Hi everyone! I’m a current high school senior trying to decide between UVA and Colgate but I’m leaning towards Colgate. Part of what makes me such a 'gate fan is the amazing atmosphere I’ve experienced so far. From the fb group to our ongoing group message I’ve already met such wonderful people! I had a big issue with bullying growing up and I’ve long been awaiting college where I can meet people more like me and finally fit in! However, I’ve seen a lot of posts on CC and niche saying that the student body at Colgate is very homogeneous, rich, and conceited. I’m white and I grew up in a town a well off white town in New England. I guess I kind of fit the stereotype of a typical Colgate student but I’m afraid that all of my excitement will lead up to my being disappointed for another four years with obnoxious wealthy people. Anyways, I’m curious if any current students of alum can make sense of the rumors for me and weather or not they’re true! Thanks so much! I appreciate every response and good luck to everyone else on their college search!
It seems to me that you have already pretty much answered your own broad question with your own first hand experiences informing you. To me, that goes a lot further than third party views, no matter who they might be from.
Why? It is and will be up to YOU to engage with the types of people and numbers of people of whatever background you choose at Colgate. You have already started to do so, Right? Simple as that.
Good luck with your college selection.
Go 'gate!
There are definitely wealthy people in Colgate but there are still a lot of different types of students there. It is up to you to find people who share the same interests as you.
We are from a very different culture and area of country that most kids who go to Colgate. My son doesn’t wear all the name brand clothes I saw a lot of on Colgate’s campus. But all that is superficial. His overnight hosts (dressed in what I suppose is the fashion of the NE preppy kid), were smart, funny, and more than welcoming to my son. Our tour guide was quirky, brilliant and first in his family to go to college. So, I’d say the stereotype is true at first glance on the surface, but there’s a lot more going on underneath.
the dress code at Colgate isn’t a school phenomenon, it’s a regional issue. I don’t know why, but kids started dressing preppy in this region (Northeast) about 6-7 years ago and the trend continues. I grew up in Europe where wearing red, and yellow pants was the norm in the summer. Never did I think i’d see Americans wearing these things or obsessing about brands like Moncler the way we did as teens in Europe in the 80s. I wouldn’t be bothered about not matching their outfits or brand names. At the end of the day a pair of Levis 501 is all you need.
One thing to keep in mind when visiting is this: Only friendlier students host. They are supposed to be nice and sweet. Many students would not think of hosting, so you don’t meet that crowd. This is usually the case anywhere at any level. If you do not fall smack in the middle of the mainstream student, you need to ask those who are a standard deviation away from the mean to find out their experiences. Two students told me that their hosts were great, and the first week orientation everyone was great. Then, a few weeks into the first term, the same people stopped saying hello, would not acknowledge them at all quite frequently, ignored them in the dining hall. It was a whole other readjustment. One student said it was like a schizophrenic experience. Jekyll and Hyde sort of thing. So be careful with that.
@cutepug anecdotal as your example may be, what you describe could be true anywhere. My daughter immersed herself among the greek life scene and most had no idea who she was, she could have been an existing student for all they knew. She said everyone was cool and chill (her words). Are you going to encounter some turds in college? sure, just as you will at work ir even within your own family sometimes.