My son is trying to decide between Colgate and a large public university in our home state. He wants to major in science, preengineering or Biochem. He likes to socialize ,but is not a drinker and is not a big party goer. I know he will like and benefit from personalized attention that Colgate offers, its the social scene and how he will fit in that I am concerned about. We will be visiting the school this month, I have read other posts on this subject, but any other feedback would be appreciated
Colgate grad here. Might be helpful to understand which state institution your son is considering and what social activities he enjoys. In general Colgate students are a pretty main stream, active group. Lots of athletes and former athletes who are still interested in club sports, intramural etc…Study abroad is well done and wildly popular. Lots of partying though I will say that it’s not quite as uninhibited as, for example, Penn State or Michigan on on a football Saturday. It’s a tight knit group. I am in regular contact with Colgate friends I made 25 years ago.
We are in a similar situation with D. Among big research type universities she has narrowed it down to Michigan and is probably going to go there. She is, however, doing the Experience Colgate for admitted students to compare to a a small liberal arts schools. This will either validate her decision to go to UMich or give her a whole new perspective. The schools couldn’t be more different.
What concerns me about Colgate is Greek life and my perception of how elitist the school may be. My son goes to a a college very similar to Colgate and there are some things that I don’t love about Greek life and sense of privilege one gets at these type of schools. On the other hand, as a parent, something about these smaller beautiful liberal arts colleges is also reassuring.
D is very heavy into science and research so probably hard to pass up the opportunities at Michigan but we shall see.
@ekruglyak : Wouldn’t the University of Florida be dramatically less expensive than Colgate ?
Absolutely, no question and its another big consideration. But he loves the cold and snow, he loves great professors that he will get to know personally , something thats a lot more difficult to do in a large school. Like everything else its hard to find one school thats ideal in every way and you always take a chance when trying something new, but thats how we learn and grow I guess
Parent of a D currently attending there, and a S considering it this year. Here’s what I can add–
The individual attention is awesome at Colgate; you won’t get that at a big institution. My D, and her class has been invited over to the Professor’s house for dinner on a couple of occasions. The Profs really get to know the kids. All courses taught by Professors; no TAs teaching. Undergrads have the ability to do research; which may not be the case at a large institution. My D is a Soph and is doing research this semester, and will be helping a Prof over the summer with a research project. Your D is more apt to have research opportunities at a school like Colgate than at a large University where usually the Masters and PhD students have first crack at them.
My D is not a drinker. But has found many like minded friends who don’t do the frat/party thing at Colgate. There are so many activities and clubs to join that your D will find her way. There is drinking/partying at EVERY college; and there is also MANY kids who don’t do the party/frat scene at each college. Your D, like mine, will find her friends, that will share the same interests.
I agree completely with eiknarf. My two dd are in a big university and they don’t have the individual attention my ds got in Colgate. Completely different.
Current student. Tons of opportunities to step outside the ‘party’ culture. I have studied abroad 3 times with Colgate, all of which were completely covered by the school (including a stipend for food and activities). There’s a recreational ski club that takes trips every weekend that is completely paid for (transportation, lift tickets, rental tickets etc.). Tons of opportunities like this to engage in interests.
Thank you all for your great comments! Very helpful! Looking forward to the open house next week.