Bates Questions

my S has been accepted at Bates and decision coming down to B & another college of similar size and “ranking”. i have no questions on the other college. Visited Bates recently for admitted students day. I came away with more questions and looking for opinions. The dorms appeared nice in fact extremely nice. The one large academic building (social science etc.) was impressive but most of the other academic depts appeared to be in older buildings - making me ask the question where they are putting their money…? was told by tour guide there are intro courses up to 60 students taught by 1 prof… Are these “weed” courses? does this imply a cut throat academic culture? not many books, other items in hallways, cafeteria left lying around - is there an honor code? is there an issue with your stuff being taken? Cardio in Gym appears to be very little
other kids on tour questioned if enough free space to work out or have to work around athletic teams schedules? Parent presentation on program for acclimating Freshmen disorganized - How much training do the JA have? …Nice that they own a ski slope for their div 1 downhill team but if u are not into skiing ? Looking on website- it appears many study abroad options are $$ - including the 5 week program where extra costs run from $900 to $4,800 more. Are there lots of "add ons"like this in other areas as Bates? In our situation there is a very significant difference in the cost to attend B vs. other final choice (over $15K)- I am wondering if worth this difference… Appreciate any feedback to any of the questions above? thank you.

correction: My question on the intro courses of 60 students - are they “weed out” courses - and does that imply a cutthroat academic/student culture?

Some of this doesn’t sound like the Bates we know, at all. I think mine paid maybe $1000 or so for 5 week travel. Her semester abroad, a Bates program, cost nothing over the usual fees and included airfare and a stipend. And FA can support some travel opps. Neither of mine had any issue with things being taken. The kids are studious, but know how to have fun. They own a ski slope? Thought that was some other college.

Bates students ski free at a small ski area very close by. They can sign out gear from the outing club for free–S did this several times. About the buildings: I have been in many of the older buildings and Bates appears to be putting its money into renovating the interiors while maintaining the historic exteriors to preserve the campus look and feel–which makes sense given its size and location. The interiors I have seen are quite nice and very modern. Bates also appears to be putting work into the many Victorian houses (30+) on campus that house students. I have noticed many upgrades in the four years since S matriculated. To my knowledge S (a double Math and Philosophy major) never had a class with as many as 60 students. Almost all of them have been quite small. I know skateboards, for example, are routinely lined up outside Commons (they’re not allowed in)–S has never had his taken. Unlike other schools S had as an option, students receiving financial aid packages at Bates have study abroad fees covered by the aid. He chose not to study abroad, but that was a factor in his decision. S came from a public magnet boarding school for STEM that was a bit of a pressure cooker academically. He found his studies at Bates challenging but managable–a good balance for him.

Agree with @lookingforward… This doesn’t sound like the Bates I know. (I’m an alum and parent to an incoming freshman.)

The philosophy of Bates is inclusivity. I was on campus recently and have never seen such a happy, friendly, more down-to-earth group of students and faculty. The idea that there is “cutthroat” culture there is just not the case at all.

Yes, the dorms are nice - there are two brand new dorms and other older dorms have been recently renovated. Some academic buildings are older (historic!), but have been completed renovated inside. (Hedge, Roger Williams) I was just in Roger Williams and it was absolutely gorgeous.

As for the question about “weed” courses… Some intro classes are larger because, well, they are intro classes and a lot of students take them (Bio 101 for example). Many of the classes are seminar style and have very low numbers of students, particularly at higher levels. From the Bates website: “Our student to faculty ratio is 10-to-1; there are 20 students in the average class…”

Anyway, I hope this is helpful. Good luck!

I am really confused by your post. My child is a freshman. Of D’s 9 courses this year, only one was “large” with 60 students. She is mostly doing freshman level courses. Her smallest class has had fifteen kids.

Yes, SHORT term study abroad courses are extra, but very good value, IMO. $3000 for six weeks in Budapest seems like good value to me. As far as I know, regular study abroad is not extra.

I am also unclear about your comment about buidlings. The campus is littered with lovely new dorms, the dining hall, Pettengill Library, and a bunch of other new buildings. Yes, like every other college there are old buildings too, which are part of what makes it so lovely.

Bates is as far away from cutthroat as I can imagine. I am curious as to why you think that? Did you have a bad guide or did you hear someone say something? I have never heard of a weed out course at Bates.

My D NEVER locks her dorm room, much to my chagrin. Annoys me no end. She has never mentioned people stealing stuff.

D was worried about athletics, as she is not into sports at all. Her worries were unfounded. Every time I look at the events calendar,it is chock full of music, theater, guest speakers, art, and so on. The debate team is legendary. The Bates Outing Club is an institution. You can go running in a beautiful bird sanctuary across the street.

Bates Purposeful Work initiative is having good results and is basically a customized career plan for your child based on their interests and abilities. My husband and I were extremely impressed.

Clayton Spencer, the President, has raised $120million for the college in four years. She seems to have the confidence of alumni, parents, stduents, and the board. She is doing an excellent job. It is true that Bates’ endowment is not as large as some other Maine colleges’ endowments.

I am actually wondering if you visited Bates, because I can’t begin to figure out how you got these impressions. Please feel free to contact me via private message if you have more questions.

ETA: @SE4502021 , re short term, it is only required for two years, hence the fee for going abroad.

Sorry, did not mean to imply that you hadn’t actually visited the school. More as in, it must be a different school you are thinking of, lol!