Colgate University

Date: Apr 07 2004
Major: Political Science (This Major's Salary over time)
Colgate is certainly a place where the student body is relatively homogenous. This is a common complaint made by those students who do not see themselves as having fit in to the specific "mold" that seems to exist at Colgate. Certainly, I can understand this frustration, and I might have the same unfavorable opinion if I did not fit so naturally into the environment. However, I did, and I really loved this school. That is not to say that my personality and characteristics can be easily (and negatively) predicted, nor does that mean that one can assume that they understand how I see the world (I am talking about those who hold the opinions mentioned above)simply because I liked being at a school with people who shared similar backgrounds. Someone whose collegiate experience was not what they had anticipated can construct a theoretical argument (that frames those who "lived the high life" as simple and predictable) with relative ease. However, while this may serve to fuel their bitter explanations of why they did not enjoy college, its utility stops there. Is Colgate a place where [seemingly] most went to boarding/prep school? Is Colgate a place where most students have known privileged lives? Is Colgate a place where you can bet that everyone's parents are Republicans? (Go Bush!) Yes to all. However, this does not mean that these students also share the negative qualities ascribed to them by those who did not enjoy Colgate. Yes, there are a lot of people at Colgate who appear very similar. Patagonias, SUV's and New England License plates are abundant. So what? People who have a lot in common tend to hang out together. Consider High School. What is NOT true, though, is that thes people exclude others who do not share the same backgrounds and experiences. In my fraternity, classes, and in general, I knew people who were very different from the so-called "cookie cutter" Colgate student who fit in, were friends with these "cookie cutter" people, and had a hell of a good time. Why? What was the common quality they shared? They were not judgmental of the homogeneity, they did not assume that everyone was arrogant and exclusive, but, more importantly, they were OUTGOING. Colgate is a great place to have a great time and a great college experience. The average Colgate student has a quality that I have yet to see matched by alumni from other schools: they are outgoing, get along with everyone (who doesnt prejudge them) and know how to have a hell of a good time!