<p>So, I am narrowing down my college list. I'm at the point where I am looking past the big-name and very selective LACs, and trying to find a good fit. Good fit? = laid back, emphasis on writing and reading, cool students, open-minded profs, you know... all the good things. Hamilton sounds pretty cool, but what is there to do in Clinton, NY? There are other similar schools (Bates, Bowdoin, Whitman, Colorado College, Colby, Midd.) that seem to have more going on. I really really need to be able to snowboard a lot during the winter (I'm living in Austria right now)! I also really like to be on the ocean (I grew up in Maine). I want to stay in Maine because there is so much outdoors things to do, all year. What is there to do around Hamilton College? Is it true that there are lots of music festivals in upstate NY-- that would be sweet.</p>
<p>There are a lot of music festivals in upstate NY, although they are mostly in the summer. Clinton seemed as interesting as Middlebury or Waterville to me.</p>
<p>Hamilton has a skiing and snowboarding club - you'd have plenty of opportunities to hit the slopes.</p>
<p>autmaine, i really think that Bates or Colby will be the best fit for you. </p>
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<p>Go bates, lol its my first choice.</p>
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<p>yeah, I think Bates is a good fit-- maybe not so much Colby-- and maybe Bowdoin also. Who knows.</p>
<p>I just finished the whole college process and I wound up with Hamilton, but it sounds to me like you would like Colby. The students are notoriously laid back (but extremely intelligent of course!). Bowdoin is also a good fit if you'd like to be on the coast-- it's so beautiful- there is actually a housing option that will allow you to live right on the water in your senior year or something. I think you're starting in the right place, and I would definitely not kick Hamilton off your list, but be sure to visit all these schools and get a feel for the students etc.</p>
<p>thanks, I actually am living on the coast of Maine right now (about 20 minutes from Bowdoin). I don't think you can live on the water with Bowdoin, but I agree that it is a good school. I think I like Bates a lot, they seem to have the most going for them (for me). I guess I will look at Hamilton, although, after talking to a friend who goes there (and loves it), I am leaning away from it.</p>