Bates offers live virtual information sessions to provide greater insight on our campus, community, and holistic admission process. These virtual events occur on select Wednesdays at 8:00 PM ET. Our Virtual Admission Information Sessions have ended for this year, please check back in January for an updated schedule.

For an on-demand experience, we invite you to watch our recorded information session.

Bates offers live panels of current students who will discuss all facets of the student experience and be available to answer your questions. No admission staff members are present, as this is meant to be a casual opportunity to connect in real time with students. We encourage you to come with plenty of questions and curiosity!

Bobcat Chats typically revolve around a theme and take place on the following Wednesday evenings at 8:00pm (EDT)!

October 9: Bobcat Chat: Student Life 
Gain an understanding of the ins and outs of student life at Bates, from clubs and organizations, to living on campus, to favorite traditions.

October 23: Bobcat Chat: Academics & Research
Hear from students across a range of disciplines about Bates’ rigorous but collaborative academic environment. Research opportunities and examples will be highlighted.

November 20: Bobcat Chat: Living in Vacationland 
Learn how students spend their free time in Lewiston and the rest of Maine. Tips on having fun even in Maine winters included.

December 4: Bobcat Chat: Balance at Bates
Discover how students balance academic and extracurricular life at Bates, while still promoting well-being for themselves and each other.

These virtual events are opportunities for students and families to ask Bates Admission leaders questions about the college search and application process. These Zoom events begin at 8:00 pm ET on the dates listed below.

November 13: AMA with Leigh A. Weisenburger, Vice President for Enrollment & Dean of Admission and Financial Aid and Darryl Uy, Director of Admission

December 18: AMA with Leigh A. Weisenburger, Vice President for Enrollment & Dean of Admission and Financial Aid and Darryl Uy, Director of Admission

Additional AMA events in 2025 will be posted at a later date.

This webinar series is directed at primarily high school students who are navigating the college search and application process! Join us to hear from Bates educators in and out of the Office of Admission as they share insight, tips, and stories. Below is a list of past sessions.

Previous session recordings:
January 31, 2024: Why Study the Liberal Arts and Sciences?
February 7, 2024: How to Find Your ‘Fit’

For more general information about Bates College, please register for a Virtual Admission & Financial Aid Information Session.

An Alumni Conversation is an opportunity to connect one-on-one with a Bates community member and ask the deeper and specific questions that will help you determine if Bates aligns with your interests and aspirations.

Conversations are not interviews, and they are both optional and informational — meaning you are not being evaluated as part of the application process. Generally, these conversations are considered a fun and interesting way to learn more about what is great about Bates and to network with a Bates alum.

To register, complete the form at the link below. On this form, you can indicate your preference for a virtual or in-person conversation.