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How to Get Into Colgate University: Admissions Stats + Tips

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Set on a hill in the upstate town of Hamilton, NY is Colgate University, a private liberal arts college with an undergraduate enrollment of roughly 3,000. Founded in 1819, Colgate has a history of providing its students with a rigorous academic experience within a caring and vibrant community. 

In this post, we cover Colgate’s selectivity level, the average profile of its admitted students, how to optimize your application for Colgate, and other tips and deadlines. 

For the 2020–2021 admissions cycle, Colgate received 8,583 applicants, of which 2,358 were accepted. This means that last year, Colgate’s acceptance rate was 27.5% , making it a moderately selective school. That same year, Colgate received 1,061 early decision applicants, of which 478 were accepted, which yields a 45% acceptance rate for early decision. Colgate does not have early action.  

While Colgate’s low admissions rates might be discouraging, your personal chances of admission may be higher. Our free chancing calculator can help you better understand your chances of acceptance into any college. By taking into account multiple elements of your profile, including your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and more, we’ll estimate your odds of acceptance, and give you tips on improving your profile! 

The average high school GPA of Colgate’s Class of 2024 was 3.68. 15.7% had a GPA of 4.0 . 29% had a GPA between 3.75 and 3.99 , and a similar 29.% had a GPA between 3.5 and 3.74.  

Of the 18% of Colgate’s class of 2024 who submitted class rank, 65% graduated in the top 10% of their high school class, and 90% graduated in the top 25%. 99% graduated in the top half. 

While standardized test scores are normally required for applicants, Colgate is test-optional for three years, beginning with students entering in Fall 2021. Of the students who enrolled in Fall 2020, the top 25% of students scored above a 1460 on the SAT , and above a 33 on the ACT. 

In addition to academic achievement, Colgate looks for intellectual curiosity and as well as a sense of empathy for others. There is no cookie-cutter Colgate student; Colgate seeks to create a student body that is diverse but which is composed of thoughtful, curious, and talented students who want to be challenged and who seek the perspectives of others while shaping their own. 

How Colgate Evaluates Applications

According to their 2020-2021 Common Data Set , Colgate considers the following factors “very important” :

• Course rigor
• Academic GPA

These factors are “important” :

• Standardized test scores
• Application essay
• Recommendations
• Extracurricular activities
• Talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities

These are “considered” :

• First generation
• Alumni/ae relation
• Geographical residence
• Racial/ethnic status
• Volunteer work
• Work experience

And these are “not considered” :

• State residency
• Religious affiliation/commitment
• Level of applicant’s interest

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

1. Achieve at least a 3.7 GPA while taking the most challenging classes available

As the average GPA of enrolled Colgate students last year was a 3.68, in order to be a competitive candidate, you should aim for at least a 3.7 GPA. In addition, Colgate wants to see that you’ve challenged yourself, so you should try and take advanced honors, AP, or IB classes.

If your GPA is lower, and you’re still a freshman or sophomore in your high school, check out our tips for increasing your GPA . If you’re a junior or senior, it will be harder to increase your GPA, so the easiest way to increase your Academic Index is to get a higher test score.

2. Report your SAT scores if above 1460, and ACT if above 33

While standardized test scores are optional until Fall 2024 enrollment, Colgate will still consider your test scores if you submit them. During the next three years, a student who does not submit test scores will not be at a disadvantage from those who do. That being said, a high standardized test score is a valuable way to display your academic aptitude in addition to your transcript. If you do take the SAT or ACT and score in the 75th percentile of Colgate students, which is a 1460 on the SAT or a 33 on the ACT, reporting your scores will likely give you a boost.

To improve your SAT/ACT score, check out these free CollegeVine resources:

• How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
• How to Get a Perfect 36 Score on the ACT
• More SAT Info and Tips
• More ACT Info and Tips

3. Write engaging essays and supplement responses

In addition to the Common Application/Coalition Application/Questbridge Application essay, Colgate will offer you the opportunity to respond to the optional Colgate Supplement Questions. You can choose to respond to any or all of the questions. Although Colgate states that students who choose not to respond to the supplement questions won’t be at a disadvantage, the supplement is an excellent chance to show your strengths, character, authentic voice, what you’re passionate about, and what you may bring to Colgate’s campus. 

