IvyLeagueORbust...

I know why I want to go to Bates, but how long should the response be. The supplement says two to three paragraphs, but approximately how many words should I be aiming for?

AbbyS2006

My why bates essay was about 600 words, that is probably too long, but I just love bates so much, I couldn't leave anything out.

Ultimeaciax

600 words in three paragraphs?

ericgr

I also had a lot of trouble condensing my Bates essay. My first copy was around two pages and I still wanted to write more. I don't think you'll be penalized if you go a little bit over three paragraphs- but it shoudn't be three pages. Bates just wants a good, but straightfoward response in which you don't ramble. I know it can be quite tough to compose the essay in such a limited amount of space. But if you are enthusiastic about Bates you should be fine.

morningview

Mine was like 1100 words lol... so I guess I'm screwed. Two paragraphs over the limit... but I honestly did not know how to condense all the reasons I wanted to go Bates into any shorter form. It's not rambly, and it reads fast, so hopefully, they won't get *too* annoyed (then again, knowing my luck, they probably will).

IzzyJ

One of the reasons I'm interested in Bates is *squirm* international finaid. Not a great thing to put down in black and white. But I'm sure carousing the website, you'll be able to put together something fluent. Perhaps one page?

ericgr

If the essay is enthusiastic, I think you'll be fine. I've heard of people getting into Bates, Bowdoin, etc. who wrote double the amount that they were supposed to. I also think two to three paragraphs is not nearly enough space. I think my three paragraphs are the longest three paragraphs I've ever written! I'm pretty nervous about Bates. I love the school and its only a little easier to get into than Bowdoin. But that amount can definitely make the difference. I'm also hoping that the students applying to Bates will be a little less competitive than those applying to Bowdoin and that there are less legacies!!! Bowdoin accepts so many legacies! But I would suspect that students applying would be quite similar to those applying to Bowdoin. Since a few highly qualified people on this site got into Bates, but not Bowdoin I'm hoping that I will have the same luck. Maybe that just says something about Bowdoin. Good luck everyone!!!

calz88

Mine was about 700 words..
probably too long, but i didn't blab on and on about each reason. i feel it's as condensed as possible.

Tobey

anyone know if the area is safe? My mother's friend had a son who was murdered there approx 2-3 yrs ago. He was capt of the lacrosse team and was stabbed.I'm a little nervous now about this info and don't know if my motherer would let me go even if I get in.

rachie3953

The Bates campus is definetly safe. It is very well lit and I have no problems walking around by myself late at night (besides the fact that it can be quite cold!). If you don't feel comfortable walking around by yourself, there are saferides and safewalkers who can drive you or accompany you to your destination. The areas of Lewiston immediately surrounding the Bates campus aren't too bad, but I wouldn't go for long walks by myself at night. Some people do walk downtown during the warmer months and haven't had any problems as far as I know. As for the lacrosse player who was stabbed, that is definetely not the norm. I've heard that he was under the influence of some substance at the time and was sort of provoking the townie but I have no idea how true that is. Basically, if you don't wander off campus while drunk or high looking to pick fights, you shouldn't have any problems at all.

ibleedorangeandblue

campus was def safe when I did overnight there..but the general lewiston-auburn community doesn't look safe at all...go figure

thegwall822

I go to Bates... L/A really isn't that bad. Auburn is a great community. Just dont do anything dumb like wander a mile from campus with Bates clothing on at 1am.