How to Get Into Colgate University
Colgate University | CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to get into Colgate University – General Information

Colgate University is a private university located in Hamilton, New York. Colgate was founded in 1819 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,228 students. 

What we’ll cover in this How to Get Into Colgate University guide: 

  • The average Colgate University GPA
  • Achieving the optimum Colgate University SAT
  • Colgate Class of 2025 student profile
  • The Colgate acceptance rate
  • Meeting the Colgate application deadline
  • Acing the Colgate supplemental essays
  • Mastering the Colgate interview, and more. 

When thinking about how to get into Colgate University, pay attention to each part of your application. So, as you perfect your “how to get into Colgate University” plan, make sure you maintain a high Colgate University GPA and explore your passions through extracurricular involvements. This will help ensure your credentials reflect those of the admitted students from the Colgate Class of 2025.

Figuring out how to get into Colgate University takes strategy. We can help. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former Admissions Officers) includes graduates from top schools across the country. Want to maximize your Colgate University admission odds? Create your account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272. 

How do I get into Colgate University?

There are many factors to consider as you begin your “how to get into Colgate University” research. This guide will help you compose the strongest application possible well before the Colgate application deadline. 

If you want to know how to get into Colgate, understand that the Colgate acceptance rate is competitive. To maximize your admission odds, start preparing early. Study for standardized tests, choose meaningful extracurricular activities, and strive for a high Colgate University GPA. Start preparing well before the Colgate application deadline.      

Is it hard to get into Colgate University?

According to U.S. News, Colgate University is a more selective school. Colgate University is ranked #10 in Liberal Arts Universities and #48 in Top Colleges of 2021.  

Over 17,000 students applied for the Colgate Class of 2025. Of those applicants, just over 3,000 students were admitted. The final enrollment for the Colgate Class of 2025 was 913 students. 

There is no minimum Colgate University GPA required for admission. However, the average Colgate University GPA for the Colgate Class of 2025 was 3.77. The average Colgate University SAT scores ranged from 1370-1500. Even though standardized test scores are listed online for the Colgate Class of 2025, Colgate University SAT scores will remain optional through 2023. 

As you think about how to get into Colgate University, start planning well before the Colgate application deadline. It will take much more than just meeting the average Colgate University GPA and Colgate University SAT scores to stand out. 

What is the average GPA for Colgate University?

There are no official Colgate University GPA requirements. Still, to maximize your admission odds, aim to match or exceed the average Colgate University GPA. The average Colgate University GPA for the Colgate Class of 2025 was 3.77. Therefore, make sure to strive for a high GPA, as the average Colgate University GPA can change each year. 

Colgate University will use your junior year GPA to evaluate your admission odds. So, you will need to choose the right courses and do well in your high school classes. This will give you a better chance of exceeding the average Colgate University GPA. 

Colgate seeks students who demonstrate academic skill, intellectual curiosity, and cultural diversity. So, if your GPA is lower than the average Colgate University GPA, don’t worry. Other parts of your application might make you a competitive applicant. 

Lastly, you might be curious about how to get into Colgate University if you don’t meet the average Colgate University GPA. Check out our article where you’ll find helpful tips to make your application stand out, even if your academic profile doesn’t match the average Colgate University GPA or Colgate University SAT scores. 

What does the Colgate application require?

Each element of your Colgate application is essential to your “how to get into Colgate University” strategy. We advise you to submit all optional Colgate supplemental essays and test scores, as well as complete a Colgate interview, well before the Colgate application deadline. 

There are two dates to remember for the Colgate application deadline. The Early Decision I deadline is November 15th. The deadline for Early Decision II and Regular Decision is January 15th. 

Applicants must submit: 

Optional application materials include:

  • The Colgate supplemental essays
  • SAT or ACT scores

Colgate University has made SAT and ACT scores optional for all applicants through 2023. However, if your test scores are comparable to the average Colgate University SAT scores, we strongly advise you to submit them.

The Colgate supplemental essays are also optional. Applicants who do not submit responses to the Colgate supplemental essays will be at no disadvantage. We’ll expand on the Colgate supplemental essays later in this guide. 

