It's time to rethink college tours
Traditional campus tours feel impersonal and can leave you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a random guide. Is this really the best way to make one of the biggest decisions of your life?
SchoolScoops is the smarter, more personal way to tour colleges
Private and personalized tours
With traditional tours you’re just a number in a big group, making it hard to ask the questions that matter most. With SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats you can ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own guide
On a typical college tour, the school assigns you a guide. SchoolScoops lets you pick a guide who matches your academic interests, hobbies, and personality. You'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just genuine advice to determine if the school is a good fit.
Find the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats go beyond the basics to help you make a well-informed college decision.
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What customers are saying
Get to know Bates College
Bates College is a highly respected liberal arts institution known for its commitment to academic excellence, civic engagement, and inclusivity. It emphasizes hands-on learning, community involvement, and a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Overview
Bates College, founded in 1855, is a private liberal arts college located in Lewiston, Maine. It offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and community engagement.
Size
Bates College has a total enrollment of approximately 1,800 students, all of whom are undergraduates, fostering a close-knit and collaborative academic community.
Acceptance rate
Bates College has an acceptance rate of around 17%, making it highly selective. Among admitted students who submitted test scores, half scored between 1380–1490 on the SAT or 31–34 on the ACT, though Bates has been test-optional for more than 30 years.
Cost
For the 2024 academic year, Bates College’s undergraduate tuition is approximately $66,000, with total costs including fees, housing, and meals exceeding $80,000. However, Bates meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, and about 50% of students receive financial aid, with an average need-based award of over $50,000.
Ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report, Bates College is ranked #25 among National Liberal Arts Colleges. Rankings are based on widely recognized measures of academic quality, including graduation rates, faculty resources, and student outcomes.
Academics
Bates College offers more than 35 majors and 25 minors across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, fostering close academic mentorship and a highly personalized learning experience.
Traditions
Bates College’s most cherished traditions include the annual Winter Carnival, the lively Puddle Jump where students leap into the icy Lake Andrews, and the Bates Gala, a celebration of community and connection. Another beloved tradition is the Bates Back-to-Bates Weekend, which brings together alumni, students, and families to celebrate campus life.
Campus landmarks
Bates College’s most iconic landmarks include the historic Hathorn Hall, the college’s first building; the modern Olin Arts Center; the George and Helen Ladd Library; and Lake Andrews, a scenic centerpiece of campus life. The Gomes Chapel and Pettengill Hall also stand out as central hubs for community and academic engagement, showcasing the campus’s blend of tradition and contemporary design.
Student body
Over 85% of Bates College students come from outside Maine, with a student body representing nearly all 50 states and more than 60 countries. This diverse mix reflects Bates’ strong commitment to geographic, cultural, and international diversity.
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Become a guideYour Bates College questions, answered
Is Bates a prestigious college?
Yes. Bates College is a highly respected private liberal arts college founded in 1855. In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, it is ranked #26 among National Liberal Arts Colleges, reflecting its strong academic reputation and commitment to excellence.
Is Bates College an Ivy?
No, Bates College is not part of the Ivy League, which is an athletic conference of eight universities. However, it is considered one of the “Little Ivies,” a group of prestigious liberal arts colleges known for academic excellence. Founded in 1855, Bates has a distinctive campus featuring 33 Victorian homes that provide a unique residential experience.
What GPA do you need to get into Bates College?
Bates College doesn’t have an official minimum GPA requirement, but admitted students typically have an exceptional academic record. The average GPA is around 3.9–3.96, with most successful applicants earning a 3.8 or higher in rigorous coursework. While GPA is important, Bates also places significant weight on course difficulty, extracurricular involvement, essays, and teacher recommendations.
Is Bates College urban or rural?
Bates College is located in an urban setting in Lewiston, Maine, on a compact 133-acre campus integrated into the city. While it enjoys the convenience of an urban environment, it maintains a relaxed, close-knit atmosphere with many students living in nearby Victorian houses.
What major is Bates College known for?
Bates is best known for Economics, Political Science, and Psychology, with other popular majors including Environmental Studies, Biology, Mathematics, and Sociology.
Does Bates College guarantee housing?
Yes, Bates College guarantees on‑campus housing for all four years as long as students remain eligible. If students win permission through the off‑campus housing lottery, they may choose to live off campus—but opting in means forfeiting their right to guaranteed on‑campus housing.
Do many students study abroad at Bates?
Yes—about 60% of Bates students participate in off-campus or study-abroad programs, making it one of the highest rates among liberal arts colleges.
How do you take a tour of Bates College?
You can schedule a student-led campus tour and info session through the Bates admissions website. They also offer virtual tours and info sessions if you can’t visit in person. Self-guided tours are allowed, but it’s best to check in with the Admissions Office for maps and parking details.
Does Bates offer private campus tours?
Yes, through SchoolScoops, you can book a private campus tour led by a student guide of your choice.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
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