Students Speak Out On Overall Experience

“Bates was a really good fit for me. It has allowed me to do the things that I really wanted to do, and it has opened up new avenues that I never would have thought of. Sometimes, you have to do some work to get what you want out of Bates, and the bureaucracy can be a pain, but that that is true of all schools. Basically, I feel like Bates has problems like any school does. In my experience, all of these problems have been surmountable, and none have left me embittered about my experience here. I feel that is true for most people, and yes, there are exceptions. For some people, Bates is not the right school: if you yearn for big city living, want to study specializations like engineering, journalism, film, or are looking for massive diversity either racially or culturally. However, I feel that the people who can't find something to like about Bates are not trying hard enough. Bates gives you the opportunity to find out what it is you are interested in doing, and then tries its best to help you get started towards that goal.”

“Sometimes, when I visit my friends at the University of Maine, I am jealous that they have so much more free time than I do and don't have to work as hard for good grades. On the other hand, I have gained so much from my experience here. I have personal relationships with some of my professors and feel very able to approach them with any problems. I have been challenged so much here, and I have learned a ton—not only academically, but about myself as well. Bates also has amazing educational and technological resources that are extremely accessible at a small school. The majority of students are able to travel abroad at some point during their junior year, and the internships and grants available are really helpful for exploring potential career areas after Bates. Each summer since I have been here, I have been able to work for a non-profit agency and receive a stipend from Bates College so I wouldn't have to work without pay.”