To learn more about the Colgate application deadline and admissions process, visit their website. 

Interested in the ideal timeline for college applications? Check out our guide here. 

What extracurriculars does Colgate look for?

Want to know how to get into Colgate University? Start by identifying your interests and passions. Aside from your academics, extracurricular activities make up the rest of your candidate profile. Sp, an essential part of your “how to get into Colgate University” plan must be to build a strong candidate profile. This will set you apart from other applicants. 

Alongside the average Colgate University GPA and Colgate University SAT scores, Colgate wants to see that you have wide-ranging interests. Moreover, these interests should highlight your empathy, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to helping others. So, as you select your extracurriculars, think about the quality of your involvements rather than the quantity. Since the Colgate acceptance rate is so competitive, it’s important to include information that highlights your unique abilities. 

If you need help deciding what extracurricular activities to include on your application, read our guide on tailoring extracurriculars to your college applications. 

What is the acceptance rate at Colgate University?

The Colgate acceptance rate is 17%, and U.S. News categorizes it as “more selective.” It’s important to consider the Colgate acceptance rate as you prepare your “how to get into Colgate University” approach. 

Colgate University received 17,540 applications for the Colgate Class of 2025. Approximately 3,015 students were admitted, and 913 ultimately enrolled. This puts the Colgate acceptance rate at 17% for the Colgate Class of 2025. Find out more about the Colgate Class of 2025 profile here. 

The Colgate acceptance rate is influenced by the total number of applicants and the available space in the freshman class. It is normal for the Colgate acceptance rate to change each year, especially because students are applying to more colleges than ever before. That said, don’t let the Colgate acceptance rate or the Colgate Class of 2025 profile stop you from applying! 

Colgate currently has a test-optional policy. However, we encourage you to take standardized tests if you can. For the Colgate Class of 2025, the average Colgate University SAT score ranged from 1370-1500. The average ACT score ranged from 31-34. 

Plan to take your first standardized test during your junior year. This gives you time to retake the test if necessary. Studying for the test well in advance of the Colgate application deadline can help you earn scores that align with the average Colgate University SAT scores. 

Deciding whether or not to take standardized tests is an important part of the application process. Check out our webinar on preparing for standardized tests. 

Is there a Colgate interview?

As you explore how to get into Colgate University, you might wonder about the Colgate interview process. While the Colgate interview is not required for admission, the Colgate interview is your chance to learn more about the school. 

The Colgate interview is non-evaluative, so you can use the Colgate interview to ask questions and gain valuable insight into what life is like at Colgate. Applicants can choose to schedule a Colgate interview with a current student or alumni. 

Here are some possible topics to discuss in your Colgate interview with a current student: 

  • Academic coursework
  • Faculty interaction
  • Clubs and organizations

If you want to chat with an alum, consider focusing on these topics in your Colgate interview:

  • Interests and goals
  • Life after Colgate
  • How to stay connected

The Colgate interview process currently takes place virtually. However, if you want to meet with a current student, your Colgate interview can be scheduled anytime between June 1 through December 10. If you would rather meet with an alum, book your Colgate interview anytime between September 1 through January 10. 

For more information about the Colgate interview process, visit their website, or watch our video on how to prepare for a college interview. 

What does Colgate look for in essays?

The Colgate supplemental essays are another factor to consider in your “how to get into Colgate University” strategy. To summarize, there are three optional Colgate supplemental essays. Applicants can choose to respond to any or all of the Colgate supplemental essays. However, to submit the strongest possible application, we recommend that you respond to all of the Colgate supplemental essays.

Two of the optional Colgate supplemental essays are limited to a 150-200 word response. The third of the optional Colgate supplemental essays asks applicants to finish each of the sample sentences in 75 characters or fewer. 

Overall, the Colgate supplemental essays are designed to give admission officers a better understanding of who you are, what makes you unique, and what interests you. 

So, be sure to write genuine, thoughtful responses to the Colgate supplemental essays. Include specific examples about why the Colgate community is the right place for you. Additionally, use the sample sentences in the third optional essay to add some insight into your personality, background, interests, and achievements. 

