Admission & Aid

Financial Aid    Applying    Academics/Student Life

Academics and Student Life

Q: What is Colgate's academic program?
A: Colgate’s curriculum provides undergraduate liberal arts education leading to the Bachelors of Arts (B.A.) degree, plus a very small graduate program leading to the Masters of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.). While Colgate students eventually major in one or two academic areas, they are exposed to a wide variety of disciplines and gain a broad base of knowledge. Although many students seek employment immediately after graduation, a large number will continue studies for an advanced degree at another institution in order to pursue a particular profession. For more information on individual programs and majors, please visit the academic departments homepage.

Q: What support services are available?
A: Colgate maintains an extensive support network for international students. Lisa Hally, in the dean of the college’s office, advises on cultural issues, passport and visa questions, travel, and related questions. In addition, the Colgate International Community (CIC) is a vibrant student-led organization that coordinates social events and provides a support network. Typical programs include weekly meetings, holiday gatherings, weekend excursions to places such as Boston and New York City, and Family Weekend functions. The CIC also publishes the International Student Handbook, which contains a wealth of useful information about the university and American culture. Most international students also have a local host family who offer advice and support. For additional information, students are encouraged to visit the Colgate International Community (CIC) website. 

Q: What other types of extracurricular opportunities exist at Colgate?
A: Students are involved in more than 180 clubs and organizations ranging from a full concert orchestra to a campus radio station, from the College Republicans and Democrats to four a capella singing groups. In addition, Colgate fields 25 men’s and women’s Division I varsity teams, 40 competitive club teams, and also sponsors approximately 25 intramural sports. With all of these options available, 96 percent of the students remain on campus during the weekends. To learn more about individual student organizations, check out the campus life webpage.

Q: What are the housing options?
A: All first-year students are required to live in residence halls. Beginning in the sophomore year students may also live in college houses or university-owned apartments. Students who are members of a fraternity or sorority may live in the house their junior and senior years. Seniors may participate in a lottery if they wish to move off campus. Approximately 250 seniors live in non-university-owned housing. Colgate guarantees housing every year to students wishing to remain on campus.

Q: How diverse are the students at Colgate?
A: Colgate has students from 49 states, the District of Columbia and 34 countries. Twenty-nine percent of students admitted to the Class of 2013 are multicultural students, including African American, Latino, Asian, and Native American students. The Class of 2013 has 6 percent international students.

Applying to Colgate

Q: How do I get an application?
A: If you wish to pursue your interest in Colgate, please complete the Admission Information Request Form. Colgate does not require a separate admission application for international students. Colgate uses the Common Application and a short supplement including a second required essay. Admission applications are due January 15 in order to be considered for admission in August of the same year.

Q: What forms should my school provide?
A: Colgate requires three subjective letters of recommendation: one from the school guidance or college counselor, and two from faculty who have taught the applicant in different major academic courses (English, social studies, foreign or classical languages, physical or biological sciences, mathematics) in the sophomore, junior, or senior years. The application includes two forms to be given to faculty. Please bear in mind that teachers need adequate time to complete these forms. Colgate also requires original copies of your transcripts from high school and for any college courses you have completed as well as a mid-year report for those currently in the senior year. All admission documents should be written in English or accompanied by certified translations from a local consulate, embassy, or school official.

Q: What are the standardized testing requirements?
A: International students whose first language is not English should sit for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The most competitive candidates for admission generally receive a TOEFL score of 600 or above on the written test, and 100 or above for the internet-based test. If you are unable to take the TOEFL due to cost or access, please submit a statement of the circumstances which prohibit you from taking the TOEFL. As an alternative, submit a) results of either the English Language proficiency test (ELPT) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and b) either a recommendation from a teacher of English or an extra writing sample in English. All admission candidates must submit the results of standardized testing according to one of two options:

1. The SAT Reasoning Test 

• Colgate University accepts either the new version of the SAT Reasoning Test or the previous version (SAT I).
• The Colgate admission staff considers the highest mathematics, critical reading, and writing scores on the new version of the SAT Reasoning Test, or the highest math and verbal scores on the previous version (even if taken on different dates).
• Colgate combines scores from the old and new SAT.
• Of the three sections of the SAT Reasoning Test, less emphasis is placed on the writing section. The Colgate admission staff will evaluate data on this new section before significantly incorporating it into admission decisions.

        OR

2. The ACT Assessment

• Colgate University does not require the writing component of the ACT Assessment.
• The Colgate admission staff considers the highest ACT composite score and does not mix test scores from different dates.

Please note that Colgate does not offer ESL or any other intensive English programs. For more information on testing sites or for other questions regarding standardized tests you may wish to contact the following organizations:

SAT:
College Board
P.O. Box 592
Princeton, NJ 08541 USA

Test of English as a Foreign Language
TOEFL
Educational Testing Service
Princeton, NJ 08541 USA

Q: How does Colgate view students in the British educational system?
A: International students who are enrolled in a British educational system should have already sat for the G.C.E. 'O' Levels and be preparing for 'A' Levels when applying to Colgate. Scores on these exams will be useful in making the admission decision and possibly in course placement, should the student enroll at Colgate. Colgate credit will be awarded for performance on the 'A' Levels on a case by case basis. In order to receive Colgate credit, the 'A' Level course/exams must be similar to one offered at Colgate and, therefore, applicable to a Colgate degree. To be considered, 'A' Level exam scores must be a C or better and reported on a valid official grade certificate.

