<p>What are the students like at Bates? And how academically rigorous is it?
I’m looking for strong academics, but not so overwhelming that they will take over your life, and leave you constantly stressed out.
And for student body I want more relaxed, happy, friendly and easy going people. People that are easy to talk to, to get along with, to friend, etc. Not super preppy or competitive.
So I was wondering what Bates was like in these areas, especially from Bates students.</p>
<p>Sounds like a future Batesie!</p>
<p>RunningSeattle . . . I assume you are from the Seattle area. Our daughter is also a Seattleite. She was admitted ED and is very excited about attending Bates. She has visited the campus twice and really liked the general atmosphere and all of the students she met. We have been surprised to learn that there are several Seattle kids at Bates. I think there might be 3 or 4 in the crew program.</p>
<p>I’m a parent of a Sophomore at Bates. Imo, the kids are smart and engaged. They work very hard (son is a politics major/history minor so lots of reading and papers) and A’s are not easy to come by, but the atmosphere is collaborative rather than competitive. All the kids seem involved in some sort of non academic activity. My son is in two clubs, a rep in student gov’t and involved in a sport. </p>
<p>okeedokie, congrats to your D! If you have any questions please feel free to pm me.</p>
<p>Bates is an excellent school, filled with kids who enjoy challenging themselves academically, care about their work, and are also not afraid of a little cold water and creating memories 
[Puddle</a> Jump - YouTube](<a href=“Bates College Puddle Jump 2013 - YouTube”>Bates College Puddle Jump 2013 - YouTube)
Best wishes.</p>
<p>Bates is extremely strong academically, as far as resources, professors, course options etc. </p>
<p>It is not extremely rigorous. Most students are not overwhelmed, with the exception of some of the pre-med types. I was often busy during the week, but that was more due to extracurriculars than workload. I was always able to enjoy my weekends, even while writing thesis. Finals time can be brutal, but it’s only a week or so. Getting a B is not that difficult if you go to class and put time into your papers. Getting an A can be more of a challenge. </p>
<p>As for the people, I really can’t say enough about them. Absolutely friendly and happy. I think the thing that sticks out to me is how down-to-earth everyone is, despite how talented and intelligent they are. There are definitely “groups” on campus (like jocks, hipsters, NARPs, etc – the same as any college), but they coexist happily. I consider myself kind of a geek, and don’t play any sports, for example, but I roomed with soccer and basketball players for three years. </p>
<p>Feel free to message me if you have any questions. I’m a recent grad.</p>
<p>anyone have any idea how to accept the Bates portal to see that everything is submitted? They gave me an address - bates.edu/application - but has never worked for me.</p>