I have been extremely pleased with my academic experience at Hamilton. My professors have challenged me intellectually and really pushed me to new levels, while remaining friendly, professional, and passionate about their subject. They have encouraged me to ask questions, think critically, and effectively convey my ideas both verbally in class and in individual discussion, as well as in writing through papers and projects. I am a huge fan of Hamilton’s open curriculum as it has allowed me to pursue areas of immediate interest, while letting me to step out of my academic comfort zone and try new things. I honestly have never done as much work as I did this past semester; it has been a both demanding and rewarding past four months. On somewhat of a whim and with no prior background, I decided to take Mandarin Chinese, not having any idea what I was getting myself into. I now know why Hamilton can pride itself on its superior Chinese program, as I have never been pushed so hard academically, nor have I found a class so rewarding. The professors have been encouraging, while the coursework is extremely challenging. I still am amazed that we have learned over two hundred characters and can effectively speak in only one semester of study. The interdisciplinary nature of my schedule, in particular, has encouraged me to pursue other courses that fuse different academic focuses and also reminded me of the importance of approaching every issue from multiple perspectives. It was this time during first semester, when three of my classes overlapped, that I truly realized that Hamilton College was the right place for me. It was a powerful feeling to know that I could use knowledge I had gained in one class and readily and confidently apply it elsewhere.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I love it. I think social life at Hamilton is whatever you make it out to be; there are really options for everyone, no matter one’s interests or comfort zone. If people want to go out and party on the weekends, they can or if they want to stay in and watch a movie, go to a sports match, knit a scarf, or meditate, they can do that too. I really believe that Hamilton offers such a wide variety of extra curricular activities and campus events, that anyone and everyone can meet other people with similar interests. In all of the different club meetings and sports activities that I have attended, from HEAG to intramural soccer, I can honestly say that everyone has been really friendly and welcoming. Given that Hamilton has such an athletic campus and that sports are not my forte, I am happy that it offers several different levels of competition. Having already participated in two intramurals and a club sport, I realized that people can really choose their commitment and skill level when it comes to athletics, which are an easy and laidback way to meet new people.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
I am definitely getting my parents' money's worth. Sure, Hamilton is definitely expensive, even with financial aid, but that holds true for almost any college of its caliber. I think that it is definitely worth the price, as I feel that I have learned more in my first semester than I ever could have imagined.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Do an overnight. You really cannot gauge if you will be happy/fit into a school if you simply take a tour or attend an information session. Visit classes. This is a great way to get a feel for a school's academics. If you get a chance, visit campus more than once and definitely try to go there when classes are in session. The more times you get a chance to visit a school, the more you can potentially see and experience. In addition, coming when classes are in session allows you to see what the student body is like through meal periods, classes etc. Meet with a professor, coach, student athlete, etc. when you come to campus. Be honest and genuine in all of your application material including your essays and interviews, because it will definitely show. If you're interested and Hamilton is your number one choice, let interviewers and admissions staff know that.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
People who don't mind being away from the city, since the area surrounding Hamilton is fairly rural and at times, isolating (but Hamilton certainly provides the tools, activities, etc. for students to make their own fun and you rarely need to leave campus. if you do want to, there is a shuttle that brings you into town, to the mall/movies, etc.). People who want to be challenged but rewarded. Those who believe in the work hard, play hard motto. People who have a wide variety of interests and want to try new things (Hamilton prides itself on its open curriculum, which is both unique and liberating for students and there are tons of extracurriculars and opportunities to get involved). Students who want a great education, the 'small New England liberal arts school' experience, highly interactive classes, a close-knit community, state of the art facilities, and a beautiful campus.
I have been extremely pleased with my academic experience at Hamilton. My professors have challenged me intellectually and really pushed me to new levels, while remaining friendly, professional, and passionate about their subject. They have encouraged me to ask questions, think critically, and effectively convey my ideas both verbally in class and in individual discussion, as well as in writing through papers and projects. I am a huge fan of Hamilton’s open curriculum as it has allowed me to pursue areas of immediate interest, while letting me to step out of my academic comfort zone and try new things. I honestly have never done as much work as I did this past semester; it has been a both demanding and rewarding past four months. On somewhat of a whim and with no prior background, I decided to take Mandarin Chinese, not having any idea what I was getting myself into. I now know why Hamilton can pride itself on its superior Chinese program, as I have never been pushed so hard academically, nor have I found a class so rewarding. The professors have been encouraging, while the coursework is extremely challenging. I still am amazed that we have learned over two hundred characters and can effectively speak in only one semester of study. The interdisciplinary nature of my schedule, in particular, has encouraged me to pursue other courses that fuse different academic focuses and also reminded me of the importance of approaching every issue from multiple perspectives. It was this time during first semester, when three of my classes overlapped, that I truly realized that Hamilton College was the right place for me. It was a powerful feeling to know that I could use knowledge I had gained in one class and readily and confidently apply it elsewhere.
I love it. I think social life at Hamilton is whatever you make it out to be; there are really options for everyone, no matter one’s interests or comfort zone. If people want to go out and party on the weekends, they can or if they want to stay in and watch a movie, go to a sports match, knit a scarf, or meditate, they can do that too. I really believe that Hamilton offers such a wide variety of extra curricular activities and campus events, that anyone and everyone can meet other people with similar interests. In all of the different club meetings and sports activities that I have attended, from HEAG to intramural soccer, I can honestly say that everyone has been really friendly and welcoming. Given that Hamilton has such an athletic campus and that sports are not my forte, I am happy that it offers several different levels of competition. Having already participated in two intramurals and a club sport, I realized that people can really choose their commitment and skill level when it comes to athletics, which are an easy and laidback way to meet new people.
I am definitely getting my parents' money's worth. Sure, Hamilton is definitely expensive, even with financial aid, but that holds true for almost any college of its caliber. I think that it is definitely worth the price, as I feel that I have learned more in my first semester than I ever could have imagined.
Do an overnight. You really cannot gauge if you will be happy/fit into a school if you simply take a tour or attend an information session. Visit classes. This is a great way to get a feel for a school's academics. If you get a chance, visit campus more than once and definitely try to go there when classes are in session. The more times you get a chance to visit a school, the more you can potentially see and experience. In addition, coming when classes are in session allows you to see what the student body is like through meal periods, classes etc. Meet with a professor, coach, student athlete, etc. when you come to campus. Be honest and genuine in all of your application material including your essays and interviews, because it will definitely show. If you're interested and Hamilton is your number one choice, let interviewers and admissions staff know that.
People who don't mind being away from the city, since the area surrounding Hamilton is fairly rural and at times, isolating (but Hamilton certainly provides the tools, activities, etc. for students to make their own fun and you rarely need to leave campus. if you do want to, there is a shuttle that brings you into town, to the mall/movies, etc.). People who want to be challenged but rewarded. Those who believe in the work hard, play hard motto. People who have a wide variety of interests and want to try new things (Hamilton prides itself on its open curriculum, which is both unique and liberating for students and there are tons of extracurriculars and opportunities to get involved). Students who want a great education, the 'small New England liberal arts school' experience, highly interactive classes, a close-knit community, state of the art facilities, and a beautiful campus.