My son is looking at Hamilton. Does anyone have an idea how tough the grading is at Hamilton. I have heard that Cornell gives out few As and that some of the other Ivies like Harvard have grade inflation.
Where is Hamilton on that spectrum? In the middle or more towards either end?
Hamilton does not inflate grades. If you’re looking for an easy 4.0, look elsewhere. The average grade given in most courses is a B (the equivalent of a 3.0 GPA). I have had professors who hand out an A- like free candy (very few actually give As), but I’ve had others that make me work my butt off for a B. However, some of the best professors are the ones who decimate your GPA. It’s about learning and improving, not getting As for mediocre work. For the most part, Hamilton students work very hard, just as hard as students at other elite institutions, but Hamilton provides a more communal atmosphere. In other words, Hamilton students are more likely to collaborate with one another than say, to tear out pages in the textbook to disadvantage their classmates…
Hamilton, as a liberal arts college, probably has similar academics to that of Cornell. But, the small size of Hamilton ensures a more personal learning experience. Whether it’s having dinner with professors, calling them on their home phone, meeting for coffee, or just saying hi as you see them around campus, Hamilton provides its students with amazing connections with professional academics. Plus, the professors who make you work for the B are usually the ones who treat you to coffee =)
Thanks- I’ve been impressed by what I’ve heard about Hamilton so far. I’m not looking for easy As for my son, just not the other extreme since both grad school/law school/med school will be looking at undergrad grades.
As a very general opinion:
In courses in which the student works to master the material, some variation of an A will usually be possible.
Exceptions can occur:
In classes where a student is poorly placed (foreign lit, math, could be anything; the idea is not to avoid particular subjects, but to go in at the appropriate level).
In classes that ask for talent or promise, as well as effort (creative writing, studio art, music). Nonetheless, a B will still be given if the effort is sufficient. These classes can be especially rewarding regardless.
In classes where the student is stubborn and doesn’t respond to the professor’s criticism. This is asking for a C.
That’s very good to hear-thanks!