For tips on how to approach the supplemental questions, take a look at our guide on how to write the Colgate University essays 2021–2022 .

4. Cultivate at least one or two Tier 1-2 extracurriculars (find your “ spike ”)

When your academics are as equally strong as many other candidates for a college, extracurriculars are where you have a chance to stand out and help the admissions committee form a better idea of who you are and what you might bring to the campus. 

In general, any activity that you do regularly outside the classroom counts as an extracurricular, as long as you can demonstrate that the activity has contributed to your growth as an individual. However, not all extracurriculars are created equal. Extracurricular activities can generally be divided into four “tiers.” To increase your chances at Colgate, you should have one to two “Tier 1” or “Tier 2” extracurriculars. 

• Tier 1 activities demonstrate exceptional talent, achievement, leadership, or merit. Activities and roles on the national level or which garner field-wide recognition count as Tier 1 activities. This may include winning a national award, qualifying for international competition and therefore gaining prestigious recognition, or starting a nonprofit that gains national traction. Having a Tier 1 activity marks you as a distinguished youth in the field of your activity, so having Tier 1 activities is rare. 
• Tier 2 activities are more common than Tier 1, but still show high levels of achievement and potential. Holding school-wide leadership positions like student government president, winning regional competitions or awards, and local recognition as a student athlete or musician are all considered Tier 2. 
• Tier 3 activities demonstrate sustained participation rather than exceptional achievement, and are frequently seen in applications, both across the board as well as in any given individual student’s application, as some students may have more than one Tier 3 activity. These activities can include holding minor positions in school clubs or being on a Varsity team.
• Tier 4 activities are the most common and have the lowest entry bar; they demonstrate interest without particular dedication. However, they are still important to include, especially if you have higher tier activities, because they can help show the diversity of your interests. Tier 4 activities can include regular volunteering, general membership in clubs or organizations, or taking any kind of music or art lesson over several years. 

Having extracurricular activities on your application shows colleges that you have personal passions and that you can take your skills beyond the classroom. While colleges are happy to see any kind of interest you’ve taken, you’re going to be a much more competitive candidate if you have a few Tier 1 or 2 activities that show dedication and excellence rather than many scattered Tier 4 activities. 

5. Apply Early Decision

Remember that Colgate’s early decision acceptance rate is 45.% , while the regular decision acceptance rate is 27.5% . As early decision is binding, you significantly increase your chances of acceptance to Colgate when you apply as an early decision applicant even after accounting for profile strength. If you have your heart set on Colgate, applying ED can be a great way to show your commitment. However, keep in mind the drawbacks to applying early decision. You’ll have less time to refine your application, fewer financial aid packages options, and there’s the obvious inability to try your hand at other colleges if you do get in to your ED school. 

How to Apply to Colgate

Planning on applying to Colgate? Here are some dates to keep in mind for the 2021–2022 application cycle. 

Application Requirements

Colgate accepts applications through the Common Application, Coalition Application, and QuestBridge National College Match application. To apply, you will need the following materials:

• All parts of your Common, Coalition, or QuestBridge application, including personal essay, extracurricular activities list, and application fee (option to request fee waiver) 
• Official high school transcript
• High school counselor letter of recommendation
• Two letters of recommendations from teachers of ​​core subjects in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade
• Mid-year grades
• SAT or ACT (optional for Fall 2021–2023 enrollment)

Optional materials include:

• Colgate Supplemental Questions
• Arts or athletic supplemental materials

Learn more about Colgate

What Does It Really Cost to Attend Colgate University?

20 Top Non-Ivy League Schools You Should Consider

How to Write the Colgate University Essays 2020-2021

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

• Transfer & Other Applicants
• Admission & Aid

Transfer, Visiting, Special Exemption, and Readmission Student Admission

Transfer application dates, determining your category at colgate.

When applying as a transfer student at Colgate you should meet one of the following requirements:

• You have matriculated in a college-level degree program and now wish to attend Colgate.
• You possess an associate degree.

