A school of mostly very privileged white students, but despite the lack of diversity most students are friendly and hard working. The campus and surrounding area is beautiful, although the village of Hamilton may be too quiet for some. The faculty and staff go out of their way to help students.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
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.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
The course work is very rigorous and the school definitely practices grade deflation. However, students are supportive of each other's studies, professors are always very helpful, and resources like effective tutoring and the writing center are also available.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Room size for freshmen varies greatly. Some complain about Gate House, the now permanent but originally temporary housing, but it is close to the student center, has good sized rooms, and the students in Gate house are good friends. Campus safety and RAs always do rounds but the damage bills usually tend to pile up anyway and certain dorms can be very loud. If one is worried about damages and noise, I would recommend substance-free housing.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
The food at the student center, or The Coop is a set menu with some specials and is always good, and is the place to get late night food on campus. The new Donovan's pub menu is also good, and is a good option if one is down the hill but wants to eat using the meal plan. The Edge, a formal restaurant on campus, and the main dining hall Frank are usually good but sometimes disappointing.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
If one likes to go out at night, the options are limited to the Jug, a small and less than glamorous club downtown that has specific freshmen nights, and frat parties which are kind of hard for freshmen guys to get into from what I have heard. If one doesn't want to go out, there are other options such as free movies and game nights, but from personal experience it can get a bit boring sometimes. I would recommend bringing board games, video games and movies, which will also be a great way to make friends at the start of freshmen year.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
The classes are challenging but rewarding. The school has a lot of spirit and a great community. However, it is very expensive, and despite their efforts to have more late night activities and improve dining both areas could use work. But, I would recommend Colgate above any other school for those who want to go to a small liberal arts school
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Colgate is obsessed with the number thirteen. The saying goes that the school was founded by thirteen men with thirteen dollars and thirteen prayers. At Colgate, we celebrate school spirit on Friday the 13th, wear the number thirteen on Colgate shirts, and point out occurrences of the number thirteen.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Students who want to go to a small rural liberal arts school, and can handle a lot of coursework and many basic requirements
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There are a variety of clubs, and from my experience plenty of opportunities for community service. There are lots of club sports as well, but I don't know much about athletic options. The drama club and music programs are both excellent, and one can participate fully in both no matter what their major may be.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
I have never felt threatened at Colgate, and I do not know anyone else who has. The campus always has high safety ratings and is located in a safe small town. The biggest threat according to administration is sexual assault. So, girls should always be sure to travel in groups and watch our for one another, but again while I have heard of guys at parties overstepping their boundaries a bit, I have never felt threatened while going out or have known anyone to have been assaulted.
A school of mostly very privileged white students, but despite the lack of diversity most students are friendly and hard working. The campus and surrounding area is beautiful, although the village of Hamilton may be too quiet for some. The faculty and staff go out of their way to help students.
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.
The course work is very rigorous and the school definitely practices grade deflation. However, students are supportive of each other's studies, professors are always very helpful, and resources like effective tutoring and the writing center are also available.
Room size for freshmen varies greatly. Some complain about Gate House, the now permanent but originally temporary housing, but it is close to the student center, has good sized rooms, and the students in Gate house are good friends. Campus safety and RAs always do rounds but the damage bills usually tend to pile up anyway and certain dorms can be very loud. If one is worried about damages and noise, I would recommend substance-free housing.
The food at the student center, or The Coop is a set menu with some specials and is always good, and is the place to get late night food on campus. The new Donovan's pub menu is also good, and is a good option if one is down the hill but wants to eat using the meal plan. The Edge, a formal restaurant on campus, and the main dining hall Frank are usually good but sometimes disappointing.
If one likes to go out at night, the options are limited to the Jug, a small and less than glamorous club downtown that has specific freshmen nights, and frat parties which are kind of hard for freshmen guys to get into from what I have heard. If one doesn't want to go out, there are other options such as free movies and game nights, but from personal experience it can get a bit boring sometimes. I would recommend bringing board games, video games and movies, which will also be a great way to make friends at the start of freshmen year.
The classes are challenging but rewarding. The school has a lot of spirit and a great community. However, it is very expensive, and despite their efforts to have more late night activities and improve dining both areas could use work. But, I would recommend Colgate above any other school for those who want to go to a small liberal arts school
Colgate is obsessed with the number thirteen. The saying goes that the school was founded by thirteen men with thirteen dollars and thirteen prayers. At Colgate, we celebrate school spirit on Friday the 13th, wear the number thirteen on Colgate shirts, and point out occurrences of the number thirteen.
Students who want to go to a small rural liberal arts school, and can handle a lot of coursework and many basic requirements
There are a variety of clubs, and from my experience plenty of opportunities for community service. There are lots of club sports as well, but I don't know much about athletic options. The drama club and music programs are both excellent, and one can participate fully in both no matter what their major may be.
I have never felt threatened at Colgate, and I do not know anyone else who has. The campus always has high safety ratings and is located in a safe small town. The biggest threat according to administration is sexual assault. So, girls should always be sure to travel in groups and watch our for one another, but again while I have heard of guys at parties overstepping their boundaries a bit, I have never felt threatened while going out or have known anyone to have been assaulted.