For more than three decades, some of the wittiest and wackiest performers from colleges across the country flock to Skidmore for a weekend of laughs at the largest collegiate comedy festival in the nation. It's no joke that the annual National College Comedy Festival (affectionately known as “Comfest”) is a seriously important tradition on Skidmore’s campus.

Grace Mahon ’26 has never really considered herself particularly religious but has found programs offered by Skidmore’s Office of Religious and Spiritual Life invaluable as she has navigated the transition to college life. Yoga classes through Skidmore’s Mindfulness Program have helped her manage stress and bond with peers. It’s one of numerous ways that Skidmore supports spiritual and religious growth and fellowship on campus.

Writing at the start of the second semester of her senior year, English major and David United World College Scholar Anesu Mukombiwa ’24 reflects on her unexpected path from Zimbabwe to Saratoga Springs, New York, with stops in Greece and China along the way. “I’m here now,” she writes, “And some days I can hardly believe it.”

No one expects you to have it all figured out on day one. At Skidmore, exploration and discovery of new passions is all part of the process. Peer ambassadors Braedon Quinlan ’24 and Cadence Trach ’24 saw their plans for the future and majors evolve during their academic journeys.

At Skidmore you can do both — that means having full control to explore all of your interests. And who better to demonstrate this than our admissions ambassadors? Here are three peer ambassadors who are truly doing the most with their college experiences.

Students in Distinguished Artist-in-Residence Joel Brown’s Songwriting Workshop perform at Caffe Lena, the longest continuously running folk music venue in the United States and a mecca for some of the biggest names in folk.

The two-sport athlete and business major has learned about leadership, teamwork, and what it takes to persevere. “I love the opportunity to be a team captain,” he says. “I’m lucky. It’s a template for real life.”

Scribner Seminars, which blend disciplines and help students adjust to the rigors of academic life at Skidmore, are an example of what makes learning at the College so unique. Charlotte Mahn ’25 sits down with three professors to discuss their experiences with the program and what they’ve learned while teaching first-year students.

Catie Hamilton ’25, an American studies major with Periclean Honors Forum and business minors, reflects on her experience in Skidmore's Outdoor Orientation Program (SCOOP), an optional pre-orientation program. “The bonds created through SCOOP are lasting,” she says.

How do you find your community at college? Skidmore has more than 100 clubs, where you can make friends and explore your passions. You can even create your own. Here are a few where Skidmore students have found their niche.

Worried about picking the right school? Liz Bracht '24 was unsure, too. But after she settled into campus and college life at Skidmore, she knows she made the right choice. “At Skidmore, I think I’ve been able to adapt and grow in a way that feels very true to myself,” she says.

Alex Carney ’22 entered Skidmore with a primary interest in music. He ended up pursuing a triple major with a degree in mathematics and physics from Skidmore and a Bachelor of Engineering from Dartmouth College as part of a dual-degree program.

Eve Kreshtool ‘23, a New York-based alumna pursuing a career in the arts, says serving as chair of the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum Student Advisory Council allowed her develop her own unique set of leadership skills. She thanks the Tang staff and her colleagues for helping her grow.

Lucy Scribner Library invites first-year Skidmore students to imagine that an attempted art robbery has left beloved library mascot Scribbler Squirrel trapped. As students rush to free Scribbler in a fun, escape room-themed activity, they discover Scribner Library is much more than just a building with thousands of books: It’s a hub of campus life and, with its cozy and inviting atmosphere, a home away from home.

Although strong science programs are sometimes associated with large research universities, Jacob Lord '24 picked Skidmore to pursue his interest in physics. Thanks in part to the encouraging and collaborative environment he found here, he is now on track to be among the first published undergraduates in the field of cosmic string research.

Elena Tittel '25 was set on being an English major. But in her first her first week of classes, she fell in love with the Psychology Department, too. Now, a double major in English and psychology, she wants to encourage others to explore the full breadth of what Skidmore has to offer. 

Charlotte Mahn '25 came to Skidmore expecting it to be like her previous educational experiences. She discovered that Skidmore professors’ dedication to their students goes far beyond what she had ever imagined: Skidmore professors are here not just to teach students, but to help students find their place in the world.  

Wondering what to pack for school? Look no further than this helpful list of items you might want to bring with you to your first semester here at Skidmore.

The transition to collegiate writing can be scary — but it doesn’t need to be! Hear what the staff and tutors of Philip Boshoff Writing Center have to say about making college-level writing accessible to students at every stage in their academic career. 

Meet Katherine Almquist '24, a student on a mission. Her experience at Skidmore – blending roles as an athlete, environmental scientist, and LGBTQ ally – has been carved from sheer, inspirational passion.