When applying as a visiting student, both of the following are true:

• You want to spend one term at Colgate after spending a minimum of one term at your home college (requires home college approval).
• Your degree is still awarded from your home college.

When applying as a special exemption student, the following are typically true:

• You are typically an area resident who cannot enroll for a full course load.
• This status is an exemption for special circumstances.

When applying for readmission, the following are true:

• You previously withdrew or were withdrawn from Colgate.
• Readmission is not guaranteed.
• Academic requirements are based on your time of readmission.

Students who have supplemented their high school curriculum with college-level classes in a non–degree-seeking program and students who have enrolled in a high school enrichment program associated with a college may have the option of applying to Colgate as either a first-year student or a transfer student.

The benefits and limitations for these options are outlined below:

Admission as a first-year student

• Permitted a total of six course credits of transfer/pre-matriculation work.
• Participate in first-year orientation.
• Enroll in a first-year seminar during your first semester; faculty member becomes adviser.
• Participate in first-year residential experience.
• Complete all four components of the core curriculum.
• Complete Global Engagements requirement.
• Fulfill Areas of Inquiry requirements.
• Apply using a first year-application.
• Admission available for fall term.  

Apply as first-year student

Admission as a transfer student

• Permitted up to 16 course credits of transfer/pre-matriculation work.
• Participate in transfer orientation.
• Register for classes with appropriate class year.
• The number of required core classes is determined by class year.
• May be able to fulfill Areas of Inquiry requirements with transfer credits.
• Obtain on-campus housing based on entering class year.
• Apply using a transfer application.
• May be admitted for fall or spring terms.

Application Checklist

• Complete the Common Application or the Coalition on Scoir .
• $60 application fee or fee waiver.

The application fee is waived for non-U.S. citizens and all U.S. military veterans. Colgate accepts official fee waivers from the College Board, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, and Expanding College Opportunities. All other fee waiver verifications must be submitted on school/organization letterhead and signed by a counselor. If you qualify for a fee waiver through the Common Application or Coalition on Scoir, we do not require an official fee waiver form.

• Official high school transcript(s). Must be sent by the student’s high school and must include date of graduation.
• Official college transcript(s). Must be sent by the institution(s) attended.
• College Official’s Report. Must be sent by the person completing the form ( Common Application College Report or Coalition Application Transfer Report ).
• Mid-Year Report ( Common Application Mid-Term Report or Coalition Application Curriculum Report ). To complete this form, please ask your instructors for your grades in your current courses. Record your grades in the form along with any comments from your instructors. You may mail or scan and email the completed form to [email protected] . 
• Academic Evaluation. It must be sent by the person completing the form. For the Common Application, provide your faculty member's email within the transfer application. For the Coalition on Scoir, use this form .
• Essay included on application.
• Applicants should indicate on their application whether or not they would like their scores considered.
• Colgate will accept self-reported ACT or SAT score results. Applicants may list ACT or SAT results in their Common Application or Coalition on Scoir. Additionally, students may send a copy of their score reports to [email protected] .
• Colgate superscores both the ACT and the SAT. Colgate's school code for the SAT is 2086. Colgate's school code for the ACT is 2702.
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) scores are required for non-native English speaking students who do not study at a secondary school or college/university where English is the primary language of instruction. These scores must be sent from the official testing agency.
• Spring Visiting 2024
• Fall Visiting 2024
• Academic Evaluation. Must be sent by the person completing the form.
• Spring Special Exemption 2024
• Fall Special Exemption 2024
• Spring Readmit 2024
• Fall Readmit 2024
• College Official’s Report. Must be sent by the person completing the form.
• Official college transcript(s). Must be sent by the institution(s) attended since withdrawal from Colgate.
• Mid-Term Report.
• Other information may be required based on a review of the student’s record. The Colgate Office of Admission will work with the Dean of the College division to determine if additional documentation is required. 
• Letter from student to Office of Admission indicating student wishes to apply for financial aid.

