Colby College is a small undergraduate liberal arts school in the city of Waterville, Maine. The college offers a balance of rural and urban, small community and broad resources, and a highly-respected package. 64% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and the college is well-known for offering a level of access to professors for counsel, mentorship, and even just conversation, that larger schools simply can’t facilitate. Students have the opportunity to explore broadly, dive deeply into what they care about most, and have fun while doing it.
Something really unique about Colby is the Colby Museum of Art and the opportunities it provides to undergraduates. The Museum is a hugely important piece of the academic community, providing students with resources and opportunities that go beyond what most other small schools can do.
Resources like the Colby Museum of Art, paired with an intimate student community, attract students from around the world to the college. More than 10% of Colby students are non-US citizens, and they represent more than 70 countries. Once on campus, the International Student Programs offer unique and specific resources and opportunities for Colby students from around the world. The Pugh Center for Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers even more resources, supporting the international student community and working towards the goal of an “inclusive and equitable campus community.” The college also meets 100% of demonstrate need for all admitted students, including international students, but are need aware — meaning that they take your request for financial support into consideration when reviewing your application.
Over the past few years, Colby has become an extremely selective college. 17,800 students applied for a spot in the class of 2027, and only 1,142 were accepted. This dropped the acceptance rate to a mere 6%, and marked the most competitive year in the history of the college (the previous year, the acceptance rate was 7%). Accepted students for the class of 2027 represented 50 states plus the District of Columbia, 75 countries, and 48% of accepted students self-identified as students of color.
The acceptance rate at Colby has been plummeting for the last few years, and it isn’t going to get any easier to get in. As an international student, this presents unique challenges and opportunities. In this post, we’re going to break down exactly what you need to know before you start your application.
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What is Colby looking for in International Students?
The application process for international students is the same process as for all other students, but there are some things that you need to focus on and emphasize as an international student that demand a unique and focused approach.
First, start by joining a virtual information session if you haven’t already attended one. This will give you some of the language and insider information that you need to integrate into your vocabulary to show Colby that you truly know the school and want to be a member of the next class. Then it’s time to dive into the app.
Courses + Grades
With Colby, what they want to see on your transcript is simple. They want to see the highest grades you can earn in the toughest classes that you have access to. It’s that easy.
Obviously, it’s not that easy. Doing the work to have an exceptional transcript is hard, especially when you push your limits by taking hard classes instead of easier courses you know you could sail through. So, make yourself a little bit uncomfortable. Push yourself beyond what you know will come easy. Show in your transcript that you are already gearing up for college by stretching your legs creatively and challenging yourself intellectually.
Extracurriculars
Balancing out your transcript are your activities and extracurriculars. Colby knows that international students often don’t have the same access to activities outside of the classroom as students within the United States — but that really doesn’t change their expectations much, if at all.
Colby wants to see that you pursue the things you care about outside of the classroom. They like to see a balance, and love students who excel in two or three different arenas. If you’re an athlete, also commit to a regular community service role that has leadership opportunities. If you’re part of an academic club or team, also play a sport — even one you aren’t necessarily a leader in — but that you are passionate about. Showing some diversity in what you care about illustrates that you are well-rounded and driven internally by passions and interests. Unlike schools that are hyper-focused and want to see students that are the same, Colby loves a student who explores. If you’re at the top of the pack of each thing you do, that’s even better.
Standardized Tests
As far as standardized testing, Colby is test optional. But while submitting an ACT or SAT score is up to you, we believe that a strong test score underlines your academic achievements and projects your readiness for a demanding college environment.
So, we encourage students to submit an SAT or ACT score and to put in the work prior to taking the tests to score as well as you can. If you’re taking the SAT, aim for a score of 1520 or above. And if the ACT is more your speed, you want to get a 34 or higher.
Colby does, however, require an official score report from an English Proficiency Test if “English is neither your first language nor your current language of instruction.” There are a bunch of tests you can pick from, and can try out a few even. They also accept a virtual interview in addition to the English Proficiency Test, which we highly recommend to further underline your language preparedness and seriousness about Colby.
Final Thoughts
As you’re applying to Colby, remember that applying Early Decision I or Early Decision II can be your most powerful tool. You also need to remember that everything must be submitted in English, and translations from your native language (if necessary) should be done by an official from your school or a professional, and be accompanied by the original.
As Colby has become more competitive, gaining admission is akin to getting into an Ivy League school. A successful application experience requires planning, hard work, and strategy. And, if you put in the time up front, you can pull it off.
If you want to attend a prestigious college in the United States, let us know. We help students get into their dream school.