Colgate University vs. Colby College

:slight_smile: I recently got accepted to both Colby and Colgate (so happy), and I’m completely torn between the two. I really like them both… I’m looking to study Biology on the pre-med track while also studying English. I’m also looking for research/internship opportunities, an intellectual/creative student body etc.

Simply stated, I love the campus at Colgate, and a lot of other aspects of it. I love how it has a strong alumni network, amazing research opportunities, great science facilities, and an overall ideal setting for me (rural). I visited and absolutely loved it, but maybe it’s just pre-college nerves sinking in?? I’m also concerned about the partying/drinking/athletic culture; is it prevalent to the point where it’s overwhelming, or is the focus way more on academics? Also, what is the student body like? Is there quirkiness/nerdiness/diversity or are they mostly preppy?

Colby–I love the idea of a small liberal arts school with amazing success rates afterward and a strong science program, I’m just concerned about the campus/location since it’s 5 hours away from where I live. Also, I don’t know as much about it. What are the students like? Since it’s so similar to Colgate in terms of access to professors and the quality of academics, what are some major differences?

Thanks for taking the time to read this and to try to help! :slight_smile:

I don’t actually have much insight to offer but I do have a daughter who was in a similar situation. Ultimately she decided on Colby. We are also 5 hours away and she was also concerned with the culture at Colgate. (We happened to visit on Spring Fest, or something like that). Everything you say is relevant, can you visit Colby? Colgate is a great school and a beautiful campus and I’m sure if you love it you will find you niche. These liberal arts colleges are all very similar, you will have a mix of all types. Good luck with you choice, you really can’t go wrong with either school

Thank you so much–I might visit in the next few days, just to get a better sense of Colby. Either way, I’m optimistic since both are really wonderful options. How does your daughter like Colby/what is she studying?

To Portraiture97
My daughter is studying Psychology/pre-med. I think if you visit Colby you will find the campus is stunning, every bit as beautiful as Colgate. My daughter did not want a fraternity sensibility and Colby has no frat system. We know many students at both schools and my daughter identified better with the girls at Colby. You thought getting into the schools would be hard, I think the selection process is much more difficult. Good Luck!

Portraiture97: Just a bit more…my daughter is quirky, nerdy and academic. Not preppy, athletic or outdoorsy(not even a little bit).

@MandMom thank you for your insight! I will continue to look into Colby, especially since the qualities of the student body are important to me.