Brief: Colgate Early Decision I Due November 1

Colgate University has posted its deadlines: Early Decision I closes on November 1, financial aid materials are due the same day, and decisions are released in mid-December. The university also notes that October is New York State College Application Month and waives the application fee for all first-year applications submitted during October. Irvine seniors have four days until the deadline, and students who want the fee waived must submit by October 31.

Who Is Affected by the Colgate Early Decision Deadline

The deadline applies to high school seniors who have made Colgate University their first choice this cycle. The university’s published timeline is as follows:

Both Early Decision rounds are binding: admitted students must withdraw all other applications and attend Colgate. The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for every admitted student, but its admission process is need-aware, so an applicant’s financial need may be considered in the review. Colgate’s published Class of 2030 profile reports 16,774 applications, 3,416 admitted students (20%) and 824 enrolled students; 1,457 students applied Early Decision, and 437 of them enrolled.

What to Do Now About the Colgate Application

Confirm that all materials are complete. Colgate accepts the Common App, the Coalition Application on Scoir and the QuestBridge Application. Required materials include two recommendations from core academic teachers who taught the student in 10th, 11th or 12th grade, a counselor recommendation, an official transcript and an Early Decision agreement signed by the student, a parent or guardian and the counselor. Mid-year grades are due by February 15, and Early Decision I applicants are not affected if those grades are not yet available.

Decide whether to submit test scores. The SAT and ACT are optional, and applicants who do not submit scores are at no disadvantage. Students may self-report scores, Colgate superscores both tests, and admitted students who chose to have scores considered send official reports afterward. Students with artistic work may add an optional SlideRoom portfolio, due on the same date as the application.

For early application rounds and college lists, see the EDUBUS university admissions planning service; for help deciding whether to submit scores, see test prep.

Sources

• Colgate University: Apply (accessed October 28, 2026)
• Colgate University: First-Year Applicants (accessed October 28, 2026)
• Colgate University: First-Year Class Profile (accessed October 28, 2026)