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First Choice

Deciding where to apply to college is a big decision. Sometimes students wonder if Early Decision is the way to go. Colgate’s Early Decision program is built with the student in mind. We offer two rounds, November 15 and January 15, and students have the option to convert their completed regular decision application to Early Decision up until March 1. Our approach to financial aid is the same for Early Decision as it is for the regular admission process—we offer students the best financial aid package up front. If Colgate emerges as a top choice for you, we hope you will consider Early Decision.

Meet a few members of the Colgate Class of 2014. Some of these students applied Early Decision, but for all of them, Colgate was a first choice.

Click here for more information on the application process at Colgate.

Meagan Adams '14
madams@colgate.edu

Hometown: Apple Valley, Calif.
High School: Granite Hills High School

In high school I served as the Associated Student Body Governing Council secretary, and Fashion Club secretary. I was also an avid sports supporter, and a proud Quapaw tribe member!

I chose Colgate because Colgate students don't feel special for being smart; we feel special for having the ability to be ourselves, because being smart is something we all have in common. We know that a Colgate education will take us where we want to go and we don't have to compromise our individuality to get there. Instead, we embrace our diversity which makes Colgate such a unique place to be!

Saffiate Ba '14
sba@colgate.edu

Hometown: Hempstead, N.Y.
High school: Our Lady of Mercy Academy

As a high school student, I was involved in a wide variety of high school activities including community service, mentoring programs, yearbook and varsity track.

When it came down selecting my college, I chose Colgate because it was the only school where the students seemed genuinely happy and were actively engaged and successful at Colgate and beyond. The friendly atmosphere and breathtaking campus also helped make my decision!

Danielle Bynoe '14
dbynoe@colgate.edu

Hometown: Boston, Mass.
High school: Beaver Country Day School

I love to partake in cultural activities and develop an understanding of different cultures. Last year I co-chaired a regional students of color conference (SOCC). In addition to that endeavor, I enjoy playing tennis, and stage managing plays. I’m a potential Neuroscience major. Although these are all random pastimes and interests, they do factor into why I chose Colgate.

When deciding which college I should consider, I contemplated what I wanted to gain from these four years. As a science enthusiast, I wanted to attend a college where I could develop hands-on experience in my field. I also sought a place that could foster my leadership and initiative. In addition to the invaluable education, Colgate offers many resources for students to explore their interests. Many students study off campus at places like the National Institutes of Health. The possibility of studying off campus as a science major thrilled me.

My most important reason for choosing Colgate was evident after I visited the campus. The atmosphere is quite unique. Students and professors alike are extremely friendly and are genuinely interested in the well being of others. People love to be here, and they love to show it. Colgate facilitates a community where people can truly bond, and that is why I chose Colgate.

James A. Speight IV '14
jspeight@colgate.edu

Hometown: Silver Spring, Md.
High school: Landon School

While at Landon, I served as the senior editor of Landon News, Landon prefect, vice president of the Montgomery County NAACP Youth Leadership Council, was a member of the Multicultural Student Alliance, and was an active participant on Landon’s varsity football, track, and rugby teams. I also traveled abroad to Segovia, Spain for a summer study group.

I knew that Colgate was where I wanted to be for the next four years from the first time I visited campus. As I walked across the beautiful campus, I panned over my surrounding environment. Beyond the trees, architecture, and lake, what stood out was the camaraderie and solidarity among the student body. Everywhere I looked I saw determined students working together and involving themselves in campus activities. This close-knit community and the outstanding academics were key elements in my decision to apply Early Decision. I had no doubt in my mind that my time at Colgate would change my life forever.

Camille Solarte '14
csolarte@colgate.edu

Hometown: Littleton, Colo.
High school: Kent Denver School

At Kent Denver School, I was selected as a John C. Malone Scholar, participated in the Purpose-less Plastic Bags Club (aimed to eliminate the use of plastic bags in grocery stores), was a member of the Kent Denver women's soccer team, a senior leader in the Friends of Rachel Club, and a tour guide for Blue Key Club.

I chose Colgate because of the feeling I had once I arrived on campus. Not only was I in awe of the gorgeous scenery and the buildings, but also of the smiles and hellos I received from current students while walking through the Quad. What characterizes the typical Colgate student is a passion for their studies, a genuine love of learning, and an incredible loyalty to the school. At Colgate, it is cool to be smart. That's what I like best – everyone is smart and they are willing to work together to make a difference. Everyone has a talent, whether it's on the athletic fields, on stage, or in the classroom. Everyone has a spot, and the support for each other's endeavors brings the campus together. Colgate blends the best of everything.

Carolina Swift '14
cswift@colgate.edu

Hometown: Levittown, N.Y.
High school: General Douglas MacArthur High School

While in high school my favorite extracurricular activities included theatre, color guard, Amnesty International, and National Honor Society.

For me, Colgate is my home away from home. I wanted to be in a place where I would be treated like a person, not just a number. On my first visit to Colgate, during a week in the summer when I thought no one would be on campus, I was approached by a student who made me feel totally at home while answering some of my most important questions. What was so interesting about this interaction? He was a totally random student, not a member of some welcoming committee designed by the college, but just another kid like me!

Even though I’m just starting my college career, I know that Colgate not only offers a great academic curriculum, but I am also confident that I’m in a place that makes me feel like I’m a member of a larger family. At Colgate, everyone cares about each other. Students can follow their dreams without being judged or told no. With a beautiful campus, a world-renowned educational experience, and a compassionate atmosphere one could only dream about, I think the real question is, “Why wouldn’t you want to go to Colgate?”

Kaeyla Willis '14
kwillis@colgate.edu

Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.
High school: Central High School

My favorite activities in high school were working at Hollister Co, cheerleading, serving as a member of student council, participating in National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and interning at local law firms.

I chose Colgate because the Colgate environment seemed different than any other university I had visited. Although the weather was moderately cool to me, the Colgate staff, administration, and also students extended a very warm welcome that surpassed the weather. I visited Colgate during the fall of 2009. At that time, I noticed that Colgate offered a first-class education as well as an opportunity to join a diverse community of students.

Kelly Wilson '14
kwilson@colgate.edu

Hometown: Mendham, N.J.
High school: Morristown Beard School

While at Morristown Beard, I was heavily involved in a variety of school activities including soccer, lacrosse, and film production. In fact, as a film maker I was awarded the Princeton Prize for my documentary on whether we are in a post-racial society.

I chose Colgate because it has a great combination of strong academics, school spirit, community service, and sports.