Bates College
Lewiston, Maine
How selective is it?
Bates College is in our Most Selective tier (Under ~15% acceptance). Admission is a long shot for nearly every applicant, strong grades and scores are a starting point, not a guarantee.
Estimates ~13-18%, at the edge of two tiers (recent figure ~13%).
Tiers are broad on purpose. Acceptance rates move every cycle, and many schools are more competitive for specific majors than the school overall, so use this as a starting point for your list, not a prediction.
How to use Bates College in your college list
Treat this as a reach for nearly every applicant, even with top grades and test scores. Apply because the school fits you, not because you expect to get in, and balance it with several schools in lower tiers. Review at these schools is typically holistic, so essays, activities, and recommendations carry real weight.
Building a list across tiers? See all 6 Maine colleges in our finder, or follow our guide to building a list by score and GPA.
Check the current numbers yourself
For Bates College's current test-score and GPA ranges, acceptance rate, and cost, go to the source:
- Find its Common Data Set ↗ Section C has the middle 50% of scores and GPA. Our step-by-step guide shows how to read it.
- College Scorecard ↗ U.S. Department of Education data on cost, graduation, and outcomes.
- Net price calculator ↗ Estimate what your family would actually pay after aid.
- Find the official admissions page ↗ Deadlines, requirements, and how to apply.
Similar colleges to consider
Schools with a similar selectivity, in the same state, or known for the same fields. A balanced list usually mixes a few reaches, several realistic targets, and at least one or two safeties.
Frequently asked questions
How selective is Bates College?+
Bates College sits in our "Most Selective" tier (Under ~15% acceptance). Estimates ~13-18%, at the edge of two tiers (recent figure ~13%).
Is Bates College hard to get into?+
Admission is a long shot for nearly every applicant, strong grades and scores are a starting point, not a guarantee. Selectivity varies by major and changes every admissions cycle, so treat the tier as a starting point and check Bates College's own admissions data for the current year.
How do I find Bates College's current SAT, ACT, and GPA ranges?+
Search "Bates College Common Data Set" and open Section C, which lists the middle 50% of test scores and GPA for the entering class. Our guide "How to Build Your Own College List by Score and GPA" on this site walks through it step by step.
Where is Bates College?+
Bates College is a private institution in Lewiston, Maine.
Selectivity tiers and "known for" tags are general guidance compiled from public sources and may be out of date. MajorAtlas isn't affiliated with Bates College. Always confirm details with the school.