Bates / Interview
The Bates interview
Informational interview. Here is how it works and how to prepare.
Informational interview
Optional alumni conversation (not an evaluative interview), ~30 min, in your area or virtual; availability not guaranteed due to high demand
How to prepare for Bates
- The alumni conversation is explicitly non-evaluative , Bates states it plays no role in the admission decision, so treat it as a chance to gather information rather than to impress.
- Ask genuine, specific questions about Bates life (the Short Term program, thesis requirement, Lewiston community) to show you have done real research on the college.
- Because interviews carry no weight, focus your energy on the written application , Bates is test-optional and weighs essays and teacher recommendations heavily.
- If an alumni conversation is unavailable in your area, attend a virtual info session or student panel; demonstrating interest through engagement with Bates programming still signals genuine curiosity.
Practice before the real thing
Rehearse real admissions-interview questions and get an honest read on your answers, what an interviewer hears, where you sound generic, and what to sharpen. We coach you; we never script you.
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