Macalester vs. Bates

<p>I want to apply ED to one or the other. I visited Mac and really loved the quirky atmosphere. But, Bates seems like a very good school that <em>might</em> fit me though I don't think I have time to visit it.</p>

<p>So what are the differences between the schools? </p>

<p>What are my chances of getting in?
UW 3.89
Hardest classes available
30 ACT
Okay-ish EC's</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>Don't apply ED to a school you haven't visited! (That's really all I have to say).</p>

<p>There's a huge difference in location. Lewiston, the location of Bates, is a former mill town that has seen better times. The downtown, although better than 5 years ago, is pretty run-down. If you have a car, you can go to the fine town of Portland, Maine, the coast or hiking. Macalester is in a vibrant metropolitan area, which can be accessed by public transportation (buses). The area right around Mac has lots of coffee shops, etc, but is fairly low key. Because of the urban setting, there are plenty of internships in businesses and non-profits and the opportunity to take classes at other universities. The Twin Cities has great neighborhoods and lots of cultural opportunities, but also access to nature, outside of the cities and in the lakes and parks in the cities.</p>

<p>Interestingly, both areas have significant Somali immigrant communities. Lewiston has the highest % of Somalis in the country, while the Twin Cities has the highest number of Somalis in the community.</p>

<p>Location may not matter that much to you. But if it does, keep in mind these differences.</p>

<p>Thanks for the great info. Is there any more differences like teaching styles or what its philosophy is?</p>