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Colgate University

How this student rated the school
Educational QualityA+ Faculty AccessibilityA+
Useful SchoolworkA Excess CompetitionA
Academic SuccessA Creativity/ InnovationA-
Individual ValueA University Resource UseB+
Campus Aesthetics/ BeautyA- FriendlinessA
Campus MaintenanceA- Social LifeA
Surrounding CityC+ Extra CurricularsA
SafetyA
Describes the student body as:
Friendly, Arrogant, Snooty

Describes the faculty as:
Friendly, Helpful

Female
ACT:31
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SAT1460
Bright
Lowest Rating
Surrounding City
C+
Highest Rating
Educational Quality
A+
She cares more about Campus Aesthetics/ Beauty than the average student.
Date: Feb 10 2005
Major: Geography and Geosciences (This Major's Salary over time)
I came from a HS graduating class of 70 and a town much like Hamilton. My town is not only plunked down in an isolated rural setting but it is roughly Hamilton's size (in population/geographic area- we have less local business, however, since we have no college). The number of "minority" students in my grade could be counted on two hands. For this reason, I have found Colgate to be the perfect environment. It is larger and more diverse than my high school, but not overwhelmingly so. I know a lot of the people I pass on the quad- but there are also a lot of people I don't know. Colgate students are all connected by one or two degrees of separation and I love it that way. I'm definitely in my comfort zone- whether or not that's a good thing is certainly up for debate.

The campus setting is fantastic (to my perception). Besides the Cruiser shuttle, one is pretty much forced to walk everywhere on campus- and being alone outside is a nice break from the stir-craziness of the social scene. I sort of like walking up the hill, and it's really not unbearably cold if you've got warm clothing and mittens. On a sunny day walking across the quad, the beauty of the campus is unavoidable. Colgate really has an idyllic campus. Also, if you're up for nature, Colgate has tons and tons of trails up the ski-hill that the vast majority of students don't even know about.

The professors here are awesome. They're extremely personable and helpful. Both of my roommates babysit for current/former professor's children. I love getting to know people- especially interesting folks- and so getting to know professors has been one of my most favorite parts of Colgate. Of all my 8 classes, I've formed relationships outside of simply going to class and doing what needs to be done in all of them. Professors learn your name and say hi when you see them around. It's great. Additionally, all of the professors I've had so far are genuinely brilliant in their fields and made class for the most part interesting. Having a great academic experience is largely dependent on taking time to select courses based on professors and what interests you.

Two awesome opportunities Colgate has-

Studying abroad in a particular concentration is made a lot easier because you can apply to go with a group of Colgate students and be under Colgate aid/tuition. It does cheapen the experience, some argue, but it's better to have an experience than not at all, and Colgate makes it easy to go abroad when you otherwise might not be able. You always can go independently, too.

Outdoor education is fantastic. There's a basecamp facility with a gear rental center and freshmen/sophomores can apply to train to lead freshman orientation trips (Wilderness Adventure- I highly suggest you go if you come to Colgate) and student phys ed classes (in rock climbing, canoeing, snowshowing, kayaking, backpacking, etc). It is a somewhat isolated, "elite" community, but recently a new group- GORP- has been created for people who want all of the outdoor experiences of training without having to make the financhial, leadership, and time commitment. The directors of OE are awesome.

On to what makes this review neutral.. The social scene / general make-up of the student body can be really frustrating. There are some people here because their parents are rich or because they're stellar athletes, and not because they're interesting or intelligent- it's just a fact. It can make class discussion boring and pointless at times. By the same token, however, there are all types of poeple on campus (just in different proportion)- you just have to find your niche- and, most people are genuinely quite nice just to carry on a superficial aquaintance with. Many are really awesome, interesting people who are worth spending four years with and knowing for a lifetime. I'm used to there being nothing to do on weekends, but alcohol as the social scene can get really old, really fast. I haven't been bored on a weekend yet- but I can't say it's been awesome to go downtown sober on weekends for a movie or pizza and be surrounded by trashed people. It's sort of an at-your-own-risk experience.

I think anyone can succeed and be happy here. It just requires that one avoids being overwhelmingly frustrated by the drone mentality, and depending on your perspective, lack of activities and diversity- you've just gotta work to find your niche, but once you do, it's an awesome place to be.

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