Hey all,
I was recently accepted to both Hamilton and Conn college (and WL at Bates and Wesleyan, which I have already decided I am not inclined to fight for). I am hoping that I can get some objective insight about which college is better for me. I am leaning towards Hamilton. Both colleges gave me almost exactly the same price tag, so money is no object. Please indicate any bias.
So, here are the unique selling points for each school (for me, personally of course):
Hamilton, which I visited last Summer:
-First and foremost, Hamilton’s status as “the writing college” and the option of a creative writing major. I have a particular passion for writing and can see myself becoming a copywriter (like Mad Men, of course).
- One of the best writing and speaking student center in the country- this is particularly attractive to me because of my aforementioned writing interest, and also intention on pursuing debate activities.
- Hamilton has a dinning hall that looks like it’s straight outta Hogwarts, and a Harry Potter enthusiasts club!
- Hamilton (please no arguments over this one, guys) is generally more well respected and known by LAC enthusiasts, (though I know in general LACs are generally not well known: que just about everyone pretending to recognize the school name). Though I try not to be an elitist, I generally like the idea of attending a more prestigious college. I also wonder is Hamilton’s prestige might give me an edge to get into, say Ivy grad schools. That was so many parentheses that I feel like Mrs. Dalloway!
- From my research, the student culture at Hamilton seems to be relatively diverse, with some students being very preppy, and others being pretty artsy. I lean more preppy, myself, yet I really like the idea of social diversity, as many of my friends are more artsy types.
- As one of the oldest LACs, Hamilton has huge endowment money and a large, wealthy, and active alumni network. This could be incredibly helpful as I look for a job post-graduation. I am also inclined to believe that Hamilton would perhaps pay for more events and other potential expenses.
- The open curriculum, of course!
Conn, which I have yet to visit (but I am planning on attending accepted students’ day):
- There is a train station right in New London that can take you to Boston and NYC in about 2 hours both ways. I love both cities, though I know that I probably would not have a lot of time to visit them during the semester. Also, my house is about 2 hours away from both cities, so I can easily visit them over breaks.
- Conn is renowned for a strong arts program. Though I by no means have an intention to seriously pursue art, I can see myself taking some fine arts classes, as I do dabble in painting and drawing, if I say so myself.
- Conn seems to have a more lively party scene. Though, I am certainly not a party girl, I do think being surrounded by work-hard, play-hard types would help soothe my academic anxiety. From what I hear, Hamilton is more work-hard, play-occasionally.
- Conn is much more convenient for travel purposes as it is about 3.5 hrs closer too my house, however it is less than an hour away from home, which may be too close, I am not really sure...
- Students get to schedule their own exams, which is pretty cool.
Disadvantages and Concerns:
Hamilton:
*note: rural Clinton is NOT a disadvantage to me, as I am sure campus is buzzing with activity
- I read some post about how Hamilton is incredibly “racist against white people,” which of course is probably a bitter exaggeration, however, this does concern me mildly.
- I have read a post about how the career center is not very helpful, which again could be one bitter person’s experience
Conn:
-since Con does not offer a creative writing major, I would likely major in English Lit.
- My primary concern about Conn: I am concerned about the new-agey three year old “Connections” program. This essentially provides more structure to the student’s course selection, leading them along a “pathway” in which they seek to answer one essential question. Not sure if I would love this or hate it.
- Conn has a lot more requirements, requiring student to write a thesis, present a capstone project, and complete an internship (applause for that beautiful parallel structure). Not sure if this is encouraging or stifling, as generally I am less enthusiastic about things that I am required to do, than things I elect to do. I know the vast majority of Hamilton students complete at least two internships anyways. And, of course I recognize the immense value of participating in an internship before graduation.
- A camel is perhaps not the most preferable mascot. Then again, a “continental” is rather interesting, as well.
Miscellaneous:
- Hamilton’s AP credit policy is well… unique… any thoughts?
- I have yet to research and compare the study-abroad programs of both schools. If anyone has any thoughts about where study-abroad is easier (financially and in other ways), that would be great as I am highly inclined to study abroad
- I see myself likely as a double major, pairing creative writing with English lit (at Hamilton), or perhaps Psyc (I know Hamilton excels in the social sciences), or maybe even Economics, to make myself more marketable in a business-type career. At Conn, I would pair these options with an English Lit major.
- please compare career centers
- Please compare ability to do work-study on both campuses, something I do not particularly like the idea of, but is in my best financial interest.
- Sports culture at both schools? From what I hear, Hamilton is more sporty than Conn. As a non-athletic person, I am not sure how I feel about this.
- Compare dorms?
If you read this entire post, congrats, you are the Clark Kent of College Confidential. My hero!