Does anyone know the acceptance rate of Bates for early decision? I'm considering applying ED, but I'd like to know my odds first.
Bates College does not officially disclose Early Decision acceptance rates. However, going by the information available from some past years, it's generally observed that the ED acceptance rate is significantly higher than the regular decision acceptance rate.
Here's what you should know: Colleges, including Bates, typically admit a substantial portion of their class from the ED pool as these are students demonstrating the highest level of interest. So, while applying ED may ostensibly improve your chances, this should not be the only factor driving your decision. You can also demonstrate interest by reaching out and forming a relationship with the admissions office - find the officer for your region here: https://www.bates.edu/admission/admission-deans-and-counselors/.
Always consider if the school is your clear first choice and whether you are comfortable committing to attend if accepted, potentially without knowing the financial aid package details in full. Plus, it’s important to be sure that your academic profile is competitive for the school - compare your GPA, test scores (if Bates isn't test-optional at the time you're applying), and extracurriculars to the profile of typically admitted students.
Ultimately, you will need to balance the potential increase in acceptance odds with these other important considerations.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.