Colby is poised to have the lowest acceptance rate of any LAC this year

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A poster said that because Colby students aren't known for being focused on career, it was like a continuation of high school. At first, I thought that was quite the insult. Then, well maybe?

DC attended a small (relative to public) and rigorous private school with strong faculty relationships and community. So, yes, it's been quite a similar experience at Colby. And I think that's great.

He knows each of his teachers and advisors from both majors well -- just as he did at his DC private. He shows up if they do a reading from their recently published book or goes to dinner with a visiting lecturer. He's been networked in (through the amazing Davis Connects) to some fantastic internships and study abroad. He found a challenging and unexpected second major that is "for fun." Like most Colby students, he glories in the outdoor life of hiking and skiing. While he is working hard, he is also having the time of his young life.

He'll soon go on to graduate school at a much bigger place where he'll experience thrill of being utterly unrecognized by his professors. But that'll be just fine. Because he'll be a 22 year old who is confident and well prepared. He'll have tired of life in rural Maine and be ready for the adrenalin of the big city.

While he is ambitious, he also knows that life is long. It should not be a rush to build the resume. Colby has given him the ability to explore his interests and come to a gradual decision about how he wants to spend his professional life.

So you are basically saying Colby is the equivalent of a fancy prep school. I think your kid needs to get out of his wealthy bubble and experience real life

Easy to say, except basically every other post around here is asking how to enter that bubble. Some people live an entire life in there, tends to work well.

If you are happy with that, great. Some of us are not impressed with that set up and gravitate towards more interesting environments

Sounds fine to me. Colby is good for a certain wealthy and white private school crowd. Nothing wrong with that in theory. Some kids are looking for an extension of their fancy prep school experience while others are interested in exploring untested waters

I think if you are first gen or a POC attending Colby, you get to take advantage of the Davis Connects program that leverages the strong alumni network. I’d recommend you check it out. You may change your views about the college.

I have 3 black gfs who are alum. They said that Colby was happy to fund anything they asked for while there. Network appears to be strong also.

+1 Thank you for sharing!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why doesn’t Colby publish its common data set?

To hide something, that in turn Colby can use to create hype around selectivity, yield, scholarship, fin aid, outcome, graduation rate.. so many things one can manipulate if CDS is not available.

Colby tbh is overhyped college.. wonder why its still ranked 25!!

The Colby troll emerges once again to spew its unsubstantiated conspiracy theories. Please remove your tinfoil hat before posting next time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why can’t I find a recent CDS from Colby? Sus.

They don’t publish one anymore but you can find data on College Navigator.

From the CDS website: “The Common Data Set (CDS) initiative is a collaborative effort among data providers in the higher education community and publishers as represented by the College Board, Peterson’s, and U.S. News & World Report.” Note the involvement of the publishers.

College Navigator is sponsored by the Department of Education and lists virtually the same information as CDS. Colby’s data can be found here: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Colby&s=all&id=161086

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Number of applicants to Colby class of 2019: 7,591

Number of applicants to Colby class of 2028: 19,188.

That’s quite a difference over 9 years. Why? New buildings? New programs? Marketing? Can’t think of many other schools with such a large percentage increase in applications in that time period.

That gym is ridic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why doesn’t Colby publish its common data set?

To hide something, that in turn Colby can use to create hype around selectivity, yield, scholarship, fin aid, outcome, graduation rate.. so many things one can manipulate if CDS is not available.

Colby tbh is overhyped college.. wonder why its still ranked 25!!

The Colby troll emerges once again to spew its unsubstantiated conspiracy theories. Please remove your tinfoil hat before posting next time.

I'm an education researcher, and it's actually a huge red flag that Colby doesn't contribute to the Common Data Set; every other peer institution does. It is extremely rare (to non-existent) for schools not to do so--it makes Colby a real outlier. This data is crucial to independent research, and as a general rule, colleges (esp. those receiving any kind of federal funding) should be transparent about their numbers and policies, as reflected in the CDS. Not contributing suggests they aren't being transparent. It's reasonable to ask why.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why doesn’t Colby publish its common data set?

To hide something, that in turn Colby can use to create hype around selectivity, yield, scholarship, fin aid, outcome, graduation rate.. so many things one can manipulate if CDS is not available.

Colby tbh is overhyped college.. wonder why its still ranked 25!!

The Colby troll emerges once again to spew its unsubstantiated conspiracy theories. Please remove your tinfoil hat before posting next time.

I'm an education researcher, and it's actually a huge red flag that Colby doesn't contribute to the Common Data Set; every other peer institution does. It is extremely rare (to non-existent) for schools not to do so--it makes Colby a real outlier. This data is crucial to independent research, and as a general rule, colleges (esp. those receiving any kind of federal funding) should be transparent about their numbers and policies, as reflected in the CDS. Not contributing suggests they aren't being transparent. It's reasonable to ask why.

