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 spring 2025 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! Join us for these one-hour events by registering below.

Bobcat Chat: CLUBS! How to get involved in campus life at Bates
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 8:00 PM EST
Thinking about ways to get involved in clubs on campus? Join us for a panel of club officers to learn about the different opportunities Bates has to get involved in campus life! Whether it’s drinking tea with the Tea Club or building a catapult with the Medieval Studies Club, there is something for you! Starting your own club and the process to lead an existing club will also be discussed.

Bobcat Chat: International Time
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM EST
This Bobcat Chat welcomes all students interested in applying to Bates! We hope that this special time creates an opportunity for us to connect with prospective international students at a more convenient time! Please come with lots of questions!!! (Woo!)

Bobcat Chat: First Year Frenzy: Get the Inside Scoop
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 8:00 PM EST
Have questions about dorms, orientation, or the first year experience? Join us for a panel to learn tips and tricks on adjusting to the Bates community and why students love it!

Bobcat Chat: Living in Vacationland: Being a Student in Maine
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 8:00 PM EST
Join us for a panel on how Bates students enjoy everything Maine has to offer outside of the classroom. Whether that is hiking and camping or just chilling at the beach, all ways that Bates students interact with Maine will be discussed. Whether that’s fun local activities or maximizing Maine’s wilderness in all seasons, this chat is a great opportunity to learn what makes going to school in Maine so special!

Bobcat Chat: STEM-ulate Your Mind: Ask Me Anything!
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 8:00 PM EST
This panel will include a panel of students all in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) who will be able to answer any and all questions about studying STEM topics at Bates. Whether you know you want to do STEM or not, please sign-up to learn more. Areas in STEM include biology, physics, our 3-2 engineering program, Earth and Climate Sciences, and much more!

Bobcat Chat: International Time
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 12:00 PM EST
This Bobcat Chat welcomes all students interested in applying to Bates! We hope that this special time creates an opportunity for us to connect with prospective international students at a more convenient time! Please come with lots of questions!!! (Woo!)

Bobcat Chat: Humanities Unearthed: Ask Me Anything
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 8:00 PM EST
Psychology, Anthropology, Medieval Studies, and more! Come learn about the different departments and ask questions to current students.

Bobcat Chat: Around the World (and Lewiston) in 60 minutes: Study Abroad and Getting Involved
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 8:00 PM EST
Join us for an hour to chat about different study abroad experiences and how to engage with the Bates community. Whether you are looking for a volunteer opportunity or suggestions on where to go abroad, these students can help.

Bobcat Chat: International Time
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 12:00 PM EST
This Bobcat Chat welcomes all students interested in applying to Bates! We hope that this special time creates an opportunity for us to connect with prospective international students at a more convenient time! Please come with lots of questions!!! (Woo!)

Bobcat Chat: 2-hour Special (*cue fireworks*) Thinking twice? Come seek advice!
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 8:00 PM EST
Join us for a panel to answer any last questions you may have about Bates. With their impending May 1 regular decision deadline, feel free to ask any final questions you have that will help you make your decision. No specific topic or area will be highlighted, any and all questions about anything can be asked!

Bobcat Chat: Final 2-hour Special (*cue fireworks*) Thinking twice? Come seek advice!
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 8:00 PM EST
Join us for one final panel to answer any last questions you may have about Bates. With their impending May 1 regular decision deadline, feel free to ask any final questions you have that will help you make your decision. No specific topic or area will be highlighted, any and all questions about anything can be asked!

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.

Special AMA for for students admitted to Bates in 2025 and their families:

The first virtual event will feature Leigh A. Weisenburger, Vice President for Enrollment & Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 8:00 PM ET

The second event will feature Darryl Uy, Director of Admission, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 8:00 PM

Previous event recordings:

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.

First Generation to College: What do you need to know?
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 8:00 PM EST
Join a panel of current Bobcats and staff from the Student Center for Belonging and Community for an engaging conversation! They will share resources, advice on navigating your first year, and the spaces where you can find community. Pop in to ask them anything!

Below is a list of past sessions:
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.