Last spring, Bates was among 28 private, four-year nonsectarian colleges that gave the “Your First College Year” survey to its incoming students. With 386 of 485 students responding, or 80 percent, here are some findings about their first Bates year – all expressed in percentages:

Became close friends with other students	89
Got to know faculty	87
Would probably/definitely choose Bates again	85
Satisfied with student sense of community	79
Same question posed at other colleges*	69
Drank beer occasionally/frequently	81
Same question posed at other colleges	64
Bates men who drank beer in high school	63
Men who drank beer at Bates	79
Women who drank beer in high school	52
Women who drank beer at Bates	82
Study at least 11 hours per week	51
Same question posed at other colleges	44
Highly value developing a meaningful life philosophy	65
Same question posed at other colleges	54