Faculty/Classroom: 60% of faculty are male; 40%, female. All both teach and do research. The average class size in a regular course is 17.

Admissions: 34% of the 1997-98 applicants were accepted. The SAT I scores for the 1997-98 freshman class were: Verbal-1% below 500, 17% between 500 and 599, 62% between 600 and 700, and 20% above 700; Math-1% below 500, 14% between 500 and 599. 65% between 600 and 700, and 20% above 700. The ACT scores were 4% below 21, 3% between 21 and 23, 26% between 24 and 26, 27% between 27 and 28, and 39% above 28. 83% of the current freshmen were in the top fifth of their class; 96% were in the top two fifths. 22 freshmen graduated first in their class.

Requirements: The SAT I or ACT is required. Candidates should be high school graduates with a recommended academic program of 4 years of English, 3 each of foreign language and math, and 2 each of science (including lab work), social studies/history, and other college preparatory courses. To obtain Colby’s application on disk, write or call the Admissions Office, or download from the school’s Web site. Applications are also accepted on-line via Common App, Apply, and others. AP credits are accepted. Important factors in the admissions decision are advanced placement or honor courses, leadership record, and personality/intangible qualities,

Procedure: Freshmen are admitted fall and winter. Entrance exams should be taken by January of the senior year. There are early decision, early admissions, and deferred admissions plans. Early decision applications should be filed by November 15 or January 1; regular applications, by January 15 for fall entry, along with a $50 fee. Notification of early decision is sent December 15 or January 31; regular decision, April 1. 175 early decision candidates were accepted for the 1997-98 class. 15% of all applicants are on a waiting list; 11 were accepted in 1997.

Transfer: 9 transfer students enrolled in a recent year. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and, as a rule, have earned enough credit hours to qualify for at least sophomore standing. They must be in good academic and social standing and should submit references from a faculty member and a dean of their current school. If the SAT I or ACT has been taken, the results must be submitted as well. 60 credits of 120 must be completed at Colby.

Visiting: There are guides for informal visits and visitors may sit in on classes and stay overnight. To schedule a visit, contact the Admissions Office.

Financial Aid: In 1997-98, 44% of alt freshmen and 40% of continuing students received some form of financial aid. 42% of freshmen and 41% of continuing students received need-based aid. The average freshman award was $18,900. Of that total, scholarships or need-based grants averaged $14,300 ($26,900 maximum); loans averaged $2300 ($2950 maximum); and work contracts averaged $1000 ($1500 maximum). 66% of undergraduates work part time. Average annual earnings from campus work are $700. The average financial indebtedness of the 1997 graduate was $14,800. Colby is a member of CSS. The FAFSA and the college’s own financial statement are required. The fall application deadline is January 15.

International Students: There are 96 international students enrolled. The school actively recruits these students. They must score 550 on the TOEFL and also take the SAT I or the ACT.

Computers: The mainframes are an HP 827S, an HP G40, and an HP G25- Access to the campus network and its services is available from all classrooms, labs, and offices, as well as from the residence halls, including all dormitory rooms. 276 Macs are available for student use in student clusters and labs. LaserWriters are also available. There is free access to the Internet, and all students are assigned an E-mail address. All students may access the system 24 hours a day. There are no time limits and no fees. It is strongly recommended that all students have Mac personal computers.

Graduates: In 1997, 457 bachelor’s degrees were awarded. The most popular majors were biology (15%), English (13%), and government (8%). In an average class, 84% graduate in 4 years, 88% in 5 years, and 89% in 6 years. 48 companies recruited on campus in 1996-97. Of the 1996 graduating class, 13% were enrolled in graduate school within 6 months of graduation and 80% were employed.

Admissions Contact: Parker J. Beverage. Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid.

E-mail: admissions@colby.edu.

Web: http://www.colby.edu