What do you guys think?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Colgate University
1

<p>hey. my name is Aviv, from Israel, almost 21 and applying to Colgate as my #1 choice.
I would love to know what you guys think as to how I would fit in and if I should apply ED...</p>

<p>about me - I graduated high school in 2008. my overall unweighted high school GPA is 3.7, however I took the most advanced science courses and received A's and A+'s on them. I put a lot of effort into my studies my last two years in high school and have very high grades in those years. I took two BA level courses at a university here when I was 17 and received 89 and 90 (out of a 100).
served in the army here in Israel in an elite unit and lead a project that received the Israel Defense Prize (my essay is about that, and I think that it is very strong).
I have a lot of leadership experience, within and without the army.
SAT score is 1440/2180 (one sitting: M:780, CR:660, W:740).
TOEFL score is 112 (30 on the reading there).</p>

<p>work Experience:
software developer from the age of 16 to 18. Lead a year-long high grossing project when I was 17.
during and alongside the army, worked as a head of technology for a start up in the mobile phones field.
currently a senior software developer at a hitech company.
currently working as freelance security expert (malware research, reverse engineering and so forth)
EC's
spent 4 months in the states after high school and obtained a private pilots license
volunteered at Pilots for Charity to fly children with long term diseases
volunteered at El-Al Israel Airlines and helped them built their pilots training program
been playing guitar for 5 years, school performances and so forth
tennis – played for 5 years and coached kids.
volunteered at the Israeli civil guard and as an anti drugs spokesperson
traveled extensively around the world, for business and for pleasure.</p>

<p>my writing is great and I think I have a lot to say about myself – I am a high achiever and I have a lot of interests, an interesting perspective and can offer a great deal of diversity. I have very good recommendations (from teachers, army, and employers). I also think that not a lot of Israelis (or Middle Easterns in general) apply to american colleges so hopefully that will up my chances.</p>

<p>I get along with everybody (I'm the kinda that will blend in with the americans as opposed to only hang out only with other international students). I am very sociable and friendly and I love meeting people.</p>

<p>I am applying to Colgate for many reasons:
1) the vibe and the people - I am looking for a fun school with god balance between party and good academics (work hard play harder kinda thing) and I feel like Colgate is exactly that
2) I love that Colgate has almost 3000 students so its not a 1500 kids school, but not a huge state school
3) love the campus
4) love the LAC approach - I want to add to my technological experience by majoring in econ and taking courses in different fields</p>

<p>unfortunately, I am demonstrating a significant amount of financial need (full cost minus around 10000K), and thats my only inhibition for applying ED - I know that this might be an issue as they might not calculate my need the same way I did and not offer me enough money. however, that being said, I am applying to many schools (around 14, from Claremont McKenna to DePauw) and I feel like my stats are not strong enough for them to meet my full need if I apply RD. does that make sense?</p>

<p>I would love to hear your thoughts!</p>

2

<p>You have excellent “numbers” and a lot of very impressive experience that I imagine should make at least a few American colleges interested in you. The main advantage you have is that you are not only somewhat older and a good student, but you are different and not just another American high school grad with good grades. It’s a good idea to talk about your military work and other activities in your essay in order to emphasize this – which you seem to have done. </p>

<p>As for your financial need, all colleges understand that many students need financial help. But, most colleges have only limited amounts of money they can offer to students. A few of the Ivy League schools which are rolling in money offer financial aid to every single student who can demonstrate a need for it. Colgate, and most smaller colleges, cannot do that. But, Colgate does offer financial aid to many of its students, and that aid is often very generous. It ranges from full tuition scholarships for some to small scholarships. </p>

<p>This aid is generally offered to students on a somewhat rolling basis, I believe, which means that when there is no more aid to offer, an applicant will get not aid. So, I imagine it is to your advantage to apply for admission and for financial aid earlier, rather than later. Keep in mind, of course, that Colgate, like other colleges, would prefer to admit as many students who pay full tuition as possible. So, students who do not apply for financial aid may have some small advantages in being admitted. I do not mean that Colgate would turn down a financial aid applicant, but if they had little money left and they were deciding between two applicants, one who was not requesting aid and another who was, I imagine they would prefer the full tuition student. </p>

<p>I would not hesitate to apply to Colgate at all. You have a very good chance of being admitted. I also imagine that Colgate will try to offer you some financial aid. It may come down to your being admitted to a number of colleges and having to decide based at least partly on which one offers you more financial assistance. And you can always contact the financial aid office after you have been admitted and ask if they can offer you more financial help. They may say ‘no,’ but it can’t hurt to ask. Hopefully the quality of the college and the appeal will weigh more heavily in your decision. Good luck to you! </p>

<p>It may be a good idea to call the financial aid office at Colgate and ask them the same questions. They will have the best information, of course.</p>