Q: Does Colgate recognize the International Baccalaureate diploma?
A: Colgate welcomes applications from students who have followed the International Baccalaureate curriculum; whether for the diploma or for individual certificates. Students wishing to submit requests for college credit because of prior achievement in the IB may do so for those courses taken through the Higher Level. A final grade of five, six, or seven on the IB examination is required to be considered for Colgate course credit. Requests for advanced placement because of prior work on the Subsidiary Level examinations will be entertained on applications to the Registrar's Office. Please note that Colgate considers each course as an individual request; possession of the International Baccalaureate Diploma will not automatically earn credit for all courses taken. Please consult the course catalogue for more information on specific transferable courses.

Application deadlines and fees
All first-year applications must be postmarked by Jan. 15 for regular decision review. For students who have identified Colgate as their first choice, we have two Early Decision options that are described below. Colgate requires a $55 application fee. The fee is waived for applications submitted online.

Early Decision
Colgate offers the Early Decision option for those candidates who have identified the college as their first choice. Early decision applications are considered on the following basis:

Option I: Candidates who apply by November 15 and submit all required materials will receive notification of Colgate's decision (acceptance, deferral to reconsideration under regular decision, or denial) by December 15.

Option II: Early Decision Option II candidates must apply by January 15 (our regular application deadline), but may declare themselves candidates for Early Decision anytime up until March 1. A decision is made within four weeks of receipt of all admission materials, including the Early Decision Agreement statement signed by the student, counselor, and parent.

Both Early Decision options are binding programs; Early Decision indicates the student's decision to withdraw all other applications and attend Colgate if admitted.

Early Decision Standardized Testing

Option I candidates should complete standardized testing (SAT I, ACT, and TOEFL if applicable) by early November. Results of early November testing will normally be available from the testing services in time for review if the scores are sent directly to Colgate.

Option II candidates should complete testing by early December. An application is not complete, and no decision can be made until all required tests are received. Again, the best way to ensure that the scores will arrive in time is to have them sent directly to Colgate. For Option II, a decision may be postponed until the latest test results are received if the student submits this request in writing.
Please note that it may take an additional two or more weeks for the Foreign Language with Listening Subject Test scores to be reported to Colgate by ETS.

Early Decision Financial Aid Information

All international students, regardless of whether they are applying for financial aid, are required to submit the International Student Certification of Finances, a link for which will be made available in the fall.

International Early Decision Option I and Option II candidates applying for financial aid should submit the International Student Certification of Finances and the International Student Financial Aid Application. All forms should be submitted with your application to the Office of Admission by the application deadline. Admission and financial aid announcements are delayed until all financial assistance forms have been received and processed.

Financial Aid

Q: What should I know about financial aid at Colgate?
A: Colgate University is committed to educating the most capable and intelligent students from around the globe. Although Colgate does offer financial aid to international students, applicants should be aware that admission to Colgate University is highly competitive for those students seeking admission with financial aid.

1)  Colgate University does not offer "merit aid," rather we offer need-based aid primarily consisting of grant funds and a campus job. 

2)  The financial aid package covers demonstrated need for on-campus expenses only, including a reasonable allowance for books and personal expenses.

3)  All international students regardless of whether they are applying for financial aid, are required to submit the International Student Certification of Finances. In addition, all international students applying for financial aid must complete the International Student Financial Aid Application. All forms should be submitted with your application to the Office of Admission. All admission documents should be written in English or accompanied by certified translations from a local consulate, embassy, or school official. If an international student is admitted, a review of these two financial aid forms will determine the student’s demonstrated need for financial assistance during their four undergraduate years. Financial aid awards for international students will meet full, demonstrated need based on the information provided at the time of admission. If you have not received any of these required documents, you can download them from the Office of Financial Aid website.

4)  All Canadian candidates for financial aid must submit a completed Canadian Financial Aid Application to Colgate. If your parents own a business or a farm, or are divorced or separated, please remember to submit the required supplemental forms provided to you by Colgate. You can download these forms from the Office of Financial Aid website. All forms are due by January 15.  

5)  Please note that international students who are accepted to Colgate and did not receive aid during their first year will NOT be eligible for aid in subsequent years. 

Colgate students are required to have student health insurance. Students who are not already covered through their parents’ plans can purchase coverage through the university plan for $689 per year.

For more information please visit the Office of Financial Aid website.

Estimated Student Budget, 2009-2010 Tuition: $40,690 Student activity fee: $280          University Housing: Traditional residence hall: $4,815 Broad Street houses: $5,095 University apartments or town houses: $5,365 Board Options: Premier Unlimited (7.30 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.): $5,155 Classic Unlimited (11.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m): $4,340 14 meal (per week): $4,340 10 meal (per week): $3,440  5 meal (per week): $1,870 Personal expense/books: $1,940 (estimated) Total cost of attendance: $50,940 (estimated)