Academics

After participating in the full IB Diploma program in high school, I found that Bates still managed to fullfil my desire to intellectually challenge myself. Now, at the start of second semester, I appreciate the level of work the professors and other students expect of each other. It's a mutual relationship. It is hard to skate by here, and it seems that no one really wants to, either.

If you are looking for an easy school you might not want to consider Bates. It is considered a Little Ivy and boasts studies that compete with the Ivy League schools as far as value and difficulty. With that said, the classes are much smaller, so professors are willing to help you as long as you take the initiative. You will learn a lot and once you get into the groove of things, the work obviously becomes very manageable.

Classes are very hard, but the small sizes make for a great learning environment. Professors here want the best work, and they push you because they know your potential. You work hard so that the benefit is much greater.

It's a lot of work! And the professors have high expectations because they care about their students. Even the blow off classes aren't really blow off.

Bates is a Liberal Arts school, so although there are no language requirements, students must fulfill -along with the classes pertaining to their major- an SLQ (1 credit in a science, lab and a quantitative class), as well as several writing-based classes. Homework includes an extensive amount of reading and writing papers in response to the book contents.

Classes are challenging but very rewarding. The 10:1 student to faculty ratio gives a very personal approach to education here at Bates. Professors are very approachable and I have never had an issue with not being able to get in touch with them.

It's pretty difficult depending on what classes you take and what you major in