Reviews

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.

I go to school in a postcard; the campus is absolutely gorgeous! The teachers are warm mentors that often invite you to their homes for a meal and intellectual conversation. Hamilton College is a quirky private college nestled atop a hill, where you'll find the future business and government leaders as well as pre-meds and noir artists enjoying the weather together.

If you are going to attend Hamilton College you definitely want to brush up on the basics of writing. I haven't heard of a single class that doesn't involve writing. If there is one thing Hamilton will make you- it's a good writer. I'd also advise you to get involved! The winters are harsh and long without activity to stimulate your sense of purpose time can go a lot slower. And my last piece of advise is study abroad!!! The school almost makes it part of the curriculum for students to study abroad. About 50% of your junior class will study abroad to the various universities, college, and programs Hamilton has kindled a relationship with- so don't miss out!

Let's put it this way, Hamilton College's A- range is a 92%! It is incredibly hard to earn a 92% let alone a solid A. Teachers really push you to give your best on every assignment and as long as you are doing your coursework and studying for the tests there's no reason you wouldn't get a B. If that's unacceptable for you, be prepared to visit office hours frequently, participate in class discussion regularly, and go the extra mile to really know the subject. Thankfully, Hamilton College sends out a letter to any graduate school you'd like to attend, making them aware of the difficult grading scale.

Being an affluent school I expected the dorms to be more charming. But in all honesty, the dorms sometimes lack heat or provide too much heat. The sizes are often inconsistent with the floor plan you are to choose from during the lottery. And there are some rooms where you can't get WiFi. However, I think having a great roommate or living next door to friends can always be fun! Majority of the time you are at the study halls, or dining halls, or common rooms. Dorm rooms are for the occasional movie night and sleeping in.

There are a lot of options on campus. Mc Ewen dinning hall is for the healthy students seeking lean meat, vegetarian options, or a simple sandwich. The Diner is a 50's styled diner complete with burgers, fries, malts, and a jukebox! Then there is Commons dinning hall. Its structure resembles something you'd see in Harry Potter movies, but it's food is all about comfort! There is always at least 3 kinds of pasta, 5 freshly made pizzas, a salad bar, a burger and chicken grill, sandwich bar, fruit racks, 8 tubs of ice cream, and 7 kinds of cereal. Commons is the go to place when you want variety. Freshman year I thought this was all great! But by sophomore year your taste buds are begging for change. I think that's why they allowed the Euphoria Smoothie Shop and the 2 Opus Cafes to open on campus. But dishing out extra money for a smoothie and some coffee isn't what my taste buds are craving while on campus.

There are so many clubs they hardly fit on the track! There's even a club called People that like to do fun things and The Do Something Club. There are all kinds of free events on campus like laser tagging, paint balling, concerts, guest speakers, movie screenings, plays, art shows, bumper carts, 3-story rock climbing, swimming, dancing! Like any college the most common thing to do on campus is party Thursday thru Saturday.

Hamilton College is really expensive and though they have Ivy League funding for the most state of the art facilities, I think they can put a lot more into the dorm rooms and food. Or at least open up the food options for private companies to set up shop! Having said that, the teachers are top notch and the career center make it feel like an investment for my future.

Because the campus mirrors a lot of Harry Potters architecture, the student has an annual Harry Potter dress up day around October. You'll see a lot of the neighboring community come up for the event year after year. We also have a streaking team that without fail shows up nude at the most inappropriate times eg. parent weekend, alumni weekend, and at the library during finals They are celebrated on campus and have even been featured in the news!

Hamilton College is great for the student that wants to work hard and go off the beaten track a bit. We are very proud to be a liberal arts college. The majority of the students don't have a one track mind. The campus is riddled with people from many walks of life and quirky personalities.

There are lots to choose from!

Very prominent - but not necessary. There is only one sorority that has other charters, thus greek life is hardly what it seems.

We are very blessed to be up a hill, it's almost like the ivory tower. You won't see many people that aren't part of the college community. And there isn't a reason you couldn't walk across campus in the middle of the night, unless your afraid of the dark. Campus Safety usually break up parties that are too loud, opens doors when you forgot your key, or drive you up to your dorm if you aren't feeling well.