Keep in mind, the deadline to submit the optional Colgate supplemental essays is December 1st for the Early Decision I Colgate application deadline. In addition, applicants that apply for the Early Decision II or Regular Decision Colgate application deadline have until February 1st to submit the optional Colgate supplemental essays.  

If your GPA or test scores are just below the average Colgate University GPA or Colgate University SAT scores, your responses to the optional Colgate supplemental essays could help strengthen your application. So, we encourage you to prepare your responses to the Colgate supplemental essays well in advance of the Colgate application deadline. 

To learn more about the Colgate supplemental essays, visit the Colgate admission website. 

How does Colgate review applications?

When considering how to get into Colgate University, many students think about the average Colgate University GPA, Colgate University SAT scores, Colgate acceptance rate, Colgate interview, or profile of the Colgate Class of 2025. Of course, these aspects of the application process are important. However, there are other pieces to consider as you prepare your “how to get into Colgate University” strategy. 

Once the Colgate application deadline has passed, admission officers begin the review process. Colgate looks for students whose interests reflect curiosity, commitment, empathy, and excitement for intellectual pursuits. So, be sure to highlight these qualities in your overall application, Colgate supplemental essays, and Colgate interview. 

As you solidify your “how to get into Colgate University” approach, consider how to best strengthen your academic achievements and extracurricular involvements well before the Colgate application deadline. 

Want to explore more data as you finish your “how to get into Colgate University” research? Visit the Colgate website to read about other criteria used in the application review process. 

Will Colgate review my social media accounts?

In addition, as you examine how to get into Colgate University, you might wonder if your social media presence could affect your application. Rest assured—admissions officers will not analyze your social media profile during the review process. 

However, this doesn’t mean that you can or should post hateful or offensive content on your social media accounts. While these kinds of posts might not directly affect your admission odds, they could directly impact other areas of your life such as job or internship applications.

Above all, we recommend using social media responsibly. Although it isn’t likely that Colgate will check your accounts, there is always a possibility that they will. 

Is Colgate a good school for me?

As you reflect on how to get into Colgate University, it is important to ask whether Colgate is the right place for you. Yes, the Colgate acceptance rate is competitive, and students who attend will certainly benefit from the 9:1 student-faculty ratio. However, this doesn’t mean that Colgate is the place for everyone. 

Academic achievement is an important aspect of Colgate admissions, as evidenced by the average Colgate University GPA and Colgate University SAT scores. All students complete the same core curriculum by the end of their sophomore year. So, as you explore how to get into Colgate University, consider how a Colgate education will enable you to accomplish your personal goals.

In terms of student life, 100% of students are guaranteed campus housing for all four years. Also, there are plenty of opportunities for personal development and academic exploration outside of the classroom, as Colgate offers over 200 clubs and organizations. 

As you think about how to get into Colgate University, ask yourself the following: 

  • Am I interested in attending a college with a liberal arts focus? 
  • Does Colgate offer the major I want to study? 
  • How can Colgate help me achieve my future goals? 

If you decide that Colgate is the right university for you, be sure to submit all materials well before the Colgate application deadline. 

Additional tips to get into Colgate

Build your candidate profile

As you construct your “how to get into Colgate University” approach, know that Colgate looks for applicants who value intellectual curiosity and have well-developed personal qualities and talents. Pursue your interests and seek out experiences that will strengthen your candidate profile. 

Schedule a Colgate Interview

The Colgate interview is the perfect opportunity to learn more about what life is like at Colgate. Schedule your Colgate interview early, and brush up on some interview techniques beforehand. 

Write compelling responses to the Colgate supplemental essays

Be authentic and genuine as you write your responses to the Colgate supplemental essays. Use the Colgate supplemental essays to share additional information about you that is not covered elsewhere in your application. 

Don’t let the average Colgate University GPA, Colgate University SAT scores, Colgate acceptance rate, or Colgate Class of 2025 profile stop you from applying. Although there is no guarantee that you will be admitted to Colgate, following the tips and advice in this “How to Get into Colgate Guide” will help you prepare the strongest application possible. Good luck!

This guide was written by Claire Babbs, UT Austin ’12. If you want to know how to get into Colgate University, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes graduates from top schools across the country. Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.