Colgate versus Lafayette

Yo, I'm looking at both Colgate and Lafayette as potential college choices. Is there anybody who had to choose between these two as well? What were the factors you considered (ex: campus life, academics, location, etc.)?

You're comparing two wonderful liberal arts colleges with different characteristics, so that's commendable. Both Colgate University and Lafayette College offer enriching experiences, but indeed they differ in important ways.

In terms of location, Colgate, in upstate New York, is more rural and secluded, offering a tight-knit, close community. The town is small but charming, and outdoorsy-type students will love the surrounding nature. On the other hand, Lafayette, located in Easton, Pennsylvania, offers more of a small-city environment. It's also close to several larger cities—about 1.5 hours from Philadelphia and 2 hours from New York City—which provides more opportunities for internships, exploration, and cultural experiences.

For academics, Colgate is best known for its humanities programs, particularly English, History, and Philosophy. Lafayette, on the other hand, has strong programs in Engineering and the Sciences, in addition to Liberal Arts disciplines. They also encourage interdisciplinary learning and provide a program for students to design their own major. Both schools have small class sizes and promote close relationships with faculty, but the differences in strengths might matter depending on your academic interests.

As for campus life, both schools have a significant Greek presence, though in recent years, Colgate has been transitioning their Greek houses into university-owned Residential Commons as part of their Residential Life Vision. So if the Greek system is important to you, this could be a significant factor to consider.

In terms of athletics, Colgate competes in the Patriot League at the NCAA Division I level, while Lafayette also competes at the same level in the same league. Interestingly, they're both rivals, especially in football. Therefore, if you have a particular interest in collegiate sports, either as an athlete or a supporter, you'd be well-catered for at both institutions.

All in all, consider what environment, academic offerings, and social culture would be the best fit for you. Visit the campuses if you can, talk to current students or alumni, and consider your own preferences and goals. Good luck in your decision-making process!