Jacob
Bates is a great place to be, because the students are all academically oriented and very open and accepting toward each other. I haven't met a single Batesie whom I can't have a cordial conversation with. For this reason, I feel safe expressing my views and really finding myself on the Bates campus.
Nicole
I consider the relationships developed between students themselves as well as students and professors the best thing about Bates College. Being at a small liberal arts school makes these relationships valuable and enjoyable. I have met friends that will be my best friends for the rest of my life at Bates. I have also had professors who I feel comfortable meeting with to talk about class or anything else. I believe at another larger school, that these relationships are more difficult to come across.
Andy
The sense of community and friendliness at Bates. Everyone is in it together and there are almost no cliques or exclusive groups of friends. Many people find their best friends towards the second half of college, and it is just a great place to spend four years.
Lillian
Bates is a school that encourages academic curiosity and individuality. Even with a busy social scene and many extracurricular activities, Batesies are hardcore academics. The academic career at Bates culminates in a senior thesis; each student delves into a particular area of study or research and presents his/her work to the faculty of the respective department.
Kristen
It is extremely easy to make friends with anyone at Bates. This might be because the campus doesn't seem that diverse, but seriously everybody has a lot in common. That common thread isn't necessarily a boring thing though-- genuine, intellectual thinkers are great in large numbers... and it's not that large of a school, so I say that relatively speaking.
Deirdre
Bates' greatest strength is the small courses that allow the formation of close relationships with faculty. As part of that, every student has to write a thesis before graduating. I think this really sets Bates apart, because graduates have a finely tuned ability to take information, compress it, and draw interesting conclusions from it. This analytical ability prepares graduates for any career they will later persue.
Meghan
the open atmosphere. Even though it's not incredibly diverse from an ethinic standpoint, there are people from all walks of life here.