I am an international applicant of the class of 2020. And I am thinking about my ED choice.
Hamilton is famous for its training of writing and communication skills. But the location is in the middle of nowhere.
CMC is one of the Claremont schools, making it more communal. The resources in Claremont make it more comprehensive.
Both schools have strong economics program, which I tend to pursue. But I also want double major in computer science.
Personally, I love writing, which will definitely be my PS topic. I think Hamilton can help me become a good writer not only in my first language but also in English. CMC students seem more practical in future career, another important factor I have to think about, because I have to make sure I can find a decent job. ( though it does not correspond to the idea of liberal arts.) Perhaps CMC possesses higher reputation in Wall Street?
I am not a social butterfly so I am not really into Greek life.
Because I am not in US, I cannot make a campus visit. So I wonder if anyone can give me some advice on that.
Thanks in advance!
Mostly about Hamilton, which I know more about:
Hamilton writing: Potentially the best in the nation. Your progress will depend on your own efforts.
Economics: From an online source, the “Top 25% US Economics Departments at Liberal Arts Colleges”: Hamilton is ranked 5th; CMC is ranked 6th.
Computer science: Two current Hamilton professors co-wrote a textbook that has been used nationally. CMC does not have a major, but it is available within the consortium.
Curriculum: Hamilton’s is “open”; a double major would be relatively simple to pursue.
Greek life: You can comfortably ignore it at Hamilton, if that’s your preference. Hamilton does have a strong overall sense of community.
Hamilton’s campus: Beautiful and interesting architecture. Incredible science and arts facilities.
Hamilton’s location: Either village, rural or suburban, depending on which direction and how far one travels from campus. The area receives winter snow that is suitable for the adventurous. This is far from the coldest region in the U.S. Regarding your “middle of nowhere” perception, upstate New York has been a center for the women’s suffrage movement, utopianism and spiritualism. The transversal Erie Canal once brought the country together.
CMC’s location: Bring your own water.
Bison: Hamilton, yes; CMC, not sure.
These are both great schools. Hamilton has a particularly well balanced curriculum; CMC is curricularly supported by its consortium. You can get a great job from either.
CMC has an incredibly beautiful campus, but the campus culture is not for everyone. You don’t consider yourself a social butterfly and hate Greek culture? Stay away from CMC. CMC is basically a big frat.
A more relevant question, however, is: do you need financial aid? Because if you do, you might as well not even think about applying to CMC. The aid at CMC for international students is awful compared to Hamilton, which is far more generous.
Hey International95, I am also considering the financial aid problem, I may apply for financial aid for 10k～20k/year. But I know when I need it, my chance to be admitted will be decreased as a international student.(I don’t really consider myself a strong competitor). What do you think about other 5Cs, such as CMC, Pomona and Pitzar? Could you give me more information?
Thank you, merc81. I believe the oral communication center and the writing center are things that attract me. And I do acknowledge that, Despite California, the CMC may not suitable for me.
Excepting whatever International95 may offer, OP, I think your questions regarding the 5Cs would be better serviced in one of their dedicated forums.
Regarding your implied interest in a career in business, Hamilton now has a relationship with Harvard Business School (along with Williams, Wellesley, Grinnell, Carleton and Amherst, as well as Harvard’s undergraduate college) through an online certificate program, perhaps rectifying what you may have perceived as a curricular shortcoming.