<p>I was accepted into both Hamilton and Bates. At first, I was almost certain that Hamilton was the place for me, but after I got accepted into Bates, I got a little confused and now I'm really lost. I was wondering what everybodys opinions are on each school and which you think is better. I'm also thinking of doing the pre-med route, so which school has a better program? Any help would be great! Thanks :)</p>
<p>Congratulations! Both are excellent schools. Hamilton however, offers more the ability to focus on writing and verbal communications — regardless of the major. The alumni network is really supportive and the community is really ---- well, a community. When you talk to them, whether they are 28 or 58, — they really rave about the college and what it meant to them in terms of both education and life — even years down the road. The administration is so responsive and tries to be attentive to student needs. Besides world-class academics, the culture is really friendly considering its New York! It is considered a top liberal arts college in the NESCAC league. Beautiful campus too, have you seen it?</p>
<p>Thanks sooo much for your reply, your comments help out alot! Unfortunately I haven’t seen neither Hamilton nor Bates but I will be going to visit Hamilton on the 19th, and Bates on the 14th, so I’m really excited about that. What do you know about the pre-med program at Hamilton? How do the pre-med students do in regards to graduate school? And are Hamilton graduates easily accepted into top medical schools afterwards? And how does all that compare to the Bates’ program?
I know I’m asking a lot of questions, it’s just that I really want to make the right choice…</p>
<p>Both are very strong but I hear more about Bates med school success than hamilton which is probably similar…its writing focus may make it more of a law school feeder? Idk</p>
<p>For Pre Med go to Bates.
Hamilton grades so low you have difficulty competing with other students from colleges who do not grade as hard. In 1973 I had a 705/800 on science part of MCATS and was dismissed as being a good guersser. Hamilton will support extremely talented premed students. Of course those students serve to support Hamilton,s “reputation”. Less talented students who could still out perform the vast majority of ACCEPTED medical school students are feft to careers are lrft to fare for themselves. If you yave any other questions about this reply. Contact me.</p>
<p>Med schools and law schools know how to account for the GPA differential between schools that may or may not have grade inflation. Don’t make that the basis for choosing. (And the MCAT will be the consistent factor used anyway.)
While both are small LACs, they have different atmospheres. Both are very fine schools, with Hamilton probably being regarded as a notch higher academically. Most students at each institution love their respective school.<br>
With respect to location, Clinton (where Hamilton is) is tiny but cute. Your off-campus options there (assuming you don’t go beyond Clinton) will be limited. Lewiston Maine - Bates’ home - is larger, but rather unappealing. You need to see both and get a feel for each, then go with your gut.
Good luck!</p>