Below are some of the questions asked by incoming first-year students. If you have a question that isn't answered here, please contact the Office of Campus Life (
campus.life@colby.edu, x4280) for housing or COOT questions or the Dean of Students Office (
dos@colby.edu, x4255) for all other questions. If you'd prefer a personal response from a current student, you may want to visit the
"Ask a Student" page.
Is credit awarded for college level courses taken during high school?Yes, credit can be given if the courses were taken on a college campus along with other college students and taught by a college professor. Colby's registrar (
registr@colby.edu) will review your transcript and determine how many credits will transfer for a particular course.
Does my financial aid apply to study abroad and exchange programs?Yes, your financial aid may be used for all approved study abroad programs, including those that are open to first year students in Salamanca and Dijon. A number of domestic exchange programs also permit you to use Colby aid. In any of these courses of study, student aid is based on the actual cost of the program up to a maximum of Colby's expense budget. Details about the variety of programs available may be found in the
course catalogue on the web.
When do I need to be on campus if I am planning on participating in a fall sport?Fall first-year athletes arrive on August 26 to check in for COOT like all other first-year students. Most people coming from a distance stay over the night before in local accommodations to get an early start on the 26th. On that day you check into your room and you may have a team meeting and one practice, depending on each coach's particular schedule. Try outs and practices will resume after your return from COOT.
How does registration work? What do I have to do and who do I get in touch with when I have a question regarding a specific classes?In early June a packet will be sent to you and it will include (
among other items) course registration materials. You will be able to contact the
Associate Dean of Students for Academics if you have specific questions, as well as communicate directly with any
academic department.
Which upper-level courses (above 100s) are available to first-year students and how does one pre-register for one?You could speak to professors over the summer (sometimes difficult with summer travel), but most 200-level classes will be elected at Registration in September. Some History courses allow first-years to enroll, and some other departments will look at AP results to allow 200 level placement, but it is not possible to make a list of possibilities. In short, signing up for a 200 level course will take place after you've gotten permission from the instructor and spoken with your faculty adviser.
What about jobs on campus, I have no financial aid but need to work?Any student is eligible to hold a job on campus; you don't have to be on aid. When you arrive on campus, you may want to contact the student worker coordinator in the
Student Financial Services Office to see what openings exist. It's an open market, so anyone can work anywhere that is hiring.
Are students allowed to have cars on campus?Yes, all students, including first-years, are allowed to have cars on campus and parking is available in campus parking lots. All vehicles must be registered with the Department of Security (at no charge) and a student parking sticker displayed on the vehicle.
What kind of furniture items are already in the rooms? How big are the beds?The College supplies a bed, a mattress (not a twin size - at 36" x 80", they are considered "extra long"), a desk with a chair, a wardrobe/closet, and a dresser for each person. You will need to bring your own bed linens (twin size contour sheets are not suggested, as they will not fit your bed), a mattress pad, a pillow, blankets, a bedspread, and towels. You'll receive a
mailing from the Residence Hall Linens company later this summer. Due to limited storage facilities for bed frames, Colby discourages the practice of constructing lofts. A wastebasket is essential, but should be made of metal. Tapestry-type ceiling/wall hangings, candles, oil lamps, and incense are not permitted as they present a potential fire hazard.
What about AP exams and scores? I haven't received my test results yet; how do I preregister for my Colby classes?If Colby was listed as a recipient of your scores, we'll receive your scores at about the same time as you do. Scores of 4 and 5 will earn credit toward the Colby degree, and be used in placement. Individual AP exemptions will appear on the Web as they are posted. Until then, sign up for your courses as if you had not taken the APs.
The
Registrar will review all scores received and automatically implement appropriate exemptions and placement using your alternate choices. For example, a 4 or 5 on the English test will earn six credits and exemption from EN115 (Composition).
If you took any AP exams before your senior year (before you knew you were coming to Colby), but none in your senior year, you should write to the testing service and have those results sent. (Colby's CEEB number is 3280.)
How do I send packages ahead of time?Address packages to:
Your Name
Colby College
#### Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME 04901-88##
(Your four-digit box number will be assigned in mid-August. The last two digits of the zipcode correspond with the first two digits of the Mayflower Hill box number - ie. 7620 Mayflower Hill will use 04901-8876 for the zip)
You will then be able to pick them up upon your arrival. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept packages before August 15 due to space limitations.
I live far from Colby; can I come early to get into my room?The halls will not be available until Tuesday, August 28; check-in will begin at 9 a.m. at the Cotter Union. Most students coming from a distance will stay overnight the night before in local motels. On Tuesday, you will be able to move your belongings into your room and participate in the activities leading up to
COOT, which leaves the next morning.