I know the OP asked for info on specific areas but I was wondering if she was comparing the two schools as if they were on par in terms of admission? The 2015 kids attending Colgate from our high school were top notch in terms of academics. While F&m is a very good school, I don’t think it gets the same applicant pool.
Op here. Heading out shortly for the long weekend but to answer questions: son has a good shot at both schools but more so of course for F & M. We have already winnowed down the list over a long period of time. Just down to financials, whether he gains admission, and fit for the remaining ones. He has Colgate, F & M and Kenyon for the full needs met choices,
artie1,
When I saw this article yesterday I immediately thought of your son and your joint interest in a diverse and inclusive residential life. It’s from colgate.edu’s news column now. Next year there will be a second commons established with more in the following 2 years.
Go 'gate!
http://news.colgate.edu/2015/09/expressions-of-hope-launch-first-residential-commons.html/
I don’t have a dog in this fight, so this is unbiased.
Surely your son would get a strong education at either school. But in terms of prestige, Colgate holds the edge.
Obviously, that should only come into play if all else that’s important is equal (namely academics, fit, and finances). If he prefers the academic opportunities or cultural vibe at F&M, and the two offer similar bottom lines, skrew prestige…
Read what students are saying:
http://www.studentsreview.com/NY/COU_comments.html?type=negative
F&M is planning to take half of their class of 2020 through ED. This was stated in the admissions office this week. Perhaps it will be a factor for those considering ED.
For OP and any others following this thread, keep in mind that “full need” can include varying amounts of loans, also it’s “full need” according to the school’s calculations which often differ from the family’s point of view. And, as has oft been said, the online calculators don’t work for many situations such as divorced parents, business owners, and situations such as student living with relatives not parents.
We considered both Colgate and F&M for my D (HS senior) but have not visited either. I would be happy for her to attend either but we found other schools that we feel will be a better fit. She/we have similar concerns as OP but also looking for a more “alternative” style environment.
lol yes generic good liberal arts college X beats generic good liberal arts college Y in prestige by… the most insignificant margin ever.
“generic good liberal arts college” (#27)
I don’t often use rankings to make a point, but in this case, it’s just simpler. Colgate’s position within USNWR’s top 25, by itself, distinguishes it from hundreds of other liberal arts colleges.