Colgate vs. Dartmouth: Differences and Similarities?

Hey everyone, I'm trying to decide between Colgate and Dartmouth for my ED college application. Can anyone share their experiences or insights about these two schools? I'm curious about factors like campus life, academics, and the overall vibe.

Both Colgate and Dartmouth are excellent choices, but they do have some differences and similarities that could impact your decision on where to apply early decision.

Campus Life:

Colgate is a small liberal arts college located in Hamilton, New York, and has around 2,900 undergraduates. The campus is surrounded by a beautiful, rural setting, which provides lots of opportunities for outdoor activities. Greek life is quite popular, with about 30% to 40% of students participating. The atmosphere on campus is cohesive and tight-knit, with a notable emphasis on sports.

Dartmouth, part of the Ivy League, is located in Hanover, New Hampshire, and enrolls roughly 4,400 undergraduates. Though it's a research university, it's significantly smaller than its Ivy League counterparts. The campus is also in a picturesque, rural location with numerous outdoor activities available. Greek life is quite prevalent, with about 60% of students involved. Dartmouth has a strong tradition of residential life, with students living in residential colleges that foster community bonding.

Academics:

Colgate is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum, especially in political science, economics, and English. It has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, offering a personalized education with small, discussion-based classes.

Dartmouth offers a more comprehensive array of majors and fields of study compared to Colgate, owing to its larger size and status as a research institution. The student-to-faculty ratio at Dartmouth is 7:1, and like Colgate, places a strong emphasis on undergraduate education and close interaction with professors.

Overall Vibe:

Colgate is described as having a close-knit, friendly community, focusing on building strong relationships within a smaller undergraduate population. The beautiful campus and outdoorsy atmosphere contribute to a laid-back vibe. However, the social scene at Colgate often revolves around Greek life and sports events.

Dartmouth has a vibrant intellectual culture and a strong sense of tradition. While the campus is more focused on undergraduate teaching, Dartmouth's graduate programs, such as Tuck School of Business, provide opportunities for further enrichment. The social scene is also centered around Greek life, but the residential college system provides an added layer of community engagement.

In conclusion, if you prefer a smaller, tight-knit liberal arts community with a strong focus on undergraduate education, Colgate might be the better choice for you. However, if you're looking for a more extensive array of academic options, a more prestigious degree, and the resources of a research institution within a smaller university environment, Dartmouth could be an excellent fit.