Does Bates College require supplemental essays for the application?
I'm starting my college application list and I'm really interested in applying to Bates College. I'm having trouble finding clear information about whether or not Bates has any supplemental essays or short answer questions as part of their application. Some websites say there aren't any, but I just want to be sure before finalizing my Common App.
If you've applied to Bates recently, did you have to write anything besides the main Common App essay? Any random short responses on the application that I might not know about? I'm hoping to start things early since I've got a busy fall with sports, so any info would be really helpful.
If you've applied to Bates recently, did you have to write anything besides the main Common App essay? Any random short responses on the application that I might not know about? I'm hoping to start things early since I've got a busy fall with sports, so any info would be really helpful.
1 month ago
•
128 views
Roger Lopez
• 1 month ago
Advisor
Bates College does not currently require any additional supplemental essays or short answer questions beyond the main Common Application essay. As of the 2025-2026 admissions cycle, applicants only need to submit the Common App personal statement for their written portion.
This makes the Bates application more straightforward compared to many other selective liberal arts colleges, which often require additional school-specific essays. If you’re looking at their application on the Common App, you’ll likely see that there’s no extra writing section once you add Bates to your list—just the main essay and the standard application forms.
There’s no hidden or surprise section in the supplement, and you won’t be prompted for random short responses. However, keep in mind that application requirements can change year to year. It’s always a good idea to double-check Bates’ official admissions website right before you submit, just in case new requirements appear.
Getting your main Common App essay polished early is a smart move, especially with a busy schedule in the fall. Since there aren’t any extra essays for Bates, you can focus your time on making the rest of your application as strong as possible.
This makes the Bates application more straightforward compared to many other selective liberal arts colleges, which often require additional school-specific essays. If you’re looking at their application on the Common App, you’ll likely see that there’s no extra writing section once you add Bates to your list—just the main essay and the standard application forms.
There’s no hidden or surprise section in the supplement, and you won’t be prompted for random short responses. However, keep in mind that application requirements can change year to year. It’s always a good idea to double-check Bates’ official admissions website right before you submit, just in case new requirements appear.
Getting your main Common App essay polished early is a smart move, especially with a busy schedule in the fall. Since there aren’t any extra essays for Bates, you can focus your time on making the rest of your application as strong as possible.
Roger Lopez
Chicago, Illinois
Yale University BA, Political Science | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate |
Experience
4 years