<p>So far colgate is my first choice. It seems like a good school with really solid academics. Yet most people that I talk to have never heard of. Maybe that is just because of its size. So I was wondering what most people think of Colgate. Is it well-respected? </p>
<p>I am also interested in finding our more about the student body? Are people friendly, attractive, laid back? Also, how are the dorms? Just average I would assume. I visited during the summer though so I wasn't able to look inside any of the buildings. I guess I just want to make sure they aren't horrible. I know they are renovating the library too. Is it nice? Or if its not done, when will it be finished?</p>
<p>Colgate's definitely well respected in academic circles. It would look great when applying to grad school and employers would generally know it. </p>
<p>People don't recognize most colleges, honestly. I think people generally know HYP, and probably UCLA, Berkeley, Penn State, Ohio State, etc., simply because of their immense size or athletic programs. </p>
<p>I live right outside of Philly, and was involved in a high school program at UPenn last year. I can't tell you how many people asked me just how I managed to make the 4 hour (each way) trip to Penn State every Thursday night. That wouldn't have been as surprising if UPenn, a world class institution, wasn't a 15 minute car ride away.</p>
<p>In the case of Colgate, I've found that liberal arts colleges are generally lesser known to the general public than large institutions are, probably (like you said) because of size. But there's a difference between prestige in the general public and prestige in grad school placement and employment... The latter is arguably more important. </p>
<p>I visited Colgate last year and found it to be very beautiful. It seemed like on the inside, most of the buildings were pretty new and modern, while the outside of the buildings still had that aged, classic "college" feel. It was a great combination. There isn't too much to do off campus, but the college seems to have enough things on-campus that it wasn't a problem to most students. When I was narrowing down my college list, I ultimately decided that Colgate was too isolated for me personally, but it still stands out in my mind as being a very impressive place.</p>
<p>DITTTOOO!!!It doesn't matter if your friend or neighbor doesn't know Colgate university...What matter is the prestige in grad school placement and employment!!!</p>
<p>Yeah. Wait...you mean like the toothpaste? That is the usual response to Colgate.</p>
<p>Are any of you current or former students there? Can you tell me a little bit about the school? What's the typical student like? How are the classes? In general are they small, lecture style? Are people very competitive?</p>
<p>Decidenow, you might get more responses if you posted on the Colgate forum. I'm a parent, so this is secondhand: Colgate students are friendly, outgoing, active. Nearly all classes are small discussion classes - some lectures in intro level courses but still relatively small classes. Students are not at all competitive with each other. The library is scheduled to be completed Jan 07. The dorms are fine - pretty much the same as what I saw on all the other college tours we went on.</p>
<p>We visited Colgate with WildChild and I was extremely impressed. The campus is beautiful- perhaps my favorite of all. I thought the people (admissions and kids) were very friendly and helpful. I liked the town, but the school is isolated. My understanding is that there is a lot to do on campus and they bring in lots of musical groups and speakers.</p>
<p>just about every LAC is known only regionally. but colgate is a great school and you will get a great education. regardless if average joe in idaho has heard of it.</p>
<p>Colgate is one of a few top LAC's that has strong academics and athletics. Colgate is a member of the Patriot League that often plays the Ivies in most sports. Might want to look at Bucknell and Holy Cross which are Patriot League rivals of Colgate. Colgate and Bucknell are very remote while Holy Cross is only 1 hour from Boston.</p>