
Upstate New York liberal arts school Hamilton College offers fine academics and an open curriculum that give students “preparation for the future that goes far beyond exam-taking strategies.” The focus on writing and speaking, the lack of core requirements, and the small class sizes put a “keen focus on students as unique individuals with different abilities and aspirations.” “Hamilton allows you the freedom to be anyone, but gives you the direction to become the best person you can become,” says a student. The school’s “mix of old-school practices with liberal thinking” allows students to become “true intellectuals beyond the basics of academia.”
The professors at Hamilton are “brilliant but they do not flaunt it and instead defer to class discussions.” Professors are also “always available outside of class to discuss anything further.” “Their extensive office hours are when you can really connect with them,” says one student. The open curriculum allows for classes to be “extremely productive,” because “people want to be there learning and talking about what interests them.” Though the campus itself is large, the undergraduate population is fewer than 2,000, so class sizes are downright tiny (which is “excellent”)” Research opportunities are plentiful, and facilities (such as labs) “are well-equipped.”
“The typical student at Hamilton was a top student at his/her high school; is very invested in at least one activity on campus; works hard during the week but makes the most of weekends; is invested in maintaining health and fitness; and has big dreams for his/her future.” Everyone is “exceptionally nice,” and “people here aren’t afraid to be themselves.” “everyone is passionate about their academics as well as their activities outside the classroom.”
The “beautiful campus” is located in the middle of relatively nowhere, but students are creative in that they “very successfully compensate for our isolated location with themed parties, clubs, and other eclectic activities.” Students are “incredibly devoted” to their school work, but they are also devoted to having a good time. "People who have cars (a huge plus) can go downtown or into New Hartford in their free time, but “most students spend most of their time on campus.” Often, students just catch the van that travels around the area and “go to the movies or the mall and just hang out with friends.” Hamilton has “a very intellectually stimulating academic environment.
The professors at Hamilton are “brilliant but they do not flaunt it and instead defer to class discussions.” Professors are also “always available outside of class to discuss anything further.” “Their extensive office hours are when you can really connect with them,” says one student. The open curriculum allows for classes to be “extremely productive,” because “people want to be there learning and talking about what interests them.” Though the campus itself is large, the undergraduate population is fewer than 2,000, so class sizes are downright tiny (which is “excellent”)” Research opportunities are plentiful, and facilities (such as labs) “are well-equipped.”
“The typical student at Hamilton was a top student at his/her high school; is very invested in at least one activity on campus; works hard during the week but makes the most of weekends; is invested in maintaining health and fitness; and has big dreams for his/her future.” Everyone is “exceptionally nice,” and “people here aren’t afraid to be themselves.” “everyone is passionate about their academics as well as their activities outside the classroom.”
The “beautiful campus” is located in the middle of relatively nowhere, but students are creative in that they “very successfully compensate for our isolated location with themed parties, clubs, and other eclectic activities.” Students are “incredibly devoted” to their school work, but they are also devoted to having a good time. "People who have cars (a huge plus) can go downtown or into New Hartford in their free time, but “most students spend most of their time on campus.” Often, students just catch the van that travels around the area and “go to the movies or the mall and just hang out with friends.” Hamilton has “a very intellectually stimulating academic environment.
| Hamilton College website: http://www.hamilton.edu/ Click here to read more about the Hamilton College in The Princeton Review. (You may need to log in or create a free Princeton Review account to view.) |