Coming to Colgate was one of the best decisions I've made. From the start I never felt like a transfer, I felt like a Colgate student. The people you meet and opportunities you have during your time here are special and meaningful. Katelyn Thuss ’19

Applicants are welcome to supplement their application with a SlideRoom submission to showcase creative accomplishments related to the arts. Every submission will be assessed by a Colgate faculty member and considered as part of the holistic application review. Colgate will accept submissions in visual art and media (of any kind), music (instrumental, vocal, and composition), theater/musical recordings, and dance portfolios. Submissions may include more than one medium, and all mediums should be indicated on the SlideRoom submission form. If you would like to include other supplementary materials in your application, such as creative written work, videos highlighting volunteer efforts, or school speeches, please consider using the Digital Presence. Additionally, please make sure that submissions highlight your individual ability so that our faculty are able to identify and assess you as an artist. Submission deadlines coincide with application and financial aid deadlines for all application plans, and we cannot accept submissions for review via email or after the deadline has passed.

Submitting material for review does not require a commitment to a major, nor will it impact academic placement. No audition or placement material is required to declare a major in the arts. Technical specifications for submissions can be found on the SlideRoom website . The submission fee is $12.00 USD. Applicants receiving a Common Application fee waiver will automatically have this fee waived in SlideRoom. Colgate is unable to provide SlideRoom fee waivers. If you have questions about a SlideRoom submission, please email [email protected] . If you have questions about a specific major or faculty/student organization, please email the academic department directly.

To document athletic achievement, please follow the guidelines in the application and send tapes and talent resumes directly to a coach.  

c/o (Coach for your sport) Department of Athletics Colgate University Hamilton, NY 13346

Some applicants may wish to share additional digital materials which showcase their background, talents, or creativity. Some examples include, but are not limited to, creative works, social media profiles, performances, online boutiques, and community pages. Applicants are welcome to share the web address/URL on the Colgate supplement as part of the Common App, Coalition on Scoir, or Questbridge Application.

We often receive other samples of students' achievements in fields such as journalism, student government, community service, etc. Such information is most helpful when it is a concisely presented sample of your best work or accomplishment. Such supplements should complement, but not replace, the effort to complete the application questions with regard to activities and involvement.

Colgate University 2022-23 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 15

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 15

You Have: 

Colgate University 2022-23 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 2 essays of 150-200 words, 1 list

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Oddball , Community

Colgate offers applicants the opportunity to lend depth to their application through optional supplemental writing prompts. These prompts are not meant to feel like essays; they are simply an added perspective. Responses to these prompts provide the Admission team greater insight into who the applicants are and the many ways they may flourish at Colgate.

Applicants can choose to respond to any or all of the prompts, which will be available in their Colgate applicant portal after their application has been received. Applicants should submit responses to the optional supplemental prompts based on personal preference. Those who choose not to submit responses will be at no disadvantage in the application review process.

Question 1: A great institution is diverse. It brings students of different socioeconomic backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and religions to campus. Colgate recognizes this and exposes students to a rich variety of perspectives and backgrounds in their educational and social experiences. Tell us in 150-200 words how you have prepared to immerse yourself in a community such as this or how you look forward to growing as a result of your experience at Colgate.

Admissions wants to know that you value inclusivity and thrive in diverse settings. So, you have two options: Tell admissions a story about getting involved in a diverse community, or write about why you are excited about joining Colgate’s eclectic student body. If you go with a story, start by thinking about the experiences you’ve had that have drawn you out of your shell or comfort zone and introduced you to new concepts, ideas, or ways of living. Maybe you joined the Robotics Club at school and made friends with peers you would have never met otherwise. Perhaps you got involved with the debate team and had to learn quickly about effective communication and the ability to see things from different perspectives. If you’ve lived a pretty sheltered life up until this point, don’t feel overwhelmed by this question — instead of looking to your past, focus on your future. How do you hope to blossom as a result of your experience at Colgate? Are you looking forward to leaving your small Midwestern town and meeting people from all different backgrounds? Do you hope to gain perspective and expand your horizons? However you approach this prompt, we encourage you to focus on how joining a diverse community will benefit your education.