At Skidmore, Bobby Stratts ‘23 did two sports, a business major, and student leadership positions. How did he do it all? 

A program for accepted students from underrepresented backgrounds, Discovery Tour offers an opportunity to visit Skidmore and Saratoga Springs; meet students, faculty, and staff; and learn about the College’s academic and cocurricular offerings and intercultural life. Vicky Grijalva ’24, a self-determined major in multimedia communications from Miami, Florida, talks about her experience organizing the event in 2023.

Arham Hashmi ’23, a psychology major and English minor from Pakistan, describes how working as a peer health educator; serving in leadership positions in multiple Skidmore clubs, including the International Student Union, Muslim Student Association, and Hayat; and directing a play reinforced their identities and helped them find a community at Skidmore that “feels like a family.”

Each spring, Ujima organizes its annual fashion as part of the Skidmore club’s efforts to raise awareness of Africa, African American, and Caribbean cultures. The director of this year’s production, environmental science major Luna Peralta ’23, discusses all the hard work and talent that have gone into the spectacular production. Her goal? “To showcase pure Black excellence and Black joy.”

As the 2022-23 Eleanor Linder Winter ’43 Intern at the Tang Teaching Museum, Naima Nigh ’23 had the opportunity to bring her favorite artist, Trenton Doyle Hancock, to campus and introduce him to the Skidmore community. “It has been one of the highlights of my Skidmore career,” the business major and art history minor writes.

Kat Dunn ’24 rapidly transformed herself from a “super-sub” hoping for game time to Skidmore's first Liberty League Player of the Year in women’s soccer. Read about how the California native chose Skidmore, found her footing, and ended up studying psychology, business, and Spanish.

Allie Serapilio ’25, from Clifton Park, New York, is an English major with minors in art history and environmental studies and sciences. A first-year seminar on Weird Books, clubs like the Health, Image, Power, Success (HIPS), and involvement at the Tang Teaching Museum have all helped Allie connect at Skidmore.

Lively Lucy’s, Skidmore’s student-run campus hangout and club offers amazing music and – most of all – a community that cares about everybody.

Local foodie and Skidmore student Sarah Libov ‘24 sheds some light on what your favorite Saratoga Springs coffee shop might say about you.

Since childhood, Allison Conwell ’25 has been fascinated by the natural world and art. At Skidmore, she’s doing both as a biology and studio art double major and plans to pursue a career in scientific illustration.

Prince Shyllon, a basketball player, social media influencer, and entrepreneur, plays point guard on the Thoroughbred men’s basketball team. A first-year student, he plans to major in business and minor in computer science at Skidmore.

Calli Frankel ’25 is pursuing a double major in psychology and French, and is a leader in Skidmore’s Outing Club. Calli says she was drawn to Skidmore’s location near the Adirondack Mountains, where she could hike, bike, climb, and “all that good stuff.”

For more than three decades, Skidmore has hosted the National College Comedy Festival, a tradition for aspiring campus comedians and for anyone who enjoys a good laugh. Elise Milner ’25 describes her first experience performing at ComFest and sharing the stage with professional stand-ups Chris Fleming ’09 and Marina Franklin.

What do English literature, Organismal Biology, and Ultimate Frisbee all have in common? Liza Schnauck ’25 has pursued them all at Skidmore.

Darren Jackson Wilkins ’25, who is majoring in theater and minoring in music and arts administration, came to Skidmore so he could pursue all his interests. One evening, he did it all, playing the lead role in a Skidmore Theater production before rushing over to sing in the finale in Skidmania, one of Skidmore’s cherished musical traditions.

I was most drawn to Skidmore for the ability to pursue not just one, but all of my passions while studying here. I have always had multiple passions in music, technology, and business, and I knew that Skidmore would allow me to explore all of them.

Maitreya Ravenstar ’25 and her roommate slept outside the Tang Teaching Museum as part of Roommate, a Skidmore tradition that allows students to deepen their appreciation of art by borrowing artwork and living with it for an academic year.

Maitreya Ravenstar ’25, who is pursuing a self-determined major in multimedia journalism, talks about transferring to Skidmore and how the College's Transfer Trek helped her find her niche at Skidmore.

A visit to Skidmore College isn’t complete without sampling some of the best experiences, dining, and sights that our hometown, Saratoga Springs, has to offer.

David Tago '23, a math major and physics and computer science minor from Kenya, discusses why he chose Skidmore.

Hi! My name is Ayesha and I’m a theater major from Hong Kong and the Philippines. I’m excited to answer some of your questions about my life here at Skidmore.

