Colgate University Top Questions

see the big picture

Colgate's geographical location guarantees that it is as out of place as a balloon at a cactus farm. It is a liberal island in a sea of vehement conservatism. A beacon of wealth and intellectuality that, like the golden dome of the chapel, stands out dramatically from the primarily low-income and minimally educated populace the surrounds the campus. Whereas most of the student body comes from suburbia or big cities like New York, Colgate is plopped in the midst of rural America, ensuring that couture clothing doesn't come in shopping bags, but cardboard boxes. Despite these discrepancies, Colgate students are actively involved in the community. We spread our various experiences and share our valuable knowledge with those who may not have ever left the state or finished education, and we use our youth and talents to make a difference for those less capable than ourselves at physical labor or the equally arduous task of promoting change. Colgate students may be different, from each other and our environment, but that just means that as a student body, we are all the more capable of making a difference.

I wish it was more acceptable to be diverse, people here don't as experiment as much as at other schools. There aren't many kids with orange hair or anything like that and I don't know many LGBT kids who are out about it. The majority of students are liberal but that doesn't mean you don't find plenty of conservatives.

Although Colgate is regarded as homogeneous, every clique is represented at Colgate if you look hard enough. A lot of kids played sports in high school, so a strong majority of the students are in shape. You won't see many fat people here. Politically, most students are at least mildly liberal but Colgate has its fair share of moderates and conservatives. What kids wear to class varies. Personally, what I wear to class and around campus is different from day-to-day. I can go to Frank in a stupid t-shirt and ratty sweatpants with a friend who is wearing a button-down and Timberlands. Of course, be sure to make sure you don't look scruffy if you're trying to attract the opposite sex in class.

Colgate is very liberal and most students feel very comfortable going there. There are many different religious groups and churches, LGBTQ groups and culture oriented organizations. All students wear different things to class, the most common is probably jeans, a t-shirt and a jacket. Occasionally - as in any other school/city - there is some discrimination and prejudice, but very rarely. Most students come from wealthy backgrounds but there are also a great deal of students who receive aid or scholarship in order to attend.

Though Colgate students fit the stereotypes of most small liberal arts institutions in the northeast, I think we are unique in that we are actively trying to change ourselves and our campus climate. If you want an opportunity to change the mindset of your peers, or to make some sort of difference, come to Colgate. You will get the opportunity to teach others about your views on diversity. Be patient though, and keep an open mind!

Colgate is not the most diverse of places. There are a lot of initiatives right now to change this. In the next few year I predict it to be different. Colgate is a safe and accepting place, but it usually recruits individuals from opposite spheres - that is, rich kids with everything or underpriveledged who are promising. It just makes social mixing a little more stratified. I wouldn't say anyone is mean or prejudice, but there are cliches. Students are socially liberal but politically from all over the spectrum. Most students are from the Boston and New York City (both NJ and NY side) area. There are also a lot from Conneticut, Colorado and California. Some from Pennsylvania (like me), DC, Oregon and Chicago.

Unfortunately, there isn't a ton of diversity at Colgate. Most students are white, straight, and upper-middle class. However, there is a significant minority presence on campus.

I haven't really experienced any type of discrimination on the Colgate campus but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. The majority of students on campus are caucasian however. Most students will dress up for class wearing their Ralph Lauren Polos with their designer shoes, but you can also find the students dressed as if they were going to the gym later. Most Colgate students are from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the DC area, Connecticut and Florida. With this, the majority of the students come from well-off backgrounds.

You get a lot of kids from the tri-state area. Students tend to be clean cut, athletic, and intelligent.