@privatebanker: of course they don’t drink all the time. But American college students, especially freshmen, do drink in excess and think it’s a normal activitiy for a Friday evening. Even ‘dry’ campuses have “parties” that consist in drinking alcohol.
For those who don’t find it normal/acceptable, there are wellness dorms and substance free dorms.
Colgate’s more “hard drinking” than Vassar and, indeed, Vassar is more likely to have weed, although you find both alcohol and weed on both campuses and students who use neither on both campuses. It’s one difference between the two campuses. I wouldn’t base my decision on this but it’s important for OP to understand because the role that alcohol has in the US both as a traditional college activity and as a taboo can be quite disconcerting depending on the culture you’re from.
Some international students were thoroughly disgusted by what American freshmen called “a party”. Others kept saying “But how do they get drunk? With beer? How many glasses do they drink?!!!” Others yet are fascinated by what they perceive from films (American Pie is a common reference, although I’m not sure how applicable to actual college parties it is.)
@MYOS1634 No doubt. Point well taken.
I think we’ve helped to frame both the pitfalls and the idea of choice for the OP.
Colgate appears with only a few other schools on both of two Princeton Review lists, “Lots of Hard Liquor” and “Lots of Beer.” Though this association with drinking may seem more dramatic in one’s imagination than would be present in reality, there nonetheless may be a higher usage of alcohol at Colgate than at many other schools.
Vassar will always have more women than men. That was an agreement with the BOD and alums when the school went coed.
The scientific approach of student questionnaires is not above reproach. But it’s a valid issue to point out.
Maybe they focused the surveys on the guys in that Delta frat that formerly had the notable brothers named Otter, Flounder and Sen Blutarsky.
I agree. As an acceptable methodology, survey results of the Princeton Review variety have been obsolete in academia since perhaps just after the time of the Kinsey Reports.
It only takes 30 knuckleheads to think it was funny to be number one. Lol.
You’re talking about Delta, sir.
Any chance of getting back on topic? 
Well, as an opinion, I think the OP has suggested sufficient information regarding her preferences to indicate that Vassar may be the better fit for her, and I think that’s where she’ll attend.
I have a son at Colgate and one at Vassar. Both are excellent schools. Academically, Colgate has significant core curriculum requirements. Vassar has 3.
The Colgate vibe is definitely that of a traditional Northeast, preppy, college experience. The student body is somewhat homogeneous however these are all good kids who care about their communities, environment and learning. You should NOT worry about fraternities and excessive partying. You can have a vibrant social life without frats or sororities or excessive drinking.
Career Services is impressive. Great faculty. New dorms and other recent and planned construction is impressive. Hamilton is a nice little town. Winter is long and cold. Campus is gorgeous and hilly.
Vassar is warm and welcoming. There’s something for everyone. You can be yourself and you’ll be accepted. Athletes, musicians, dancers, actors, quiet, outgoing. Campus is gorgeous. 90 minute train ride to NYC. Great professors. My son is very happy.
Congratulations. Academically you’re in a win/win situation. Choose the option where you believe you can most easily be yourself.