You are always learning in Hamilton whether it's during class or doing community services. Every class is challenging and the professor expects you to do your best which means going to office hours and ask for tutoring. You also have to commit hours and hours to do HW and learn the materials if you really want to pass.

It's pretty nice here especially during spring time. There's a lot going on in Hamilton, such as HAVOC, which is a volunteer organization, parties during weekend, plays, etc.

Hamilton is an expensive school if your not given financial aids. My financial aid was really good and that's why I came to this college. They offer full scholarship to low income students and merit scholarship.

Come visit Hamilton and see if you like it yourself. The campus is really pretty and it's worth the experience. Spend a day or two with the current students and experience what's it like being in a college class. Ask a lot of questions whether it's class related or social activities.

It's great for students who really want to write effectively and speak efficiently. It's a tough liberal art college and they really want you to be successful. If you came to learn techniques that will help you toward your future career, this is the college where you want to be.

Hamilton College is for you if you love to learn, if you are enthusiastic and outdoorsy. If you are looking for a homey, small school with a cute little town, look no further. Hamilton is a truly wonderful place.

Visit! I did not make my first visit to the Hill until April, but oh, how I wish I had visited earlier! The campus is beautiful and open. The atmosphere is so welcoming, and everyone I spoke to was so helpful and kind. Be sure that you want a small school though, because Hamilton is pretty tiny!

Hamilton's academic rigor is right on, in my opinion. It is challenging, but just enough for the intellectually curious and hard-working students who attend! Good luck to science students, you have a lot of work ahead of you, and try not to take to many writing intensive classes at once, but it is certain that whatever is handed to you, you can handle.

Almost every dorm is enviable. Hamilton takes care of the dorms really well, and whether you end up on the old-style Light Side or the 60's concrete block Dark Side there are many advantages to each. The old-style dorms are beautiful and roomy, while the 60's architecture lets in tons of light with the huge windows and has awesome walk-in closets to boot! Freshman dorms are pretty nice, but they get SO much better!

The food is great! The two dining halls offer different options to avoid repetition, and although you may get a little bored, that is truly the only fault. The food is delicious. If a mundane day ever comes around there are other dining opportunities not too far away in town!

Whether it's frat parties and silent disco or a cappella concerts and one of the many college-scheduled events, you won't be bored. The plethora of clubs and activities, too, will keep you busy. (The People Who Like To Do Fun Things club is always looking for new members!)

I'm so lucky to be able to call Hamilton my home. My fellow students are friendly and passionate and my professors are top notch. If I had to re-do college, there is no doubt in my mind that I would still choose Hamilton.

Even if you do a campus tour and info session, consider spending some time walking around the campus yourself -- its a great opportunity to meet current faculty and students! I'd also suggest checking out the dining hall because its a good idea to sample what you might be eating for the next four years.

Sure, Hamilton is tough, but the students here don't mind! Our open curriculum allows us to take the classes we are interested in so the workload doesn't seem as daunting. Plus, our fantastic professors help bring class material to life in new and creative ways.

I met some of my best friends at Hamilton through our residence hall system. Our Residential Life office does an incredible job of pairing up roommates and accommodating special circumstances.

I've never been unsatisfied by the options in the dining hall. The dining hall staff offers a lot of variety in meals and they rarely serve the same food multiple times a semester (except pizza, salad, etc.). The dining hall staff are also extremely helpful when it comes to navigating dietary restrictions and/or preferences.

A better question is how do I choose what to do with so many activities going on. On any given night there are tons of club meetings, lectures, and workshops. On Tuesday nights, students look forward to Trivia Night at our on campus pub. On the weekends, students like to hang out with their friends, attend sporting events, concerts, and plays, go to parties, watch movies, and go out to dinner. I've never been bored on campus!

Though Hamilton has a steep price tag, I feel that my education has been well worth it. I've not only learned a wealth of information from my professors, but I've honed in on my interview and job search skills through our career center. The connections I've made with my peers have also proven to be invaluable.

There is a map of our campus located near our dining hall. Rumor has it that current Hamilton students who step on the map won't graduate so current students avoid it like the plague. Its always fun to see alumni come back and take photos on the map -- they're so proud to have beaten the map curse!

