@apple23, I meant no disrespect to Hamilton. I know you and @merc81 are very fond of your alma mater, and there is no doubt that it is an excellent school.
What I questioned was the implication that Smith provides inferior preparation for graduate school, when the data does not bear that out. Smith has sent more graduates to PhD programs in economics than Hamilton, not fewer; clearly Smithies are not having difficulty getting into graduate programs. In any case, it is not necessary to choose the “best” program for undergraduate studies – it is only necessary to ensure that your school of choice is good enough for good PhD and job placement, which Smith obviously is.
No doubt Hamilton students are perfectly prepared for PhD programs as well but, for whatever reason, are simply not as inclined to attend (a trend in not only econ but also other departments at Hamilton).