Early Decision is an ideal option for students who know they want to attend ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ and are ready to apply.
ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ offers Early Decision I and II for students who have identified ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ as their first choice. Both options are binding, which means admitted students must agree to withdraw all other applications and attend ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳.
Early Decision Applicant Checklist
Required Application Materials
Apply using the , , or , which all include the personal statement.
Apply Now
- ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳'s application fee is $60.
- ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ will waive the application fee for any student who is applying for financial aid and qualifies for any fee waiver per the guidelines set by either the or without requiring further verification.
- The application fee is waived for non-U.S. citizens (does not apply to U.S. dual citizens or permanent residents).
- The application fee is waived for all U.S. military veterans.
- ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ accepts official fee waivers from the College Board, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, and Expanding College Opportunities. All other fee waiver verifications must be submitted on school/organization letterhead and signed by a counselor.
Submit the Early Decision Agreement (PDF) with the signatures of the student, a parent/guardian, and a guidance counselor.
Recommendations must be from core academic teachers who worked with a student in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.
The guidance counselor recommendation should detail academic and personal preparedness for post-secondary education.
An official high school transcript will display courses and grades for all years of high school attended. If your high school does not provide a transcript in English, we require an official original transcript and an official English translation.
ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ defines mid-year grades as the first semester or first trimester grades from your final year of high school. If these grades are not available by the Early Decision deadline, that does not impact your application status; ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ requires this item to be submitted by February 15. Let us know if you or your school counselor have any additional questions about this.
Optional Application Materials
ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ offers applicants the opportunity to lend depth to their application through optional supplemental writing prompts. These prompts are not meant to feel like essays; they are simply an added perspective. Responses to these prompts provide the Admission team greater insight into who the applicants are and the many ways they may flourish at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳.
Applicants can choose to respond to any or all of the prompts, which will be available in their ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ 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.
Deadlines for applicants choosing to submit supplemental essay responses:
Early Decision I: November 15
Early Decision II and Regular Decision: February 1
Prompt 1:
On ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳’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 ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ experience.
Prompt 2:
ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ 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 ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳.
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 ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ because…
Submission of SAT and ACT scores is optional for all applicants through the 2026-2027 application season.
When students choose to submit standardized test scores, this information provides additional data to demonstrate their overall academic achievement. When students choose not to submit standardized test scores, the Office of Admission evaluates their academic achievement through all other elements of the application.
- Applicants should indicate on their application whether or not they would like their scores considered.
- ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ will accept self-reported ACT or SAT score results. Applicants may list ACT or SAT results in their Common Application, Coalition on Scoir, or Questbridge Application. Additionally, students may send a copy of their score reports to admission@colgate.edu.
- ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ accepts results from both the paper and digital formats of the SAT, and will superscore across formats.
- ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ superscores both the ACT and th