<p>Academically they are quite comparable especially for grad school admissions and have comparable grading scales. My impression is that Holy Cross has more name recognition in large part due to its higher profile division 1 sports and being in the greater Boston metro area. HC students tend to be more sporty/conservative and Bates more quirky/liberal. You really need to visit both schools and see where you feel most at home given your own personality and likes/dislikes.</p>