International Applicants

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At Colgate, students can appreciate and explore their own cultures as well as those of the people around them.

It is free for international applicants to apply to Colgate, and Colgate meets 100% of every international student's demonstrated financial need.

How to Apply

All required materials for first-year applicants are detailed on the regular decision and early decision checklists. International students are defined as students without U.S. citizenship. This definition does not include U.S. dual citizens, permanent residents, or U.S. citizens living abroad.

Language Proficiency

TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) scores are required for non-native English speaking students who do not study at a secondary school where English is the primary language of instruction. These scores must be sent from the official testing agency. Colgate's school code for the TOEFL is 2086.

Students each brunch together in the Hall of Presidents during Orientation

We do not waive the English proficiency requirement based on SAT results. Students are welcome to apply to Colgate regardless of their English proficiency test results as there are no minimum score requirements. The most successful applicants generally score a composite above 100 on the TOEFL iBT, a seven on the IELTS examination, or a 130 on the Duolingo English Test.

In addition, our most successful applicants whose native language is not English are encouraged to submit interviews via InitialView. Colgate also accepts Vericant. Please ensure your submission is sent prior to the January 15 deadline, or prior to November 1 for Early Decision I.

International students participate in a group activity to meet one another on Colgate's Academic Quad

Financial Aid

Colgate is need-aware in the application process for all students, both domestic and international. Our most competitive applicants will be admitted to Colgate regardless of whether or not they applied for financial aid. Colgate offers need-based financial aid, meeting 100% of every admitted student's demonstrated need. This policy applies to all students, including those who would require a full financial package. In order to be considered for financial aid, international applicants must submit the CSS Profile by the application deadline. Colgate offers CSS Profile fee waiver codes to international applicants for whom submitting the CSS Profile will be a significant financial burden. After students submit their application to Colgate and it has been processed by the office, they can access the CSS Profile fee waiver code request form on the financial aid tab of their applicant portal. The deadline to make this request is the same as the application deadline (Early Decision I: Nov. 1; Early Decision II & Regular Decision: Jan. 15). The financial aid office is unable to accept paper or PDF copies of the CSS Profile.

Academic Materials and Submission Guidelines

Colgate requires the submission of mid-year grades for students who are currently in their final year of secondary school. For students who do not receive mid-year grades, we require predicted final grades when available. Students who have already graduated at the time of application should have their schools submit their final transcript in lieu of the mid-year grade requirement.

All students are required to submit a final transcript upon completion of secondary school. It is preferred for your secondary school to submit your transcript online through the Common Application or Coalition on Scoir. Colgate will also accept transcripts mailed by your secondary school. Students cannot submit their own transcripts to Colgate. Students completing national or international exams are required to submit these results directly from the testing agency once they become available. Students can also have their counselor or another school official submit their exam results on their behalf by emailing them to admission@colgate.edu.

9%
international students in student body
87
countries represented on campus
299
total international students
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Colgate Admission Conversations*

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*Colgate Admission Conversations are non-evaluative and are not required and as part of the admission process. Please note that completion of a virtual conversation will not replace the TOEFL, IELTS, or DET score requirement for non-native English speaking students, or the recommended InitialView or Vericant interview submission.

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