Colby discloses basically the same information on college navigator. CDS as per PP is compiled by the College Board, USNWR and Petersons. What is special about CDS other than the fact that the publishers use it to further their profit motives?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why doesn’t Colby publish its common data set?

To hide something, that in turn Colby can use to create hype around selectivity, yield, scholarship, fin aid, outcome, graduation rate.. so many things one can manipulate if CDS is not available.

Colby tbh is overhyped college.. wonder why its still ranked 25!!

The Colby troll emerges once again to spew its unsubstantiated conspiracy theories. Please remove your tinfoil hat before posting next time.

I'm an education researcher, and it's actually a huge red flag that Colby doesn't contribute to the Common Data Set; every other peer institution does. It is extremely rare (to non-existent) for schools not to do so--it makes Colby a real outlier. This data is crucial to independent research, and as a general rule, colleges (esp. those receiving any kind of federal funding) should be transparent about their numbers and policies, as reflected in the CDS. Not contributing suggests they aren't being transparent. It's reasonable to ask why.

Colby discloses basically the same information on college navigator. CDS as per PP is compiled by the College Board, USNWR and Petersons. What is special about CDS other than the fact that the publishers use it to further their profit motives?

CDS has specific definitions that it requires for each data point schools submit. This is to ensure that people who use CDS data (i.e researchers like me) can use the data to make apples-to-apples comparisons. That is not guaranteed by the data that Colby publishes elsewhere--as that data is not governed by the same rules/definitions. Again, I'm not saying Colby is definitely doing something nefarious--but it is VERY odd for a college of Colby's stature not to submit to CDS. I can't think of another peer school that doesn't. I think this raises the question of why--and I seriously doubt it's because Colby is taking some brave stand against "the publishers." That's not a thing--at least not in regard to CDS, as colleges and universities have long recognized the importance and value of CDS to research, including their own research about their own admissions (compared to other schools).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why doesn’t Colby publish its common data set?

To hide something, that in turn Colby can use to create hype around selectivity, yield, scholarship, fin aid, outcome, graduation rate.. so many things one can manipulate if CDS is not available.

Colby tbh is overhyped college.. wonder why its still ranked 25!!

The Colby troll emerges once again to spew its unsubstantiated conspiracy theories. Please remove your tinfoil hat before posting next time.

I'm an education researcher, and it's actually a huge red flag that Colby doesn't contribute to the Common Data Set; every other peer institution does. It is extremely rare (to non-existent) for schools not to do so--it makes Colby a real outlier. This data is crucial to independent research, and as a general rule, colleges (esp. those receiving any kind of federal funding) should be transparent about their numbers and policies, as reflected in the CDS. Not contributing suggests they aren't being transparent. It's reasonable to ask why.

Colby discloses basically the same information on college navigator. CDS as per PP is compiled by the College Board, USNWR and Petersons. What is special about CDS other than the fact that the publishers use it to further their profit motives?

CDS has specific definitions that it requires for each data point schools submit. This is to ensure that people who use CDS data (i.e researchers like me) can use the data to make apples-to-apples comparisons. That is not guaranteed by the data that Colby publishes elsewhere--as that data is not governed by the same rules/definitions. Again, I'm not saying Colby is definitely doing something nefarious--but it is VERY odd for a college of Colby's stature not to submit to CDS. I can't think of another peer school that doesn't. I think this raises the question of why--and I seriously doubt it's because Colby is taking some brave stand against "the publishers." That's not a thing--at least not in regard to CDS, as colleges and universities have long recognized the importance and value of CDS to research, including their own research about their own admissions (compared to other schools).

Researchers like you use CDS. And without the intention of picking a fight, who do you conduct research for? A non-profit?

[Anonymous]

Not to take anything away from the fine school that Colby is, but it is common that top schools have become remarkably more difficult to be accepted into, in the past 3 cycles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why doesn’t Colby publish its common data set?

To hide something, that in turn Colby can use to create hype around selectivity, yield, scholarship, fin aid, outcome, graduation rate.. so many things one can manipulate if CDS is not available.

Colby tbh is overhyped college.. wonder why its still ranked 25!!

The Colby troll emerges once again to spew its unsubstantiated conspiracy theories. Please remove your tinfoil hat before posting next time.

I'm an education researcher, and it's actually a huge red flag that Colby doesn't contribute to the Common Data Set; every other peer institution does. It is extremely rare (to non-existent) for schools not to do so--it makes Colby a real outlier. This data is crucial to independent research, and as a general rule, colleges (esp. those receiving any kind of federal funding) should be transparent about their numbers and policies, as reflected in the CDS. Not contributing suggests they aren't being transparent. It's reasonable to ask why.