With campus resources and faculty support, Kathryn Brodie defined her own creative path that merged seemingly disparate passions – dance and documentary film.

Social work and Spanish double-major Bryan Cuzco-Sinchi ’23 answers questions from prospective students about his life at Skidmore as a first-generation college student.

Lily Ross ’24 shares what it was like to apply to Skidmore Early Decision, the many emotions of making that decision, and celebrating the moment she got in.

Anthropology major Kelby Wittenberg '23 reflects on his experience working an active archaeological dig site on Skidmore's campus and uncovering Revolutionary War-era artifacts.

I like to think of myself as a garlic mustard warrior, and this summer I am continuing my campaign here at Skidmore. How does one get drafted for this duty? It starts with a deep love for the outdoors.

Through a partnership between Skidmore and Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), recent graduate Maddy Tyler ’21 is the artist behind the official artwork for the 44th annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival at SPAC.

Four Skidmore students answer your questions in a recorded Q&A with Associate Dean of Student Affairs Mariel Martin.

We caught up with two outstanding athletes, Risa Fukushige ’21 and Stanley Langyintuo ’21, days before they graduate from Skidmore as they look back on their time as Thoroughbreds.

Skidmore chemistry major Heather Ricker ’22 has been awarded a Barry Goldwater Scholarship, the most prestigious scholarship in the United States for undergraduates in STEM fields.

The Freirich Entrepreneurship Competition is an annual tradition at Skidmore where students pitch real business plans “Shark Tank”-style and compete for funding to pursue their dreams.

As a woman of color, I had several negative experiences at a previous school and was looking for a place that would welcome and respect me for who I am.

A group of student volunteers are doing some of their most impactful work during the pandemic by helping students make and maintain meaningful social connections.

Our beautiful campus is photogenic all year-round, but it puts on an impressive, colorful display in the fall that students can't help but capture.

"Skidmore was a good fit for me since I wasn’t clear on what I wanted to major in and I knew the College would offer a broad menu with all its major options and resources."

"I was looking for a place that had a wider variety of things to do on campus and that fostered an environment in which students actively participated in clubs and college events."

"I applied ED to Skidmore because I participated in a variety of activities and clubs in high school and pursued all of my academics to pretty much equal depths."

"I am able to express myself more freely and creatively at Skidmore than I was at my previous school. Plus, the community was just so welcoming."

Before I graduate, I want to thank Skidmore, the communities it fosters and the memories and life it’s helped me create.

I knew going to college and playing a college-level sport would be a big deal and a big change, but I didn’t realize I would gain 40 new brothers to lean on.

I applied Early Decision because I thought Skidmore was the right fit for me out of all the schools that I looked at.

I decided to transfer to Skidmore because I wanted to attend a school that has a very diverse and culturally tight-knit community.

Skidmore has taught me many things, including how to use resources and the expertise of people I’ve met here to begin constructing my post-grad life.

In the middle of Manhattan is a workshop where centuries-old tools — chains, lathes, rolling presses — meld with modern technology — microscopes, 3D printers, laser welders — and some of the most precious metals and materials in the world.

After looking at lots of schools, Skidmore really stood out to me. I liked the location and the friendly environment, but most importantly, I could picture myself as a student on campus.

Art has always been central to the way I see and exist in the world. Thankfully, Skidmore has given me countless opportunities to learn and teach through art, including crafting my own hands-on internship at the Tang Teaching Museum.

I’m a double major in geosciences and theater who studied abroad in Russia at the Moscow Art Theater School and spent six days a week in an immersive performance program. What was it like? Very, very xорошо (good).

Saratoga Springs is the perfect college town. What really makes it stand out, however, is how passionate the community is about its quirky traditions.

My college counselor in Chicago said I would really connect with the values and “feel” of the Skidmore College. Spoiler: She was right.

We sat down with the three student producers of the 31st annual National College Comedy Festival to learn a little more about what makes laughter, and this event, an integral part of the Skidmore student experience.

I took a tour of Skidmore the summer before my junior year of high school, and I fell in love with the campus and the community.

Have you ever wondered how your favorite D-Hall dishes would taste if you switched out the usual bread with a waffle? Adam Weinreb '20 did, and blogged about it.

Part fast-casual restaurant, part living room, part stage, part meeting space, part study spot, The Spa is a special place to many Skidmore students.

I think you can find out a lot about a person, and a community, by asking about the stickers they stick. So I did. Here’s what I learned.

Off campus, I am Ms. Goldstein the teacher. On campus, I am Hillary, the college student. They are one and the same for me, but balancing both can be equal parts hectic and exciting. Here is a day in my life.