Question 2: Colgate cultivates a skilled and engaged student body. Through their achievements, our students reflect the University’s reputation as a great place to pursue one’s academic interests. Tell us in 150-200 words about an academic or personal experience that highlights your skill and potential as a Colgate student.

Colgate wants to accept motivated applicants who are keen to take advantage of the opportunities available to them on campus. So, use this response as an opportunity to tell admissions about a time you accomplished a goal or succeeded academically. Maybe you created a graphic design club at your school to further develop your skills with friends after classes were over. Are you a natural leader? Do you often think outside the box? Perhaps you won your school’s science fair and plan to continue thinking creatively about solutions to 21st century problems next year on campus. Are you innovative? Do you love a good challenge? If nothing immediately comes to mind, try jotting down the academic accomplishments you’re most proud of. If you can’t think of anything, try asking a family member or loved one — we’re sure grandma has an idea or two! 😉

Question 3: The academic community at Colgate is shaped by the unique talents, character, and personality of each student. Please finish each sentence in 75 characters or less so we can learn more about you.

I am fascinated by… i want to learn all i can about… my favorite book is… my role model is… in the future, i hope to … one thing i would change is… i wish… i am most challenged by… in 5 years, i….

You’ve been limited to less than the length of a tweet for each answer, so you’d better make every word (and character) count! No pressure or anything. These prompts don’t have time for generalities or gentle introductions, so you’ll have to get straight to the point. The more specific your words are, the more likely they are to stick with admissions officers. If you can paint a funny picture or display a knack for wit, take this chance, but don’t force it; humor is not the only way to leave an impression. You also don’t have to think of this as filling in the blanks, but more like filling in any blanks still left in your application. Anything that doesn’t feel like it merits a full essay can go here as a tweet, hot take, punchline, or elegantly-worded sentence.

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ep. 245 - Julie Marie Wade Rattle Poetry

With special guest Denise Duhamel! Julie Marie Wade is a poet, lyric essayist, memoirist, and an experimental/hybrid forms writer. She is the author of twelve books of poetry and prose, including Wishbone: A Memoir in Fractures, winner of the Colgate University Press Nonfiction Book Award and the Lambda Literary Award in Lesbian Memoir; the book-length lyric essay Just an Ordinary Woman Breathing; and Otherwise: Essays, winner of the 2022 Autumn House Prize. Wade holds an MA in English from Western Washington University, an MFA in Poetry from the University of Pittsburgh, and a PhD in Interdisciplinary Humanities from the University of Louisville. Born in Seattle, she now lives in Florida and is an associate professor of English in the creative writing program at Florida International University in Miami, where she teaches poetry, memoir, lyric essay, and hybrid forms. Find more on Julie and her books here: https://www.juliemariewade.com We'll also be joined by Denise Duhamel for part of the episode to discuss her collaborations with Julie. Denise was the guest on Rattlecast 86, and a winner of the 2024 Rattle Chapbook Prize, in addition to publishing award-winning books like Queen for a Day and Kinky. Find their co-written book, The UnRhymables, here: https://www.amazon.com/UNRHYMABLES-Collaborations-Prose-Denise-Duhamel/dp/0578421429 As always, we'll also include the live Prompt Lines for responses to our weekly prompt. A Zoom link will be provided in the chat window during the show before that segment begins. For links to all the past episodes, visit: https://www.rattle.com/rattlecast/ This Week’s Prompt: Pull a random card from a deck and write a poem about it. Next Week’s Prompt: Find a partner and write a collaborative poem in some kind of form. The Rattlecast livestreams on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, then becomes an audio podcast. Find it on iTunes, Spotify, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

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What I’ve Learned From My Students’ College Essays

The genre is often maligned for being formulaic and melodramatic, but it’s more important than you think.

By Nell Freudenberger

Most high school seniors approach the college essay with dread. Either their upbringing hasn’t supplied them with several hundred words of adversity, or worse, they’re afraid that packaging the genuine trauma they’ve experienced is the only way to secure their future. The college counselor at the Brooklyn high school where I’m a writing tutor advises against trauma porn. “Keep it brief , ” she says, “and show how you rose above it.”

