Bates College Admissions

Bates College is highly selective with a 13.74% acceptance rate. This means fewer than 14 out of every 100 applicants gain admission. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1420-1520 on the SAT and average a 33 on the ACT. Bates pioneered test-optional admissions in 1984, becoming the first top liberal arts college to drop standardized test requirements. The 94.02% retention rate shows students who enroll tend to stay. Bates seeks intellectually curious students who value academic exploration over grade competition. The college attracts applicants drawn to its collaborative rather than cutthroat culture, rigorous liberal arts curriculum, and commitment to access regardless of standardized test performance.