Recently, I learned that Lucy Skidmore Scribner, the founder of Skidmore College, kept a datebook where she would write about her activities and the people she met a century ago. This got me thinking: What would be in my datebook?

From its towering presence over campus to its sweeping penthouse views, here’s why I believe the iconic Jonsson Tower is an unforgettable part of the Skidmore student experience.

When I was in high school, I thought I knew exactly how my life should pan out. If I was a “perfect” applicant, I’d get into “perfect” colleges and success would easily follow if I kept working hard. Well, this is the story of what actually happened.

As a DJ, I've discovered that everyone at Skidmore has a unique playlist for their college journey. It's when you mix them together, though, that things really start to vibe.

From swapping my Philadelphia Eagles for an assortment of Northeast teams, to adjusting to “pinch me” moments I experience each day, here’s a look at what my first few weeks as a student at Skidmore have been like.

While we all have different perspectives and are sure to have different experiences, there are universal considerations that anyone planning an off-campus journey should make. Here are some key questions to ask yourself before leaving Skidmore.

I wanted to be at a school where having interdisciplinary interests was considered an asset, not a challenge. Skidmore allows me to pursue my varying academic interests and to have a rich extracurricular life, both of which prepare me for life after graduation.

How Skidmore’s liberal arts curriculum put me in a class I never planned to take, with results I never expected.

As a Skidmore student and a Thoroughbred Ambassador who has guided many prospective students through campus, I've collected some tips to make your visit to Skidmore that much more memorable.

How one year at Skidmore, and a few serendipitous opportunities, transformed me into a seasoned atmospheric physical chemistry researcher.

Despite being perpetually covered in thick, cold mud on an archaeological dig, I had one of the most exciting adventures of my life studying abroad in Athens, Greece.

Saratoga Springs and its surrounding area are home to more than 25 public parks and trails, two state parks and one national park. Here's my perspective on a few favorites.

I first visited Skidmore in the summer of 2016 and was instantly enamored with the College. As someone who was stressed out by the college application process like we all are, it was daunting task.

Learning how to ride a bike is no easy feat. As Hadia Bakkar ’20 can attest, “Much like the slopes and hills of Skidmore’s campus mirror many college experiences, my biking journey was not a flat path and required support from all sides.”

From my very first glimpse of it, to living it, to using it in job applications and everything in between, Creative Thought Matters drew me to Skidmore and opened up a world of possibilities.

As a Zimbabwean raised in Swaziland, living in Barbados and attending college in the United States, I am no stranger to change. But that doesn't mean it was always easy.

Everyone says clubs at Skidmore are important. They’re right. Here’s my club story and how I found my people to build amazing college memories with.

Throughout my last few weeks at Skidmore, I found myself flooded with forgotten, tucked-away memories of the past four years. Each final paper, class or Monday routine was tinged with a bitter-sweetness. And as the time dwindled, these places, spaces and moments came together in an unexpected way.

Scribner Seminars aren’t “typical” first-year seminars where you sit through lectures on college basics and write papers to learn “college writing.” Instead, they are funky, cool, unique and, dare I say, creative classes inspired by each professor’s passions.

What is life like as a Skidmore student? Here’s a look at one of my final weeks as a senior in college.

In four years, I have had 22 professors at Skidmore. Each one engaged me in challenging curricula. And a few also snuck in some life lessons. 

Whether someone is from down the street or another hemisphere, deep down many of us arrive on campus with the same gut-knotting, shoulder-tensing vulnerability that makes us wonder, “Will I find friends?”

Hola from beautiful Barcelona! I'm on a three-month, multicountry journey this semester learning about what social justice looks like in vastly different cultures.

College for me has been about finding my place. Who am I? Where do I belong? I never expected it, but my “home” turned out to be a basketball team that I'm not even on.

Why did I wake up at the crack of dawn to hike a mountain in freezing temperatures in the middle of winter? Because I love it and that’s what we do in Outing Club.

Hello, Skidmore family! Rachael Thomeer here, class of 2018. I’ve been on an exciting journey since I graduated, and I wanted to offer a glimpse at what my life looks like after Skidmore.

I will graduate with a double major, a minor and a job already lined up. But there are few pieces of advice I wish I’d received four years ago.

Life in the United States is very different from my home in South Africa. I expected this, but some things truly caught me by surprise. For my fellow international students, or anyone else curious about American culture, here a few things that made me laugh, smile or shake my head.

I dreamt of playing professional soccer, but that didn’t exactly come true. Initially stressed about finding a college major, becoming a walking amalgamation of athleticism and the arts.

"I met you as a first-year student – young, bright-eyed and eager to dig into my Scribner Seminar. Years later, here’s my ode to all we’ve been through, and learned, together."

