get his foot in the door.
@Lindagaf Who is Clayton Spencer?
Thanks in advance!!
Pres. of Bates, @Gpa348 ! Amazing pedigree, educated at Williams, Oxford, Harvard and Yale. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clayton_Spencer
She’s a powerhouse.
@Lindagaf is an education in New England truly superior? I know that Boston is like the education center of the US, or so I’ve heard.
I’m not sure how to answer that. It isn’t being in New England. It’s the school. Many of the best colleges in the country are in New England just due to the fact that it’s the first part of the nation that was settled. There are fantastic colleges all over the U.S., and the world for that matter. There are of course a lot of great colleges in and around Boston.
I only referred to Clayton Spencer’s education because it’s clear she is supremely well-educated, which has in turn helped her become a supremely talented educational leader. She knows what it takes to run a college well.
@Lindagaf Thanks!
@gpa348 he has volunteered multiple times to have Bates students come and shadow him and then counsel them on opportunities to join the firm. He is with Deloitte on the management consulting side and would be happy to connect with a student who is interested in that path - feel free to PM me.
@Lindagaf I agree that President Spencer has been a great leader for Bates and really made an impact. I would not be surprised at all if my younger daughter ended up there. She’s a lacrosse player and is hoping the women’s team gets as strong as the men’s team - she has a few more years till she commits but I’m hopeful!
Someone posted this on another thread. Bates’ Econ department ranks higher than those of Colby and Bowdoin. As Econ is of interest to you, this is worth considering. https://ideas.repec.org/top/top.uslacecon.html
Is there a good resource for Bates parents? Maybe from other Bates parents? I feel like I can’t scour the website fast enough for info! So many things I want to know and learn about to help my son transition to Bates. We’re going to the accepted student reception on April 6th, so that will be full of info I’m sure.
@Lindagaf I think the rejection from Bowdoin was a blessing in disguise, because I would’ve attended Bowdoin despite Bates having the better Econ department.
I’d be wary of "better department " assumptions and would focus on course offerings and requirements for a major as well as opportunities for the path you’re considering.
If you think you’d like to pursue a PhD, your course might be different than if you hope to go into business. Economics tends to be a catch all for a number of destinations.
My recollection is that Bates had some very cool international study programs for econ majors so if that’s of interest, look at that as well.
@gardenstategal I will look, thanks!
Yes, @gardenstategal is right, and next year those rankings could be different. Theses colleges are all excellent and it is splitting hairs to say that this alone is a big difference. The point is that Bates is not second-rate compared to other schools that it’s often grouped with.
@jackson345 I would just wait unitl April. You will be given a ton of info, but you can call any department and speak to someone who can give you answers. They are always helpful.