<p>I’ve visited Bates a few times and have liked it and will probably apply but I’ve never left with a strong spark from it. </p>
<p>What makes Bates special to you?!</p>
<p>My D feels it has a real kumbayah vibe…</p>
<p>Sorry-- can you clarify what that means?</p>
<p>Well I think it means interpersonal harmony,a great sense of respect and acceptance seems to be present on campus.</p>
<p>Okay-- thank you!</p>
<p>My son did an overnight visit and his feeling was that Bates students/staff are overwhelmingly welcoming. While there are friend groups, there are not distinct cliques like other schools. For example, he is a swimmer, but not all his friends are swimmers. People mix and match. I think the main benefit is the 441 calendar. This way, students take 4 classes a semester instead of the normal 5 which helps out a lot with stress. They will spend the same amount of time per week in the classroom as other schools, but I think it is more manageable the Bates way. Then there’s short term where they take one class over a 5 week period in May. Usually its an interesting subject or one with a good amount of off campus field trips. Overall it is a very friendly, welcoming, not cliquey down to earth campus. He is very happy there. They will have a new president this year who is very impressive (she worked on Capitol Hill as an educational consultant and as an administrator at Harvard), but also embraces the Bates way. You will love it if you want a smaller campus. If you are looking for a big city, big campus college, Bates won’t be for you.</p>
<p>Thank you! That’s really helpful!</p>
<p>I will ditto every thing photogirl said.</p>