<p>I have narrowed my college list down to these two schools. I know Bates is liberal arts and Rochester is a University, but Rochester does have small class sizes for the most part which I enjoy. Which one of them has a better academic reputation? What are the social scenes like at each? Any information would be helpful.</p>
<p>Though UR is a small research university, it does not have the same intimacy as a LAC. You will have smaller classes at UR than most universities, but I can almost guarantee there will be a noticeable difference, at least in your freshman year between UR and Bates. With that being said, coming from someone who was almost exclusively interested in LAC’s early in my college search, I don’t think you really lose much in a small university setting, and you have the potential to gain a lot more through legitimate research opportunities. </p>
<p>In terms of prestige, they are probably about equal. </p>
<p>Personally, I think UR has a noticeable edge edge in the natural/physical sciences and polisci/econ, but I don’t really know much about Bates’ academic strengths and I’m sure a Bates alum/student could argue the opposite. UR offers more research opportunities, but Bates has the intimacy of an LAC. It really comes down to fit. I think that you aren’t really sacrificing much intimacy in choosing UR over Bates, but if you are really into going to an LAC, UR might be disappointing</p>
<p>Socially, neither school has the best city life, though I would give Rochester a slight edge to Lewiston. Bates probably has more outdoorsey opportunities though. Though I can’t comment on Bates’ social life, UR’s is really what you make of it, with some people going out every night and others staying in their room every night. We do have a fair number of students in frats/sororities and while they aren’t dominant, they do play a fairly significant role in social life on campus. Im pretty sure Bates doesnt have any. Just something to consider</p>
<p>Visit them both to see which appeals to you. I’m pretty certain my guy just picked UR over his other options (Bates wasn’t one of them) with a visit yesterday (unless they tarred and feathered him last night when he spent the night). The place just matches him perfectly (research, academics, only one required course, student body, etc, etc, etc). </p>
<p>I’m pretty convinced most students would click (or not) with UR if they visit and spend the night after being accepted. My guy liked his other options and could see himself at any of them (that’s why he applied to them). At this point he just loves UR and is drooling over the opportunities available coming up. But it’s not the right school for my other two as they are looking for different things. (Actually, youngest would like it if they had what he wants, but they don’t - tropical botany.) </p>
<p>Everyone is different. Visit and see if it’s what you’re looking for. (Visit both schools.)</p>