Colgate University, located in Hamilton, New York, was recently ranked the top liberal arts college in the Northeast by the Wall Street Journal. It was also ranked #25 among all colleges nationwide by the WSJ. Founded in 1819, Colgate had a 14% acceptance rate for the Class of 2028.
TTA Top Tip: Several schools, including Colgate University, “invite” students to submit “optional” essays through their portals even though the application has been declared complete and submitted through the Common App. But skipping these extras would be a big mistake. School-specific supplements have become an increasingly important index of demonstrating interest and therefore providing an indication of a student’s likelihood of “yielding” if offered a spot. Colleges want to see compelling evidence that you might attend their school if you are admitted and these supplemental essays are a critical chance to stand out.
COLGATE UNIVERSITY: SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAY PROMPTS
Applicants can choose to respond to any or all of the prompts, which will be available in their Colgate applicant portal after their application has been received. Applicants should submit responses to the optional supplemental prompts based on personal preference. Those who choose not to submit responses will be at no disadvantage in the application review process.
Prompt 1:
On Colgate’s campus, students engage with individuals from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, races, ethnicities, religions, and perspectives during the course of their educational and social experiences. In 250 words or less, please share the benefits you see in engaging with a diverse body of students, faculty, and staff as part of your Colgate experience.
Prompt 2:
Colgate students immerse themselves in social and intellectual pursuits that inspire them. Tell us in 250 words or less what inspires you and why you want to pursue that at Colgate.

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Prompt 3:
Please complete the following so we can learn a bit more about you. Each response should be no more than 13 words.
- I am fascinated by…
- My favorite book, movie, or television show is…
- The person I admire most is…
- In the future, I hope to …
- One historical figure I would like to meet is…
- My favorite food is…
- One thing I would change is…
- My favorite place is…
- I am the best version of myself when…
- Something that has changed my perspective is…
- I am seeking a community that…
- My favorite family/community/cultural tradition is…
- I am drawn to Colgate University because…

Personal Application Boot Camp®
Three days of one-on-one work with a Senior Counselor from the Application Boot Camp® team.
APPLYING TO COLGATE UNIVERSITY?
Are you thinking about applying to Colgate University? Confused on how to start writing these essays? Contact us to discuss our Essay Guidance Program or Personal Boot Camp and improve your odds of admission with expert guidance.
Top Tier Admissions is tracking the 2024-2025 supplemental essay prompts for all top schools here — we look forward to supporting you!
Interested in reading more about Colgate?
- Colleges Without Supplemental Essays 2024
- College Application Deadlines: Regular Decision
- Hidden College Essays, Pop-Ups, and Stealth Supplements
- Liberal Arts College Acceptance Rates: Increase Your Odds
- Why Liberal Arts?
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- University of Chicago: Supplemental Essays 2025-26 - August 29, 2025
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- Cornell: Supplemental Essays 2025-2026 - August 1, 2025

