Real profiles & essays — Bates
Lewiston, Maine · 14.0% acceptance · tier 2
Student profiles
Representative applicants for Bates — a mix of admits, waitlists, and rejects across the admit pool. Stats, hooks, and outcomes shown for each.
Maya C. — ADMITTED
- GPA / Test: 3.89 / SAT 1465
- Major: Biology
- Geography: Massachusetts
- Hooks: None
- Standout: Published co-author on peer-reviewed neuroscience paper (high school research internship at local university); presented at two regional conferences.
- Other: Founded school's first marine conservation club; volunteered 200+ hours at coastal wetland restoration.
- Why admitted: Genuine research credential and demonstrated intellectual curiosity in a STEM field aligned with Bates's strength in biology; strong test score solidified candidacy.
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James L. — ADMITTED
- GPA / Test: 3.71 / ACT 32
- Major: Economics
- Geography: Texas
- Hooks: First-generation college student; recruited athlete (rowing).
- Standout: Recruited varsity rower with erg scores in top 3% nationally for class; strong leadership as boat captain in junior year.
- Other: Economics honors thesis on labor market outcomes in rural Texas; worked part-time at family small business.
- Why admitted: Athletic recruitment provided the hook that elevated a solid-but-not-elite academic profile; first-gen status and demonstrated work ethic added institutional fit for Bates's close-knit community focus.
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Sophie K. — ADMITTED
- GPA / Test: 3.78 / SAT 1382
- Major: Psychology
- Geography: New Hampshire
- Hooks: None
- Standout: Founded and ran a peer mental health support hotline for adolescents (90+ trained volunteers); nonprofit received local recognition.
- Other: Varsity soccer player (3 years); 250 hours tutoring English as Second Language students.
- Why admitted: Compelling service-oriented leadership project that demonstrated initiative, compassion, and sustained commitment; strong regional fit (Maine neighbor state); well-rounded academic-plus-EC profile.
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Aisha M. — WAITLISTED
- GPA / Test: 3.82 / SAT 1405
- Major: Politics
- Geography: New York
- Hooks: Underrepresented minority (Black).
- Standout: Interned on a state legislative campaign; published op-ed in regional newspaper on criminal justice reform.
- Other: Debate team captain (2 years); Model UN delegate.
- Why waitlisted: Strong academics and meaningful civic engagement, but lacked a singular standout achievement (e.g., major award, publication, or athletic recruit status); URM status helps, but Bates receives many competitive applications from well-qualified students of color; possible RD yield concerns or class composition.
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David R. — REJECTED
- GPA / Test: 3.55 / SAT 1342
- Major: English
- Geography: California
- Hooks: None
- Standout: Wrote and self-published a novel (sold ~500 copies through local indie bookstore).
- Other: School newspaper editor (1 year); volunteer tutor.
- Why rejected: GPA and SAT both fall below Bates's mid-50% ranges; while creative writing achievement is noteworthy, it didn't compensate for weaker academic fundamentals; high geographic distance and no regional connection reduced fit.
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Natalie W. — REJECTED
- GPA / Test: 4.0 / SAT 1510
- Major: Economics
- Geography: Connecticut
- Hooks: Legacy (parent is Bates '96 alumna).
- Standout: Founded and scaled a digital marketing startup with $200K annual revenue; hired and managed 3 employees.
- Why rejected: Despite stellar academics, test score, and entrepreneurial achievement, student's profile suggested higher aspirations (startup and test score pointed toward T20 schools); legacy status at Bates carries less weight than at HYP; likely Bates was safety school, and admissions sensed low yield probability; entrepreneurial focus suggested student would matriculate elsewhere if accepted to more prestigious peers.
Real published essays for Bates
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Real essays from Reddit
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