<p>I don't know what to do!</p>
<p>First, post something about yourself and what you’re looking for, and then we can help.</p>
<p>I went to Davidson for undergrad. It’s known in the South, but only somewhat in the Northeast. Hamilton is unheard of in the South, and as a NYC resident now, I’d heard of it but had no idea how it’s ranked (a few notches below Davidson).</p>
<p>I’d pick Davidson since it’s a few notches higher in the rankings and is more of a “big fish in a small pond”; if you’re applying to jobs in the South after college, you’ll face less competition with a Davidson degree (as there aren’t a ton of great schools in the South) than you would with a Hamilton degree in the Northeast.</p>
<p>These schools - despite being top LACs - are not that similar. I certainly would not make the decision solely on which is higher ranked. Assuming you have visited both campuses, where did you feel more at home, do you like cold or warm weather, do you want to attend a school in the middle of nowhere, or near a decent size city, do you care about the schools sports programs (Division 1 v. Division 3), where do you want to live after graduation?</p>
<p>Frankly, the fact that the average Joe may recognize Harvard over either Hamilton or Davidson does not mean anything; for people that matter - future employers and grad schools - they certainly will know of both schools. </p>
<p>Good choices; go with your gut if the cost of attending is roughly the same.</p>
<p>I’m not sure if future employers would know of both schools. I have interviewed people for years and hadn’t come across anyone from Hamilton, even in NYC. I knew that it’s one of the “better” LACs, but I had to look up the US News rankings to see. </p>
<p>In NY you’ll be competing against people from Columbia and Cornell (as well as the rest of the Ivy grads who flood NYC upon graduation). In NC you’ll be competing against people from Duke, UNC and Wake Forest. I’d much rather go up against those NC schools when time for a job search comes. Then again, looking for a job in NYC with a Davidson degree would be tricky due to the tiny alumni base.</p>
<p>We are also looking at both schools. D is more interested in the “vibe” at both schools. She wants a place whose primary focus is learning — not politics or partying. And how fun they are, specifically in their approach to learning. For example, we watched some tour videos on youtube for Hamilton and were impressed with how witty and clever the guide was. Very real. But the Davidson videos seemed to just spout what most colleges do: we’re passionate, we’re like family… it sounds good, but it’s … well, it’s easy to say you’re something, but all colleges <em>say</em> they are all those things. In short, D wants a student body and professors who are fun to be around, clever, witty, open-minded (and no, I don’t mean “politically correct” or “tolerant”… I mean “live and let live” kind of libertarian if we’re going down the politics road) Individualism is vital to her. She wants a place where the focus is on learning, curiosity, and exploring.</p>
<p>You’re talking about just two limited viewpoints of colleges through youtube videos of two tour guides. Definitely visit the college if possible and get in contact with some current or former students. Many students are attracted to Hamilton’s open curriculum and strong writing program which they emphasize in the school. From what I hear, it will help not only if entering a writing field, but if entering a science field for things such as writing grants, ect. It seems to really “get” the individualism you mentioned. On the other hand, I know nearly nothing about Davidson, so I can’t really make a judgement on that.</p>
<p>@shellybean </p>
<p>" She wants a place whose primary focus is learning… D wants a student body and professors who are fun to be around, clever, witty, open-minded… Individualism is vital to her. She wants a place where the focus is on learning, curiosity, and exploring."</p>
<p>This is an idealized version of college that many institutions purport to have and even more. However, more extras generally mean less focus on learning. Reed has a very high focus on learning but has eliminated sports. Davidson and Hamilton are very much the same thing only on opposite sides of the Mason-Dixon line.</p>