I’ve been accepted to both Hamilton and Lafayette. Hamilton was (and still is) my top choice and I really like so many things about it (the open curriculum, the clubs, the rigor of the academics…etc) I also like Lafayette. So, I would like advice on which college i should pick given the following:
I’m not sure what I will major in, but probably physics, and maybe CS as well. I really don’t know whether I would like to major in engineering, but the possibility exists anyway (Hamilton, unlike Lafayette, offers engineering only through combined programs with Dartmouth and Columbia; Lafayette offers engineering on its campus) But right now, I’ll go for physics. Also, the admissions officer at Hamilton told me that last year four students applied for the combined program and one didn’t get in. I’m still not sure whether Dartmouth would offer me FA.
Also, Hamilton offers BA, while Lafayette offers BS. People here told me it doesn’t make a difference, but I’m not sure yet. I’m planning to do masters and PhD in physics at top research institutions after graduation.
Finally, as for the FA, Hamilton offered me a better financial aid (no loans).
–I should preface it by saying that my D recently graduated from Lafayette and loved it. If you have any specific questions about the school feel free to PM me.
–That said, if Hamilton is your first choice and if you got a better financial package from Hamilton then (unless you want to major in engineering) it seems to be the right answer for you. Not having loans will be a big positive,especially since you are planning on grad school.
–In general, many people don’t follow through with those 3+2 type of engineering programs either because they get comfortable at their original school and don’t want to leave early or they don’t meet the requirements needed to move into the other school for the engineering portion of the program. I have no idea how financial aid would work if you do make a switch. Still, this program would offer you the possibility to move into engineering down the road which may be a nice option.
–At Lafayette I’m not sure if you can move into engineering after you start school – if you are still considering Lafayette you may want to ask that question.
–The actual classes you take will be important, not if the degree is called a BA or a BS.
Thanks! I don’t want to major in engineering, I’m considering the possibility. Right now, I’m majoring in physics, and maybe CS as well. But maybe I’ll change my mind and pursue engineering; I’m really not sure and college should help me decide. But in general, which is a better school academically? I will only follow through with the 3+2 program in case I change my mind and choose engineering.
As I said I’m a big fan of Laf as my D had a great experience there – but I know people who loved Hamilton as well. They are both great schools academically. FWIW I am pretty sure Hamilton is ranked higher, but more importantly it sounds like Hamilton has some advantages for you including: 1) it is your top choice; 2) you can graduate with no loans; and 3) you have the option to pursue engineering down the road in a 3+2 program if you so choose.
You would probably be able to switch from physics to engineering at Lafayette, but in that case you would probably need an extra semester or two to graduate, because you would need to catch up on some of the engineering requirements. So it could take five years to graduate, rather than four. On the other hand, a 3/2 program requires five years too. So what’s the difference?
The BA/BS distinction is very important to one group of people: prospective international students. Nobody else cares. It’s not just liberal arts colleges, even some Ivy League schools, like Dartmouth and Princeton, only offer the BA in physics.
We have been to both Hamilton and Lafayette twice for tours, interviews, and they are both great schools. Hamilton has arguably a slightly better reputation, but Lafayette is making a serious effort to improve their reputation.
If you’re honestly thinking about graduate school, I wouldn’t think twice about Hamilton. Save the money for grad school.
I would also tell you to look into the 3/2, but know that they have some noticeable flaws. We spent some time discussing this with the head of the program at Dartmouth, and the reality is that the programs sell well for colleges, but prove difficult. A major issue is leaving your friends the final year and starting over.
3/2 programs are of great interest to prospective LAC students. However, they are of much less interest to actual enrolled LAC students. Only a tiny percentage of people who express interest in 3/2 programs actually end up following through.
I think it would actually be more feasible to switch from physics to engineering at a school like Lafayette (where you wouldn’t have to leave the campus) than at a school like Hamilton (where you would). As noted before, you probably wouldn’t be able to finish in 4 years after making that switch; you would likely need 4.5 or 5. I would ask someone at Lafayette about the feasibility of switching from physics to engineering, while acknowledging that this could require an extra year.
From memory, there is something about Lafayette’s engineering that was notable…either a large migration in for kids afraid to apply to engineering or a large migration out (after starting). Don’t remember…but it should be pretty easy to find out during an accepted students day or phone call.
Changing quickly is about the only way to finish in time unless you take shared core classes (i.e. Math).
This option, available at Hamilton, allows a student to pursue engineering by spending the first two years at Hamilton, junior year at Dartmouth, senior year at Hamilton, then back to Dartmouth for the fifth and final year. This would be preferable for those who wish to graduate with their undergrad class: