Bates admitted 15% of applicants for fall 2025 (1,433 of 9,660, Common Data Set 2025-26). Bates admitted 34% of early decision applicants (318 of 949). Of the 795 students who took a spot on the wait list, 39 were admitted (4.9%). Bates is test-optional for fall 2027. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1325–1510.
The numbers
Applied
9,660
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
31–34
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
37%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$65
waivers exist
See your odds and what families like yours paid. It stays on your device.Add my SAT and income
Can I get into Bates?
15% of applicants get in
Grades and essays carry this one; most strong applicants still hear no. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1325–1510 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
9,660 applied, 1,433 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
Does Bates need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 12% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1420 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
For fall 2025, 318 of 949 early decision applicants got in (34%), against 15% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go.
6days
Early decisionBinding
Due Sunday, Nov 15, 2026
62days
Early decision IIBinding
Due Sunday, Jan 10, 2027
62days
Regular decision
Due Sunday, Jan 10, 2027
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2025.
The wait list
2,103 students were offered a wait-list spot and 795 took one. 39 of them got in (4.9%).
Common Data Set, fall 2025.
What Bates looks at
Counts most
How hard your classes were, class rank, GPA, essay, recommendations, activities, talent or ability, character.
Counts a lot
First in your family to go to college, where you live, state residency, showing interest (visits, emails).
Also considered
SAT or ACT scores, interview, A parent or relative went there, volunteering, work experience.
As Bates rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Bates College's acceptance rate?
Bates admitted 15% of applicants for fall 2025 (1,433 of 9,660, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Bates College?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1325–1510. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Is it easier to get into Bates College early decision?
For fall 2025, 318 of 949 early decision applicants got in (34%), against 15% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go. Early applicants often include recruited athletes and legacies, so the gap overstates the advantage for most students.
Does Bates College take students off the wait list?
2,103 students were offered a wait-list spot and 795 took one. 39 of them got in (4.9%).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Deadlines: bates.edu, 2026-27 (checked Nov 5, 2026)
Test rule: bates.edu, fall 2027 (checked Nov 2, 2026)
