Academics
Colgate University is known for its “very rigorous academic curriculum” and “invaluable” professors who “are the glue that hold the university together.” Many students say they chose Colgate because they wanted “a small liberal arts school that had the opportunities and resources of a larger institution” combined with a “heavily involved alumni network” that “makes the Colgate connection a truly valuable resource.” All agree that, at Colgate, you’re “more than just a number” and that “there is no [shortage] of caring professors that are meaningfully invested in your academic success.” As intimidating as it might seem to have, “internationally influential” professors, a history and political science double major assures that “classes are enjoyable and the professors are accessible.” A junior adds, “One of the wonderful things about Colgate is that these relationships start as early as freshman year. Students do not have to wait until their senior year to build fantastic relationships with the faculty.” However, another student grumbles, “Course selection is very stressful, and freshmen often get slighted.” Any complaints about the faculty centered on “teaching styles” not meshing with individual students’ “learning style.” “However, there are a plethora of resources available to students to succeed despite any of their problems.” “Colgate allowed me to become the person I always wanted to be, but didn’t know I was capable of being,” sings one senior whose sentiment is widely echoed.
Student Body
Colgate boasts a “happy and enthusiastic student body” with a typical student that “is athletic, smart, engaged, and down to earth.” They “enjoy having fun, but spend time in the library as well.” Many say “the typical Colgate student is a preppy New Englander, who can be found almost always wearing Patagonia and Sperrys.” However, this stereotype seems to be becoming less apt as there is “great diversity under the surface.” As long as students are “not afraid to do what they love, they will find their niche and fit in.” Fraternities and sororities as well as partying in general are popular: “Greek life does have a huge presence in the social life at Colgate,” but “it is not exclusive to just those who are members.” Most students mentioned the recent changes in the school’s alcohol policies. Some tout it as the impetus for “initiatives to expand the amount of alternatives to partying on weekends.” Others cited it as “the biggest issue on campus right now” between the students and administration. Despite the “country club atmosphere,” a computer science major says, “When you’re stranded in Hamilton, New York, for four years you’ll inevitably end up fitting in regardless whether you are the typical student or not.”
Campus Life
Colgate University “has an amazing campus with people who work hard and have goals but also know how to have a really fun time.” Students say the campus is “breathtaking,” and they value “its small size and intimate nature.” A philosophy major says, “Colgate is great because you can’t walk 200 feet without a professor, student, or faculty member acknowledging you by name, yet you’re constantly meeting new people and having new experiences. There is never a dull moment at Colgate.” Students say, “Colgate strives for the perfect combination of academics and extracurriculars,” and they feel the university “does a great job at helping us balance those and gives us opportunities to get involved in all the groups and events around campus.” In addition to a plethora of clubs, students are actively involved in Greek life and Division I athletics. A junior says, “I loved how Colgate was located in the middle of nowhere” because “everything revolved around the campus,” but in case you’re worried about isolation, another student adds, “Colgate brings a lot of interesting speakers to the campus, which helps provide for a more rounded liberal arts experience.” Students praise the administration, saying, “It is easy for students to contact the administration and thus have their voices directly heard by the community. The president holds drop-in office hours for students every week and takes notes on what students say during the session.”
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