Colgate University vs Grinnell College

Colgate University is the more selective of the two at 14%, versus 15% at Grinnell College. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Colgate University
Highly selective
14%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1460
Private · New York
Grinnell College
Highly selective
15%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1470
Private · Iowa

Colgate University vs Grinnell College: the differences that matter

How Colgate University and Grinnell College stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Colgate University and Grinnell College are almost equally selective (14% vs 15%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.

The two also read applications a little differently. Colgate University leans more on alumni / legacy relation, geographical residence, volunteer work, while Grinnell College puts more weight on a similar mix of factors. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Colgate University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1460 and Grinnell College's is around 1470. Admitted students at Grinnell College post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorColgate UniversityGrinnell College
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Standardized test scoresimportantimportant
Application essayvery importantvery important
Recommendationsvery importantvery important
Extracurricular activitiesvery importantvery important
Talent / abilityvery importantvery important
Character / personal qualitiesvery importantvery important
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Colgate University or Grinnell College harder to get into?

Colgate University is harder to get into, with a 14% acceptance rate versus 15% at Grinnell College.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Colgate University and Grinnell College?

Colgate University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1460, and Grinnell College's is around 1470.

What are my chances at Colgate University and Grinnell College?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.