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I graduated last May, and having studied abroad myself and participated in study abroad panels and programs, I can say that it's a lot more like gellino's description, in my experience. There are now 24 programs, with a minimum number of 10 on each trip. the UK (8 trips), Australia, Geneva, and DC groups tend to have 20 or so - they're really, really popular. So if there's an average of 15 or so students on each group, that's 360 juniors, out of around 700, or 51% of the whole class. since 69% of students study abroad, then only around 18% of students go through non-Colgate programs (vs the 51% that do). That works out to around 74% of students that go abroad going with Colgate.
People really only went with non-Colgate programs if the wanted to go somewhere that Colgate didn't go, or if they weren't accepted into one of the really popular Colgate programs. The lottery for spring vs fall is more for the popular programs and because everyone wants to go in the spring and the school logistically needs it to be balanced. It has an impact if you want to go to say... Japan in the spring, even though the Colgate program is in the fall. They may not approve it, because you have the opportunity to go in the fall and are just choosing not to.
Colgate financial aid doesn't transfer to outside programs, but neither do tuition costs. You don't pay at all for that semester, so if you can find a cheaper program or one with aid (or even outside scholarships and grants), it's definitely possible to go for the same (or less) than you would with Colgate.
About greek life: yes, greek life is more present here than on many peer campuses, but it's by no means as pervasive as many people seem to think. I never went to a single greek event on campus in 4 years and wasn't bothered by it at all. I had several friends who were greek and for them it was just one more activity. Most of my friends weren't involved and I never felt left out or like it dominated social life. If you happen to be the only one out of all your friends that didn't rush, then obviously it would be a different experience. 30% of all students and 40% of eligible students (you can only rush as a sophomore) are involved in greek life, which means 60% of eligible students are not involved, 70% of the whole student body. It's there if you want it, and for many it's a very fulfilling and wonderful experience. If you don't want it, no big deal. There's no pressure either way.
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