<p>what are your thoughts on the differences between these schools? what makes them similar? what makes them unique? im not looking for which one is better im just trying to figure out what types of students would be attracted to each one. thx</p>
<p>I visited both with my daughter. They have many similarities and I think that someone who is happy at one would be happy at the other. Both towns do not offer much, so social life revolves around campus activities. Both have active outings clubs, Small classes, close knit student bodies, etc. Visit and see what you think. We came away thinking Colby was more sporty and Bates more hippy, but on subsequent visits did not see it as much.</p>
<p>My son (and I) thought they were very different. We came away thinking Bates was more "rah rah sporty" and Colby had more laid back kids so you see, you really need to figure it out for yourself. Hopefully you can visit both.</p>
<p>Though very similar my take on it was that Bates campus had a more comfortable feel where Colby felt very cold and exposed...and this was in August!</p>
<p>My Daughter & I attended both College's Diversity weekends and they were both really welcoming. I liked Lewiston much better than Waterville though. </p>
<p>You do really need to visit. My daughter loved Bates but could not see herself at Colby.</p>
<p>I agree that both Lewiston and Waterville have little going for themselves as towns, but we felt that the immediate surrounding at Bates was nicer that at colby - Colby was a bit more "out there". More importantly, my daughter got a very differnt "feel" of the schools, and reacted much more positively to the school "character" and student body at Bates. Bates felt more down-to-earth, relaxed, and comfortable in a way that is hard to explain - it was just a feeling. It was the better fit for my daughter, but may not be for the next person.</p>