What does a week in the life of a Skidmore student look like? Here’s a look at one of my weeks in pictures, filled to the brim with things I’m passionate about.

College can be demanding. Here are some steps I follow to minimize stress and stay healthy.

Finding your major can be a daunting journey. Luckily, there is no “right” path to take at Skidmore. Here, we’re encouraged to explore and with guidance from professors and interdisciplinary courses, we find our way.

I drove from Saratoga Springs to New York City to catch a flight leaving JFK International Airport. Destination: Nairobi, Kenya. Nearly two days later, I stepped into what will likely be one of the most remarkable experiences of my life.

Years ago, if someone told me I was going to play hockey at Skidmore College, I wouldn’t have believed them for a second. Because I’m a first-generation college student and opportunities like this didn’t seem possible … until they were.

The award-winning Murray-Aikins Dining Hall is an essential part of student life at Skidmore. Serving a variety of delicious foods on an accommodating schedule, “D-Hall” provides students with comfort and flexibility.

Friday at Skidmore means one thing: chicken fingers. But what happens when you combine an accident-prone first-year student, 3,000 pounds of chicken fingers and a suede bootie? Let me tell you about this fateful Chicken Finger Friday.

It takes some time to know the ins and outs of a school—the lingo, layout, everyday tips and tricks. Well, lucky for you, I’m here to let you in on a few secrets. These “hacks” might make those cold winters, busy days, late nights and life at Skidmore run just a little smoother.

Max Fleischman '19, Doris Donelan '19 and Hannah Fishman '19 sit down with Robin Adams to discuss their efforts to boost voter registration. They cover topics of voter suppression, absentee ballots and how they are getting Skidmore students involved in this year's general election.

Hi! My name is Harry. Having just begun my second year at Skidmore, I find myself reflecting on how radically I have changed. Because college, for me, has been an opportunity to be open, embrace unfamiliarity and find the best version of myself.

How Skidmore's Career Development Center and Student Government Association turned a wild opportunity into a life-changing reality and an unforgettable experience.

Hi there. My name is Jenny and I'm a senior at Skidmore. My years here have not been perfect, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there is no perfect “fit,” no perfect school and no perfect experience.

I will be graduating from Skidmore with “Amazon screenwriter” on my resume. How did I get here? From first-year student to senior screenwriter ready to take on the film industry, this is my story.

I was looking for a college that wasn’t too small or too big, had structure academically but still allowed for freedom, and had abundant opportunities in the performing arts.

Born and raised in a small township called Thokoza in South Africa, I, Nkosingiphile “NK” Mabaso, have always known that I was destined for greatness. Now, a senior at Skidmore, I can’t wait to make this vision a reality. Learn more about me and follow along as I share stories from my life at Skidmore.

My name is Zoe Pagliaro and I, along with Michaela Bonforte, spent our summer stewarding Skidmore’s North Woods. From trail maintenance to bug hotels, here’s a look at what it was like to have a job where you’re required to explore nature and share it with others!

Hey everyone! Nhlakanipho Khumalo here, class of 2020. I've been super busy making the most of Skidmore and Saratoga Springs this summer. Here's a quick look at what I've been up to!

Where do Skidmore students go to fill their (often reusable) coffee cups? Jillian Seigel '18 toured 10 spots in Saratoga Springs and found that, even in coffee, Creative Thought Matters.

Marley Amico, a junior at Skidmore, takes us behind the scenes of her recent alternative spring-break trip to Guatemala to participate in service work and a cross-cultural exchange.

Students gained a glimpse of what life is like in Palestine from a young person’s perspective at the screening event “Palestinian Voices” on March 28 at the Tang Teaching Museum.

Finals week comes to a close, seniors celebrate during senior week, and then they cross the stage to close another Skidmore chapter. Student Blogger Brian Allan '17 reflects on his last four years.

Student Blogger Gabirelle Pagnozzi-Schwam '18 had the chance to attend a media and entertainment training by Jeremy Sigel '99, organized by the Career Development Center.

Student Bloggers Maya Feyzo-Pearlman '19 and Zoe Chodak '19 find a way to make even the most delicious D-Hall food more exciting.

What do students miss most about Skidmore when they leave for winter break? Student Blogger Brian Allan '17 created a list.

Student blogger Brian Allan '17 reflects on the screening of professor Cecilia Aldarondo's "Memories of a Penitent Heart," seen at the Tribeca Film Festival in April and upcoming at Sundance in January.

Hundreds of Skidmore students gathered for the fifth "I Wont Stand For" event, sharing what issues they care about.

Get to know Brian Allan '17, Skidmore College's student blogger.