Colby discloses basically the same information on college navigator. CDS as per PP is compiled by the College Board, USNWR and Petersons. What is special about CDS other than the fact that the publishers use it to further their profit motives?

CDS has specific definitions that it requires for each data point schools submit. This is to ensure that people who use CDS data (i.e researchers like me) can use the data to make apples-to-apples comparisons. That is not guaranteed by the data that Colby publishes elsewhere--as that data is not governed by the same rules/definitions. Again, I'm not saying Colby is definitely doing something nefarious--but it is VERY odd for a college of Colby's stature not to submit to CDS. I can't think of another peer school that doesn't. I think this raises the question of why--and I seriously doubt it's because Colby is taking some brave stand against "the publishers." That's not a thing--at least not in regard to CDS, as colleges and universities have long recognized the importance and value of CDS to research, including their own research about their own admissions (compared to other schools).

Researchers like you use CDS. And without the intention of picking a fight, who do you conduct research for? A non-profit?

Not the pp, but I use CDS data in my volunteer work to help first-generation students apply to college. Is that worthy enough for you?

[Anonymous]

Back to OP, generous financial aid probably has something to do with Colby’s application surge and selectivity. Colby is #5 on the list.

https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/most-generous-universities-for-financial-aid/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Number of applicants to Colby class of 2019: 7,591

Number of applicants to Colby class of 2028: 19,188.

That’s quite a difference over 9 years. Why? New buildings? New programs? Marketing? Can’t think of many other schools with such a large percentage increase in applications in that time period.

That gym is ridic.

Are there many students at Colby who are ripped/jacked? It just doesn't seem like the kind of school where most of the students sling iron on the reg. UMiami, yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Back to OP, generous financial aid probably has something to do with Colby’s application surge and selectivity. Colby is #5 on the list.

https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/most-generous-universities-for-financial-aid/

No, it's due to test optional, which means more students apply, meanong more are rejected meaning selectivity percentage drops. This has been the case in all test optional schools which gives the dchools bragging rights to alums and ranking services. Most readers here understand it's a racket. Hence, the eye rolling at OP's post

[Anonymous]

I can't believe so many people feel the urge to say such negative things about a school - and probably most of them have never visited or know anything more than the broadest details. Does it make people just feel so good to put others down?
I hope all you negative people don't have kids that want to go to Colby. We don't need you there to poison the waters.
It is an amazing school with a President who is visionary and strategic about the future. They built a $200M gym for their athletics program that is stunning. They are building tons of new dorms this year. They have a gorgeous new art museum and art facility. They have an amazing freshman orientation trip and a Jan Plan where kids study all kinds of interesting things for a month. They encourage Study Abroad and they have a robust career development/network program. The classes are small, a lot of the teachers are great, kids get a great education. You can ski in the winter and hike in the fall and spring. I only wish I was 20 and my only job was to study and think about where I want to go in life in such an ideal setting.
I think it's awesome that they don't charge an application fee. I mean, come on, everyone complains how greedy it is to have to pay for all those applications!! So, some schools cut it out and now you complain about that??
Really, I feel like we found the best kept secret - although it is clear that it is not much of a secret anymore. We visited most of the SLACs and Colby was easily the favorite. For my child! There are many friends at Middlebury and Bates who love it there too.
I highly recommend if your child is interested that you go and visit and make your own assessment. Hopefully, your child is not picking their college based on whether a place has a 14% acceptance rate compared to an 8% one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can't believe so many people feel the urge to say such negative things about a school - and probably most of them have never visited or know anything more than the broadest details. Does it make people just feel so good to put others down?
I hope all you negative people don't have kids that want to go to Colby. We don't need you there to poison the waters.
It is an amazing school with a President who is visionary and strategic about the future. They built a $200M gym for their athletics program that is stunning. They are building tons of new dorms this year. They have a gorgeous new art museum and art facility. They have an amazing freshman orientation trip and a Jan Plan where kids study all kinds of interesting things for a month. They encourage Study Abroad and they have a robust career development/network program. The classes are small, a lot of the teachers are great, kids get a great education. You can ski in the winter and hike in the fall and spring. I only wish I was 20 and my only job was to study and think about where I want to go in life in such an ideal setting.
I think it's awesome that they don't charge an application fee. I mean, come on, everyone complains how greedy it is to have to pay for all those applications!! So, some schools cut it out and now you complain about that??
Really, I feel like we found the best kept secret - although it is clear that it is not much of a secret anymore. We visited most of the SLACs and Colby was easily the favorite. For my child! There are many friends at Middlebury and Bates who love it there too.
I highly recommend if your child is interested that you go and visit and make your own assessment. Hopefully, your child is not picking their college based on whether a place has a 14% acceptance rate compared to an 8% one.

Not to mention Waterville, which is probably the worst location for any SLAC in the country. I have tried, and I actually cannot think of a more wretched town where a SLAC is located.