Bates College Transfer Acceptance Rate
The Bates College transfer acceptance rate was 20.6% for Fall 2025 — 34 admits from 165 applicants, per Bates’ Common Data Set 2025-26. Bates admits transfers for fall and winter (January) entry, guarantees them campus housing, and offers need-based aid.
Bates transfer acceptance rate, at a glance
Bates transfer figures
Bates reports transfer admissions in Section D of its Common Data Set. The 2025-26 CDS shows 165 transfer applicants for Fall 2025, 34 admitted (20.6%) and 10 enrolled — a Bates transfer acceptance rate above its 14.8% first-year rate.
| Cycle | Applicants | Admits | Acceptance Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | 165 | 34 | 20.6% | Bates CDS |
What GPA do you need for Bates?
Bates says it does not require a minimum GPA, but “students who transfer to Bates generally have a college GPA in the range of 3.3 or higher.” Both your high school and college transcripts are considered, and the high school record stays critical if you have not yet finished a second college semester.
Bates asks for course descriptions for every college course so it can evaluate your work. Credit transfers for courses graded C or better, up to 16 courses, and transfers complete at least 16 courses at Bates.
What a competitive Bates transfer applicant looks like
Competitive Bates transfer admits share a tight profile. Missing any one of these is where most rejections cluster.
Bates College transfer requirements
Application Essays
Bates accepts only the Common App for transfer (not the Coalition Application this cycle). Its transfer personal essay covers your motivation for transferring and your interest in Bates.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters: one from a college professor and one from your college academic advisor or high school counselor, plus a College Report and, if enrolled, a Mid-term Report.
Credits
Complete at least one semester at an accredited college by the deadline. Send course descriptions for all college courses; Bates credits C-or-better work, up to 16 courses.
Test Scores
Submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional.
Interested in transferring to Bates?
Book a 1-hour Zoom consultation with “The Goat” — a Stanford transfer student turned advisor, who’s spent the last decade helping applicants transfer into elite schools.
Why most Bates transfer applications get rejected
Most rejections trace back to one of five patterns. Here’s what they are — and how to fix them before you apply.
- Not having strong extracurriculars.A strong GPA isn’t enough — admissions officers want to see sustained commitment and leadership outside the classroom.
- Not having a competitive GPA.AOs need to know you can handle the coursework.
- Not telling a story that catches the AO’s attention.A list of accomplishments isn’t a narrative. The strongest essays connect who you are, why you’re transferring, and why Bates specifically — in a way that’s memorable, not generic.
- Not having a compelling reason to transfer.“I want a bigger school” or “better opportunities” reads as vague. Admissions officers want a specific, personal reason tied to your goals and to Bates.
- Not having strong personal recommendation letters.A rushed request to a professor who barely knows you shows. Build real relationships early so your recommenders can speak to specifics, not generalities.
Want us to spot these in your file before you submit? Book a 60-minute review ?
How Bates compares to peers
If Bates is your target, the other Maine colleges and Middlebury make natural parallel applications. Bowdoin and Middlebury admitted transfers at lower rates, and Colby has not published transfer figures since 2015.
Frequently asked questions
Does Bates College accept transfer students?
Yes. Bates admits transfers for fall and winter (January) entry through the Common App. You must have completed at least one semester at an accredited college by the deadline. Transfers are eligible for need-based aid and guaranteed campus housing.
When do Bates transfer decisions come out?
Fall applicants hear by May 2 and reply by May 23. Winter (January) applicants hear in late November and reply by November 25.
How many transfer students does Bates College accept?
For Fall 2025, Bates admitted 34 of 165 transfer applicants and 10 enrolled, per its Common Data Set 2025-26.
What is the Bates College transfer acceptance rate?
The Bates College transfer acceptance rate was 20.6% for Fall 2025 (34 admits from 165 applicants) — higher than Bates’ 14.8% first-year rate.
When is the Bates College transfer application due?
March 1 for fall entry (supporting materials by March 5) and November 1 for winter entry (materials by November 5). The admission and financial aid deadlines are the same.
Can I apply if I took a gap year or break?
Yes, if you have matriculated as a degree candidate at another college and earned credit. A break isn’t listed as a disqualifier, and the Mid-term Report is only needed if you are currently enrolled.
What if I already have a degree?
Bates’ transfer page doesn’t address applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree, so confirm eligibility with admission before applying. A transfer student is anyone who has matriculated as a degree candidate elsewhere and has earned or is earning credit.
Where this data comes from
- Bates — Common Data Set 2025-26 — Section D transfer admit data (primary source)
- Bates Admission — Transfer Students — timeline, requirements, GPA guidance
- Common Application — application platform
Want a real shot at Bates?
Bates admitted 34 of 165 transfer applicants for Fall 2025 — a Bates transfer acceptance rate of 20.6%. Our consultants will look at your transcript, your reasons for transferring, and your fit with Bates.