Bates English Major

Bates is thought of as a pretty difficult school, both to get into and with a demanding work load. It's known as a very challenging school, but those who are really engaged in classes always do well.

It's pretty accurate. Bates is really hard, you have to work for your grades, there is no grade inflation or coddling to students who are used to making straight A's. But for those who are driven, the opportunity to succeed and get a lot out of a class is always there; it is completely up to the student to take the initiative and invest the effort. It's a good place for students who genuinely enjoy learning and who are excited to take on new ideas and learn about things they've never been exposed to before.

While Bates is a highly reputable school with an incredible faculty and very driven students, the atmosphere is definitely relaxed and friendly. In fact when I hear the word "college" it reminds me of some pillared ediface looming over everyone, and that isn't the feeling I get at Bates at all. I think one of the best aspects about Bates is that it knows not to take itself too seriously. There's no staunchness or stuffiness that usually is accompanied by "brick and ivy institutions". It's challenging and very engaging, but by no means intimidating. For the most part students and professors are really comfortable with each other and interact outside the classroom as well as during class time. I wouldn't hesitate to ask my favorite professors to join me for a beer, and I've enjoyed dinner at professors' houses.

I feel that at Bates I was held responsible for the education I received. I took it upon myself to get what I could out of the courses I took and it was a choice I had to make every time. But that's usually exactly the right environment for the kind students that go to Bates. The educational opportunities are definitely there. It is up to the student to either take advantage of them or ignore them. Sure, a student could graduate from Bates having spent the last four years skating by, doing just enough to pass and not really knowing much more than when they arrived...except maybe having refined their palate for different beers. But for the students who really are invested in and genuinely interested and excited by learing and bettering themselves, there is much to indulge in at Bates. I have found that many students who choose to come to Bates really do appreciate the opportunities here and are actively engaged in their education. My friends and I really do get excited about things discussed in class and it's not unusual to hear "intellectual" discussions at lunch. But that doesn't mean that's all we talk about. Most of the time those discussions of an "academic nature" flow into deeper topics such as the appropriate ratio of syrup-to-waffle or the best Beatles song off the White Album or who is responsible for the lastest snow chicken that appeared on the quad overnight.

Maine is arguably the whitest state in the Union...that said it is understandable that the color of students on campus can sometimes feel about equal to the color of snow. But for those who genuinely seek out diversity there is more to be found than meets the eye. We do have a strong international student body and Bates actively recruits abroad.

Generally the student body at Bates is pretty liberal, and the faculty is definitely on the Left. Although what the conservative right-wingers lack in numbers they definitely make up for in their activity. The Bates Democrats members have the overwhelming majority, but the members of the Bates Republicans are undeniably more engaged and proactive. Overall there is a good-natured relationship between the groups. In fact, "good-natured" is generally the term I would use to describe the Bates student body. We liked to get stirred up and feel politically and socially active, but at the end of the day we all still hold doors open for each other and say bless you when somebody sneezes.

At Bates, if you're bored, you're probaly not paying attetion. There are hundreds of clubs and organizations for pretty much every interest, from fencing to ice fishing. And if you can't find what your looking for you can always start a club yourself. That is if you have time, which is often difficult. With all the concerts, special lectures, guest speakers, performances, games, events and so on, it's really hard to get to do everything you want to and still have time to get your work done. But it's important to know that quantity doesn't necessarily equal quality. I've defnitely been to my fair share of mediocre concerts and mind numbingly boring lectures. But I've also gotten to see some incredible shows and listenened to some amazing people speak. It's hit or miss.

I have seen a shift in the social atmosphere and general make up of the student body in my four years here. The campus is growing increasingly white collar, upper-class, and privileged. Birkenstocks and dreadlocks are being replaced by Gucci bags and cell phones. This may just be part of a growing national trend, but its definitely a felt reality on campus. Bates is not as "crunchy" as it use to be, and I am concerned with a rising level of apathy that seems to be growing in the last few incoming classes