I started volunteering in New York City schools in my 20s, before I had kids of my own. At the time, I liked hanging out with teenagers, whom I sometimes had more interesting conversations with than I did my peers. Often I worked with students who spoke English as a second language or who used slang in their writing, and at first I was hung up on grammar. Should I correct any deviation from “standard English” to appeal to some Wizard of Oz behind the curtains of a college admissions office? Or should I encourage students to write the way they speak, in pursuit of an authentic voice, that most elusive of literary qualities?

In fact, I was missing the point. One of many lessons the students have taught me is to let the story dictate the voice of the essay. A few years ago, I worked with a boy who claimed to have nothing to write about. His life had been ordinary, he said; nothing had happened to him. I asked if he wanted to try writing about a family member, his favorite school subject, a summer job? He glanced at his phone, his posture and expression suggesting that he’d rather be anywhere but in front of a computer with me. “Hobbies?” I suggested, without much hope. He gave me a shy glance. “I like to box,” he said.

I’ve had this experience with reluctant writers again and again — when a topic clicks with a student, an essay can unfurl spontaneously. Of course the primary goal of a college essay is to help its author get an education that leads to a career. Changes in testing policies and financial aid have made applying to college more confusing than ever, but essays have remained basically the same. I would argue that they’re much more than an onerous task or rote exercise, and that unlike standardized tests they are infinitely variable and sometimes beautiful. College essays also provide an opportunity to learn precision, clarity and the process of working toward the truth through multiple revisions.

When a topic clicks with a student, an essay can unfurl spontaneously.

Even if writing doesn’t end up being fundamental to their future professions, students learn to choose language carefully and to be suspicious of the first words that come to mind. Especially now, as college students shoulder so much of the country’s ethical responsibility for war with their protest movement, essay writing teaches prospective students an increasingly urgent lesson: that choosing their own words over ready-made phrases is the only reliable way to ensure they’re thinking for themselves.

Teenagers are ideal writers for several reasons. They’re usually free of preconceptions about writing, and they tend not to use self-consciously ‘‘literary’’ language. They’re allergic to hypocrisy and are generally unfiltered: They overshare, ask personal questions and call you out for microaggressions as well as less egregious (but still mortifying) verbal errors, such as referring to weed as ‘‘pot.’’ Most important, they have yet to put down their best stories in a finished form.

I can imagine an essay taking a risk and distinguishing itself formally — a poem or a one-act play — but most kids use a more straightforward model: a hook followed by a narrative built around “small moments” that lead to a concluding lesson or aspiration for the future. I never get tired of working with students on these essays because each one is different, and the short, rigid form sometimes makes an emotional story even more powerful. Before I read Javier Zamora’s wrenching “Solito,” I worked with a student who had been transported by a coyote into the U.S. and was reunited with his mother in the parking lot of a big-box store. I don’t remember whether this essay focused on specific skills or coping mechanisms that he gained from his ordeal. I remember only the bliss of the parent-and-child reunion in that uninspiring setting. If I were making a case to an admissions officer, I would suggest that simply being able to convey that experience demonstrates the kind of resilience that any college should admire.

The essays that have stayed with me over the years don’t follow a pattern. There are some narratives on very predictable topics — living up to the expectations of immigrant parents, or suffering from depression in 2020 — that are moving because of the attention with which the student describes the experience. One girl determined to become an engineer while watching her father build furniture from scraps after work; a boy, grieving for his mother during lockdown, began taking pictures of the sky.

If, as Lorrie Moore said, “a short story is a love affair; a novel is a marriage,” what is a college essay? Every once in a while I sit down next to a student and start reading, and I have to suppress my excitement, because there on the Google Doc in front of me is a real writer’s voice. One of the first students I ever worked with wrote about falling in love with another girl in dance class, the absolute magic of watching her move and the terror in the conflict between her feelings and the instruction of her religious middle school. She made me think that college essays are less like love than limerence: one-sided, obsessive, idiosyncratic but profound, the first draft of the most personal story their writers will ever tell.

Nell Freudenberger’s novel “The Limits” was published by Knopf last month. She volunteers through the PEN America Writers in the Schools program.