<p>Our D has been admitted to Colgate and UR. Both schools are about the same size, and have great reputations for academics/professors, etc. So, I think what may break the tie is social life. We are fairly conservative, and would like to avoid throwing our D into a school that is dominated by a Greek life/drinking culture. I know there are elements of that in every school, and your child has to be strong enough to stay away, but I hear conflicting things about the prevelance of drinking at Colgate and UR. I know Colgate is "isolated" which some say makes Colgate students more prone to binge drinking (or is that only true in Alaska and certain parts of the Dakotas.) True? Anyone brave enough to comment on the party scene at Colgate? Are drugs an issue?</p>
<p>My sister attends UR and I attended Colgate. I’ll try to address your questions as best I can.</p>
<p>Colgate is certainly more isolated than UR. However, Rochester isn’t a place to write home about. My sister likes it, but it simply looks unsafe and run down to me. There are more restaurants and shopping areas, but it lacks the rural charm that Hamilton has. Downtown Hamilton is small but safe–I wouldn’t walk around Rochester at night by myself.</p>
<p>The Greek system is a big component of social life at both schools. At both Colgate and UR, you can find people outside the system and have a great group of friends. Colgate is preppier. I have seen copious binge drinking at both schools (welcome to college). I never encountered “hard” drugs at Colgate–they are not widespread or well thought of. Of course, this depends who you hang out with. My sister is an RA, so she encounters a lot at Rochester and its not fair to compare our experiences re: drugs. </p>
<p>In the end, you’re comparing too vastly different academic experiences. A 4,500 student university (attached to graduate schools and big research labs) vs. a 2,800 student liberal arts college. Colgate’s classes are MUCH smaller and as far as I can tell, more academically rigorous (I had a friend who took classes at both). The biology department may be smaller, but you get to know your professors much better. In contrast, UR is attached to a medical school (and graduate school), so you’ll have a lot of great labs to choose from if science is your thing. </p>
<p>I think that covers it. If you ask me: go to Colgate. I was much happier there than my sister is at UR.</p>
<p>Cathreitel, thanks for the reply. I am afraid my note was confusing. The “UR” I was referring to is University of Richmond, in Virginia. However, your comments re Colgate are very helpful and consistent with what I have heard. As you said, no college is immune from some amount of binge drinking. I guess I want to make sure that sorority life for girls doesn’t completely dominate the social scene at Colgate.</p>
<p>I was accepted to both University of Richmond and Colgate and chose Colgate, though it was mostly because UR didn’t have a study abroad program for Japanese, which I wanted (figured that out as I was narrowing my choices). I don’t really remember much about UR though, aside from the giant spider in the student center, since I only visited once and that was in 2003. I don’t like spiders though, so maybe that was a factor.</p>
<p>For what it’s worth, Colgate does have active Greek life, but I never felt it was dominant. There are lots of non-drinking-related activities and I never felt peer pressure to drink if I chose not to in a given situation. Only like 30% of all students are involved in Greek life (40% of those eligible - you rush as a sophomore).</p>
<p>My D has been accepted to Colgate, although it looks like she’ll be attending W&L. One of the reasons I encouraged her to apply was due to the lovely Colgate women from my sorority whom I’ve met at our last two conventions. I was very impressed with these young ladies. One came up and joined me when I was sitting alone at an assigned table, asked if she could sit with me, and immediately struck up a conversation. She told me all about the work she had been doing in Lesotho. I have also met the chapter advisor from Colgate, and she is wonderful and on-the-ball. The Colgate chapter won our sorority’s highest award at our last convention. I would have no qualms about encouraging my daughter to join, based on everything I know about our chapter there, and the lovely, poised young ladies I’ve met.</p>
<p>Thanks Sciencewoman, that’s encouraging. My D has recently become very interested in genetics (thanks to a great Biology teacher). I assume these Colgate women had science related majors? I am interested in hearing what you or others might have to say abouthe Biology Dept at Colgate. I am also guessing that this particular sorority chapter is a little more serious minded that the cliche image many of us have about sororities?</p>
<p>I thought I should offer for those who are interested in the Greek system at Colgate.</p>
<p>There are 3 sororities and 6 fraternities for roughly 1450 undergraduates who are eligible to join. Freshmen don’t join as rush is sophomore year for junior year. This is useful information to look at in terms of how Colgate undergrads, all 2900 or so arrange their social and living preferences. It’s useful for comparisons with other schools you might be considering.</p>
<p>So while Greek life is healthy and thriving - there is clearly scope for another sorority - students’ achievements are due to the high degree of energy on campus generally!</p>
<p>Colgate has appointed a new Dean of the College. Her background can be found as a recent lead article at colgate.edu. She will certainly be engaged with the Greek system.</p>
<p>Colgate has a long-standing reputation as a top liberal arts school and UR has improved over time. That said, Colgate is still preppier than many other LACs and sends students to top professional and other graduate schools as well as Wall Street and prestigious jobs. Don’t know the connections that UR has and whether they are restricted to the mid-Atlantic region or not. Colgate is definitely safe, unclear how close/accessible UR is to downtown Richmond. I suppose if conservatism is your main concern, you should address with both schools. Great choices!</p>
<p>@ boatlift. I can’t speak to the other sororities, only to what I know about my own. I’m sure the members are from a wide variety of majors, not just science. All parents should know that all NPC sororities have well-established policies against underage drinking, hazing, etc. and all are very concerned with public image, healthy lifestyles, academic achievement, etc.</p>
<p>As a current student at Colgate, I can give an honest opinion of the partying scene at Colgate. I was never one to go out or drink while in high school, but that usually changes for most people at college. I can’t speak for UR, but I can tell you that if you want your daughter to go to an extremely safe, fun, and amazing school, Colgate is definitely the way to go. </p>
<p>College is a time where we have to experience life for ourselves, make mistakes, learn, and grow. Colgate students know how to prioritize our studies, but we also know how to relax and have fun with our friends. This can mean going out and drinking, but Colgate is not at all dominated by Greek life. Greek life does have a strong presence on campus, but there are definitely other options for going out at night (I am not a member of greek life). I also know many many many people who do NOT drink and they are very happy with their experience at Colgate. </p>
<p>As for binge drinking and the isolation issue- the main issues with drinking that I have witnessed are with students who were isolated growing up. These were students who haven’t really experienced what learning from their mistakes means or understanding the consequences of their actions. But, the issue of inexperienced students can be found at any school. I should mention that Colgate has an extremely realistic policy of underage drinking and making sure than every student is safe and feels safe asking for help. Every encounter (whether for myself or a friend) that I have had with Campus Safety has been helpful, supportive, and caring. </p>
<p>Don’t hesitate from sending your D to Colgate because of its party/drinking reputation. Colgate has amazing academics, connections, and opportunities which can’t be found at many schools. Your D will ultimately be confronted with decisions and situations regardless of which college she attends, but I can whole-heartedly say that Colgate would provide a wonderful environment to do so.</p>
<p>Thanks Colgate 2014. Really appreciate the feedback. Very encouraging. What about the relative isolation of Hamilton? Ever an issue for students to be in such a small town?</p>
<p>boatlift,</p>
<p>Have you read the threads on Colgate vs NYU and Colgate vs CMC et al below? They discuss life in a small college town and its relative advantages for Colgate students.</p>
<p>Good luck with your choice!</p>
<p>Boatlift,</p>
<p>I was pretty apprehensive about coming to Colgate as I’m from NY but it’s been a wonderful place to study. I’ll probably live most of my life in a city so it’s been nice to be removed from the craziness. And it’s not too isolated, there’s just enough to do.</p>