Admissions

Find things that you can see yourself involved in and that you may become passionate about. The best way to build community here is to be involved in student organizations, or find a calling and start your own group.

Take AP classes, invest in extracurricular activities, and learn to budget your time! Colgate is like any college, which wants to see you challenge yourself, expand your mind, and be able to do all of this successfully. College is mainly about learning to use your time wisely, and good habits start in high school. Not only does Colgate want to see that in you as a prospective student, but they also will as an undergraduate.

I think its very important to come visit the campus because only certain people will like living in such a remote town. Its important to talk to students at the school besides just the tour guide too because we will give prospective students straight answers. Overall though, just about everyone I know here loves the school and is very happy they chose Colgate.

Come during April Visit Days and eat a chipwich - it's a tradition! Also check out the athletic trails on top of the hill - the views are great!

When I was touring, I was told it is a â??work hard, play hardâ?? mentality. The party culture was more prominent than I had been anticipating, but Colgate groups work hard to provide outlets for activities outside of partying. That is simply something I wish I knew.
Definitely go in for an interview and tour the campus. The campus is gorgeous and the interview is not intimidating whatsoever. They just want to get to know you and the relationship will enhance your application.
It gets very, very cold.
If accepted, look through the Pre-Orientation Programs. I went on a week long Sea Kayaking trip with Outdoor Education and it was an awesome, awesome experience and I met the people I am closest with currently.

Do not be afraid to show that you are an individual; the school loves to say that the student population is diverse in religion, ethnic background, economic class and student personality. Share your passions and the experiences that have made you who you are. And as with most colleges, stress that your leadership skills and the contributions you have made in order to make the world a better place.

Take AP classes in high school. If they aren't available, then take the most challenging courses you can. If you can start to think of your coursework outside of the textbook and take the time to really think about what you are reading it will be easier to make the transition from high school to college. Also learn how to manage your time. One of the best things about Colgate is that there are a ton of opportunities available for you, the only thing you have to do is make an effort to pursue the things that interest you and make time to participate.

Get involved in activities in high school and become well rounded and interested in the world because it will make you an interesting applicant and work hard because college is a lot of work.

Come to visit! Stay with some freshman and attend a few classes so you get to know the student life and academics. Any dean would love to talk to you as well - Gary Ross, the dean of admissions, is definitely a fan favorite. When I visited Colgate it was summer and there was no one around, but Gary Ross welcomed me and talked to me and my parents for almost two hours! Ask lots of questions because students LOVE Colgate and can't talk enough about the campus, clubs, nightlife, and academics!

Make sure you are ready to attend a small school in a small town. Colgate students, faculty, and alumni form a close community and it is easy to connect with others, but it isn't right for everyone. Visit schools of different sizes and in different areas to see what suits you the most.