With an acceptance rate of 12% in the fall, Bates College admissions are highly selective. A total of 8,222 applicants applied for admissions this semester out of which only 987 applications were selected.

It offers undergraduate programs in 37 Major and 25 Minors. Bates College has a strict admissions policy. Applications are reviewed holistically.

  • Applications are invited for fall admissions.
  • Bates College is a test-optional institute, applicants may or may not choose to submit SAT/ACT scores.
  • It does not offer graduate programs.
  • The deadline for submission of the application of aid and supporting documents is January 1.
  • International applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency.
  • For the Class of 2024, the middle 50% of those who submitted scores had ranges of:
    • SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 710-740
    • SAT Math: 730-770
    • ACT Composite: 33-34

Highlights

Application Portal Coalition or Common Application Portals
Application Fee (non-refundable) USD 60
Acceptance Rate 12% 
Retention rate 95%
Graduation Rate 87%
Intake Semester Fall
Average GPA 3.91
Middle 50% SAT EBRW Score 710-740
Middle 50% SAT Math 730-770
Middle 50% ACT Composite 33 -34
Charge  USD 73,530
Financial Aid Grants, Scholarships and Loan
Admission Help Desk admission@bates.edu
1-855-228-3755
International: 207-786-6000

Bates College Admission Deadlines

Applicants must apply by the given deadlines to be eligible for Bates College admissions. It does not entertain late applications.

Admission Plan Application Deadlines Notification By
Early Decision (Round I) November 15 December 20
Early Decision (Round II) January 1 February 15
Regular Decision January 1 April 1
Transfer Admission March 1 May 15

Bates College International Students Admissions

It accepts international students given that they fulfill the minimum entry requirements. In total, over 80 countries are represented among the Bates student body. The admission process is similar for both international and domestic applicants. However, international applicants need to meet some additional requirements to study in the USA.

Application Portal: Common Application or Coalition Application.

Application Fee: 60 USD

Admission Requirements: International applicants need to satisfy the following requirements to be eligible for Bates College admissions-

  • Completed Application
  • Official High School/ Secondary School Transcripts
    • Must be accompanied by English translations, if required
    • A school profile and/or explanation of the school's marking system (if available)
  • Letters of Recommendation
    • counselor recommendation
    • 2 teacher recommendations
  • SAT/ACT Scores (Optional)
  • Interview (Optional)
  • Certification of Finances
  • Copy of Passport
  • Early Decision Agreement (If applying Early Decision)

Need-based financial aid is available for international students. All non-U.S. citizens applying for financial aid must complete the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA). Non-U.S. citizens who are not applying for financial aid must complete the International Student Certification of Finances (ISCOF).

English Language Proficiency

If English is neither the native language nor the primary language of secondary school instruction for four years, then the students are entitled to submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS or an equivalent form of testing. There is no minimum score requirement for admissions.

Ways to submit Official test scores:

  1. Directly from the testing agency
  2. Sent by the students’ high school counselor via email or fax
  3. Via official transcript by student’s high school counselor

Self-reported test scores can be submitted in any of the following ways:

  1. Enter scores in the testing section of the Common Application or Coalition Application
  2. Submit screenshots or scanned copies of score reports via email (admission@bates.edu) or fax (207-786-6025).

Visa Process for International Students

International applicants need to apply for an F-1 or J-1 student visa to study in the USA. The college provides visa forms I20 A/B to international applicants after their application is accepted. In each country of the world, the requirements are slightly different. The applicant needs to contact the embassy or consulate to know what other documents or fees are required

Some of the common documents that the aspirants will be required to submit while applying for a visa:

  • Valid Passport
  • Financial Support Evidence (bank statement or family property record or business ownership record)
  • Completed non-immigration visa application form (DS-156) with passport size photo.
  • Proof of Health Insurance/Verification Form
  • I-94
  • Additional documents: Academic Transcript(s), scores of any standardized tests taken,
  • I-20 Form

After the submission of the completed I-20 form and payment of the SEVIS fee, students can schedule an interview with the nearest US embassy. The officials will interview the students to attend Bates, and will also ask the students how they can be sure that they intend to return to their home country after education.

Bates College Undergraduate Admissions

Bates College offers undergraduate programs across 37 majors and 25 minors. Some of the popular courses include Biology, Chemistry, Digital & Computational Sciences, Mathematics, Environmental Sciences, Language courses, and many more.

Application Portal: Common Application or Coalition Application.

Application Fee: 60 USD

Admission Requirements: International applicants need to satisfy the following requirements to be eligible for Bates College admissions-

  • Completed Application
  • Official High School/ Secondary School Transcripts
  • A school profile and/or explanation of the school's marking system (if available)
  • Letters of Recommendation
    • counselor recommendation
    • 2 teacher recommendations
  • SAT/ACT Scores (Optional)
    • SAT code: 3076
    • ACT code: 1634
    • Sent to the college by high school counselor via email admissions@bates.edu
  • Interview (Optional)

Applicants will receive a confirmation mail on successfully submitting the application. When the application has been processed, the Office of Admission will send you an email to the address on your application with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) which can be used to check on your application status.

It may take two weeks to process one’s application. In case the application items are missing, the Admission Office will contact the applicant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. Should I submit my test scores?

Ans. Bates has been test-optional since 1984, and maintains that testing is not reflective of each applicant’s future success at Bates. They respect each student’s choice regarding the submission of test scores.

Ques. Does Bates offer need-based financial aid to international students?

Ans. Yes. Bates meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. It offers financial aid through scholarship grants and on-campus employment.

Ques. How do I check the status of my application?

Ans. Applicants can see the status of their application materials, including the final admission decision, by logging into their Application Status Page.

Ques. What happens if I have trouble submitting my application by the deadline?

Ans. In case of technical difficulties in submitting an application to Bates, one should contact the Common Application or Coalition Application directly.