Hamilton College

Statistics

Rankings & Lists

Students Say - Academics
A small, liberal arts school, Hamilton College "runs smoothly" with "top-notch" professors who are "very committed, passionate, and genuinely caring." The close student-faculty relationships are a distinguishing characteristic of Hamilton. One junior who chose Hamilton for its "small class size and opportunity to really establish a relationship with the professors" described the accessibility of the professors as "AMAZING." A graduating senior tells us, "My professors have inspired me to take on my education as a truly personal and important aspect of my life, even after I complete my formal education." One student comments on how Hamilton is a leader in teaching effective writing and persuasive speaking: "Hamilton challenges me to improve my writing each and every day, regardless of the class...writing is a central aspect." Though the "extraordinary focus on writing" is paramount at Hamilton, the school also offers a "strong science program." The science curriculum emphasizes "undergraduate research" and a recently built, state-of-the-art science facility provides students with ample "research opportunities." Students also love Hamilton's distinct open curriculum. The "lack of distribution requirements" gives students the freedom to make their own educational choices and to select classes that reflect their unique interests. With "no required curriculum...it's nice to know that you're not wasting any time and are taking the classes that you really want [and] need to."

Students Say - Campus Life
A "picturesque oasis of academia" Hamilton makes students feel like the fact that they are "isolated away from city noise and bustle, but close enough to an urban area to be connected." The closest major city is Syracuse, located about an hour's drive from campus, and the school "organizes trips to New York City regularly." Hamilton is a "small town," but students agree that though Hamilton "is in the middle of nowhere" it does not mean it is lacking in things to do. In fact, says one student, "that's far from the truth." During the week, "the pressure is on," and life at Hamilton is "academically oriented" with everyone working hard and "little time to play." At week's end, students are ready to "have as much fun as possible," and the focus turns to "various fraternity or sorority parties and any athletic events going on." Students tell us, "Greek life is popular but not threatening" and "provides much of the party life on-campus." Most Greek events are "open to the campus" but foster a "very inclusive social environment." The campus "accommodates students so that everyone is able to get together and have fun." Students agree that there is "something to do for everyone." Hamilton boasts a long list of student-run clubs and teams, active intramural leagues, "incredible athletic and workout facilities," a "pretty decent" 9-hole golf course, and "miles of trails for skiing, snow-shoeing, and jogging." Winters tend to be quite long, "so curling up with a blanket and a movie in a dorm room is always popular."

Students Say - Student Body
If you are looking for a school "where you hold doors for people" and "greet friends, acquaintances, and even professors" while walking around campus, Hamilton may be just the place for you. Students are enthusiastic about the "tight-knit community" of students and professors on campus. One student tells us, "There's such a great sense of community. Everyone is friendly, intelligent, and driven without being overly competitive." Students find that Hamilton provides a great opportunity to attend an "elite liberal arts school" where "students will want to help you instead of compete against you." One freshman tells us that the student body at Hamilton was "frighteningly friendly." While Hamilton "doesn't exactly have a wealth of diversity," the "student body is very inclusive." The majority of Hamilton students are "very preppy, white, and upper- class," but "everyone and anyone can find their niche" and still be "respected as an individual by the community at large." Overall, students at Hamilton have "diverse interests" and are often involved on campus in a variety of ways. When it comes to the environment, politics, or any other current events, students tell us, "It's the most aware group of people I've ever met."

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