Colgate University - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Although achieving academic excellence at a reputable university like Colgate is challenging, the majority of Colgate professors make the experience interesting and worthwhile. Professors also take advantage of the generally small class sizes with class dinners or field trips. Because Colgate has only a handful of graduate students, undergrads have many opportunities to gain lab and research experience. Many students also receive funding to continue class projects on campus during the summer, a plus for students who do not want to spend three months flipping burgers back home. The message is clear—at Colgate, education is not confined to the four walls of a classroom.

Because the core curriculum allows students ample flexibility to dabble in a variety of disciplines, Colgate is the perfect choice for undecided students. Another perk is that as early as the first year, most class sizes are small, so students often recieve a professor’s full attention. Unfortunately, limited class size means courses fill up quickly, so registering for classes can be extermely frustrating; it can be difficult to get your first choice of class or professor within popular disciplines. Some advice is to be persistent—profs can, and usually will, sign you into a course with a demonstrated desire to get in it. In summary, Colgate’s top-notch curriculum and accessible professors will expand and challenge your mind, but course registration is a nightmare.

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Students Speak Out

ColAM says: Colgate University 2013 Arts, Visual and Performing

All of my professors here are... All of my professors here are amazing. They are really well-read and know basically everything on their topics, but they're not stuck up about it. Professors are always willing to help with research projects and even love talking about regular student life. The workload is challenging but very engaging, and I've learned a lot since coming here. 12345 Academics: March 03, 2009 Report

BMSORabbit says: Colgate University 2015 History

I came to Colgate because it was... I came to Colgate because it was so beautiful and everyone was super friendly. It just felt right to be here. Most of the professors are great. They are there to help you and, unlike at bigger universities, they are here because they want to teach not just do research. The workload is pretty varied between classes, but it is usually manageable for most of the year, then it explodes around finals. 12345 Academics: March 02, 2009 Report

ColMB says: Colgate University 2015 Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Teachers are nice, encouraging,... Teachers are nice, encouraging, and willing to help you outside of class. The workload is unnecessarily heavy, but this school is after all one of the top schools in the U.S. 12345 Academics: February 25, 2009 Report

ColWT says: Colgate University 2016 Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Teachers are very helpful and... Teachers are very helpful and approachable. Undergraduate research opportunities are readily available, even to freshmen—if you know where to look. Classes range a lot in difficulty. If you're looking to be a chem major or go into pre-med, you'll be really busy. 12345 Academics: February 25, 2009 Report

ColDi says: Colgate University 2016 Computer and Information Sciences

The school work is very... The school work is very challenging. The professors expect you to be prepared, but some professors insult your intelligence. 12345 Academics: February 25, 2009 Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Historically, Colgate students are required to pass a swim test. According to campus legend, wealthy parents donated big bucks to the school after their son drowned in Colgate’s Taylor Lake, but stipulated a mandatory swim test for future students. In reality, Colgate used to test students for proficiency in a variety of athletic pursuits. In 2004, the Student Government Association made the historic decision to eliminate the requirement, but agreed to let it count for PE credit.

Cooties? Colgate was all-male until 1970.

No need to add up credit hours at Colgate. Every course counts for one credit toward the 32 needed to graduate.

“Triskaidekaphobia” is fear of the allegedly unlucky number 13, but at Colgate, this numeral is celebrated. Campus history claims Colgate was founded by “thirteen men with thirteen dollars and thirteen prayers,” which explains why Colgate is located at 13 Oak Drive, why the local “13346” zip code begins with the number 13 and ends with three digits that add up to it, and why Colgate’s famous a cappella singing group is named the Colgate Thirteen.

Colgate’s core curriculum, one of the oldest in the country, is the liberal arts answer to gen-ed requirements. All students take Western Traditions, Challenge of Modernity, a scientific perspective, and a non-Western culture class by the end of their sophomore year.

In summer 2004, construction began on a $52.5 million renovation project for Colgate’s main library. The 51,000 square foot facility will debut in December 2006, complete with a robot that will retrieve books for students!

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Erika Nyamé-Nséké
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Major: History- Undeclared

Erika has a wicked, rapid-fire sense of humor that causes my friends to fall over from laughing too hard. Or at the very least shake their head and smile.

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