hey guys I am an incoming sophomore deciding btw emory and hamilton. My major is environmental studies and i want to take a concentration in business (emory)/double major in econ (hamilton)
I received 5k more in aid from hamilton but it’s not a huge factor in my decision. Here are my thoughts, please comment any advice u have! thank you
I really like the size, location, and offerings of emory. It’s diverse and has all the programs I want but I feel like Hamilton could offer me more individual attention. I am also worried about “standing out” at Emory as it’s bigger and I might not do as well. I really wanted to go to a small liberal arts but I was thinking more on the lines of Wesleyan (rejected) and Pitzer (waiting!). I talked to a transfer student at Hamilton and she said that her adjustment process was really hard and that you really have to put yourself out there. She also said that the school is quite clique-y and I don’t want that.
I guess the safer bet is to go to Emory and that’s what I’m leaning towards. However, I find myself drawn to the charm of Hamilton (they sent me a personal email today and it really played with my heart haha!
Basically, i just need someone to convince me not to go to Hamilton haha. Thank you!
Hamilton is an awesome school. My daughter ended up choosing another school but was close to choosing Hamilton. She and I are both a little sad that she’s not going there. Everyone we came across from the school (students, admissions, other staff, etc.) was very friendly and helpful, and I agree that you will get a lot of personal attention there. IMHO, I say go to Hamilton!
Thank you! My hesitation is that since the school so small, it’ll be hard to transfer in as most people already formed groups and have their own circles. I spoke to a transfer student and she said that you really have to put yourself out there to make friends. I feel like it’d be easier at Emory since there’s a larger transfer pool and just more people in general.
Social aspects will represent a relatively small part of your adjustment process unless you choose to magnify them. Hamilton represents a rare educational opportunity that I wouldn’t recommend you forgo lightly. I wouldn’t recommend you forgo the opportunity at all, actually.
I feel like both schools present an equal amount of educational opportunities? However, I do really like the open curriculum at Hamilton. I’m just worried the school will be isolating and I am looking for an active, diverse college social experience.
If you are not decisive in a preference for a purely undergraduate-focused college experience in a setting bordering authentically rural areas, then Emory, as you stated in your original post, represents your safer choice. I certainly wouldn’t recommend Hamilton for its flexible curriculum alone. Nevertheless, since you have yet to choose your school, you can continue to approach your decision from various aspects, such as through the sources below.
Hamilton of course is notable for its spatial diversity. With several residential neighborhoods and seven places to eat, you can experiment with different social atmospheres in a way that may not be possible even at a much larger school.
i’m transferring from a suny and b/c I felt like it was too big and not interdisciplinary enough. I also got a lot of aid so it’s easier (cheaper) to go to privates than my previous school
thank you so much for your insightful response! I am looking into all the links you sent and thinking about my decision more. I will add that another con I have on hamilton ( as stupid as this sounds) is that my ex-best friend goes there and we had a really toxic friendship so I’m not thrilled at the possibility of seeing her all the time.
This consideration could subject you to an ironic effect, though. If your own college choice were to be subverted by concerns regarding a former relationship, this could present further — and even more seriously thorough — toxicity. And, for a practical approach, you could explore Hamilton’s space as suggested in #7. As an actual student, Hamilton would be your school as much as your ex-friend’s, of course.
Hamilton is the more LAC-like school and stresses writing skills a lot. Emory is a LAC at heart with a basic core of requirements but has more of a pre-professional vibe as well and a lot more STEM kids. It’s quite a bit bigger than Hamilton but I think makes a point of getting kids the attention and advising they need, as would any small school like Hamilton of course. Both schools lean left but not overly left.
Location is a big difference of course- with Emory giving you city access and Hamilton giving you beautiful countryside with a charming small town.
Both have very good reputations to anyone who will matter but your average Joe on the street will be more likely to know Emory.
Emory is surprisingly diverse for a top 25 private Uni.
As an academic consideration, I think it would be preferable to pursue environmental studies at a school with a traditional geosciences department. This could serve for foundational support, as a source of interesting electives (with field trips) and, if your interests were to develop along these lines, as a potential major. You would find Hamilton’s geosciences department to be quite strong, while the much larger Emory lacks a department in this area.
Your concern doesn’t sound stupid at all. In fact, it seems wise that you are considering the implications of this in advance.
I wonder if she’s in the same major you’re considering. That could be a problem on such a small campus.
Otherwise, the fact that Hamilton has sororities could work in your favor, should you go there. Joining one could help ease your transition into the campus social scene. A little research could help you find one at which she’s not a member. This could help insure that you actually see very little of her.
