INTRODUCING BATES

        Choosing the right college or university is often thought of as a difficult task. One obvious reason for this perception is that many college applicants are preoccupied with the academic, social, and athletic rigors of their senior year in high school. Deeper examination may reveal that the student is struggling with the important task of discovering exactly who they are. The successful choosing of the right college, in fact, involves a recognition and understanding of the true identity of an individual. It is also a reflection of what he or she wishes to become.
       My college selection process was probably very similar to many other prospective students of the small liberal arts college in New England. I had interviews in many top schools and had a chance to work around several campuses with students. My visit to BATES was defiantly different than others. From the beginning, the people at Bates made me feel very welcome and important. After my interview and tour I wandered into the science building to see the biology facilities ( I was pretty sure I wanted to be a bio major). Walking down a hall with my family, we happen by an open door where a student was doing a research. This student welcomed us into his lab and proceeded to tell us what he was doing and asked if we had any question about Bates. I remember vividly this student's willingness to help me find the biology labs, but more importantly, what i took away from this conversation  was the students genuine interest and warmth. I also mate with the lacrosse coach, and even though i was not a recruit and had just mate him, he talked with me and my parents for over an hour, took us to lunch in the dining hall and even walked us to our car. Of all the top schools I had visited, Bates was the one that felt right. With so many fine academic colleges to choose from, i went with a gut feeling that Bates was the best for me. I applied early and never look back.