Hamilton is a great fit for students who are outgoing, passionate, and not afraid to try new things!

With over 100 different clubs and activities on campus, there is something for everyone. We have everything from political clubs to community service clubs to the People Who Like To Do Fun Things Club. Typical Hamilton students have a lot of interests and are not afraid to check out new clubs. They're also known to attend several different club meetings each week.

Hamilton does offer Greek Life but only about 20% of females and 30% of males participate so it by no means dominates the social scene. If you're looking for a close knit group of friends and are interested in joining a Greek society, go for it! If not, you can still have a close knit group of friends, no big deal!. Greek organizations are only as much a part of your Hamilton experience as you choose to make them.

I've never once felt unsafe walking around campus. Our campus safety officers are always on patrol, we have a blue light system, and we also have a number of on campus EMTs should anything go wrong.

If you need to see a lot of green like I do, look no further; beautiful rural campus and area. Everyone you meet is equally intelligent and kind. The open curriculum fosters a very liberating atmosphere.

Every one who goes to Hamilton is the kind of student who would get merit scholarships at most other colleges. Keep your GPA and SATs high, and be involved. This is not a school for students who are not willing to take control of their education or college experience.

Being a little ivy, Hamilton clearly has great academics. AND AN OPEN CURRICULUM.

All of the buildings are amazing. Some dorms are located in these old-fashioned ornate stone buildings, and others are in these spacious modern block ones. The campus is a mish mosh of the old and the new, and I LOVE IT.

As a vegetarian, I was super happy that they have a lot of options. There are lots of places to eat on campus that are varied, and the surrounding area of Clinton has some charming places as well.

Hiking in the Adirondacks! Joining an acapella group, or one of the million other clubs they have.

Hardworking, intelligent, independent

Hamilton professors really care about teaching. The campus is gorgeous, though chilly in the winter. The open curriculum is amazing.

Make sure you like the social atmosphere before you make your decision. Coming from the midwest, the east coast attitude at Hamilton was a bit of a culture shock.

Some classes are tougher than others, but I've found myself challenged. If you put in the time you'll do well.

Great dorms, especially for upperclassmen.

Really good, though can get repetitive.

There are a ton of clubs and sports teams. And lots of free activities on campus. All-campus parties on the weekends are well-attended.

We have a very active streaking team.

They really care about the students.

It is one of the most beautiful campuses with the best community. The relationships I have built with my friends, professors and the staff here have helped me grow throughout my years here. However, I know even after I graduate this school will remain a part of my life and growth forever.

Hamilton's academics have challenged me as a student, but I have always had a manageable amount of work. I also have found that even though we have rigorous academics, the supportive nature of our student body has made the work doable. When looking for colleges, I knew that I did not want to be a part of a hyper competitive academic environment, and that is what I have found here.

I have lived in a variety of different dorms during my time at Hamilton and on all sides of campus. I have found each of these dorms to be great living environments. From having walk in closets in my freshman year double, to the suite I am in my senior year with two bathrooms and a full kitchen, I have had great experiences living in Hamilton dorms.

We have a number of eating options on campus, and as a picky eater I have always found great options. The diner has been one of my favorite places to eat at Hamilton. Theres nothing better than classic diner food after a long week, it also serves breakfast from 12am-4am on the weekends.

There are a lot of fun activities and traditions on campus. Every year we have Class and Charter Day where there is a huge concert on campus. We also have a number of speakers and comedians that also come to campus. Our Campus Activities Board does a great job of making sure there are a number of activities for students no matter what their interests are.

A tight-knit community full of passionate students and professors who are happy to be here. Hamilton fosters an environment that enriches learning and growing. The hill is a beautiful campus that gives students a broad perspective.

Take as many classes in different departments as possible and take advantage of the open curriculum!!

I definitely feel challenged as a student to constantly strive to grow academically.

The dorms are great here I have loved where I have lived every year!

The food gets monotonous sometimes but Hamilton does a great job of spreading out food options.

There are many on-campus events from concerts to comedy shows to theater performances.

The classes and curriculum is oriented toward writing and presenting ability. The graduation requirements include several classes that are writing-intensive.

Very few students leave for the weekend. A great social campus.

Food is delicious and varied. The dining hall looks like Hogwarts.