<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>Just wondering how these three schools compare in the following aspects:</p>
<ol>
<li>Weather</li>
<li>Campus life and size </li>
<li>Surrounding cities</li>
<li>Dorms</li>
</ol>
<p>I'm a rising senior and getting ready to fill out college apps.. Just curious to see how these schools compare. I am also a Posse nominee and these are my Miami schools. Thanks :)</p>
<p>If I had my choice between these three schools it would definitely be Hamilton, as long as you’re interested in the liberal arts school experience. The weather is brutal, with the winters being just as harsh and snow just as heavy as in Syracuse. While Syracuse has somewhat of a surrounding city, though, Hamilton is pretty isolated and most students tend to stay on campus (though the school’s large endowment makes up for that by bringing a plethora of activities to campus; I hear students are rarely bored). What’s most important is that Hamilton has incredible academics in various disciplines, a strong and necessary focus on undergraduate writing, and amazing student-teacher relationships. The campus, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. </p>
<p>Unless you’re looking for a pre-professional environment (or want to pursue journalism) there is no reason to choose Syracuse over Hamilton. I can’t really speak on Mt. Holyoke, other than that you have to be really committed to be in a same sex school for four years.</p>
<p>Had I not been accepted to my college ED2, I would be on my way to Hamilton - really and wholeheartedly recommend it.</p>
<p>Thanks, rainingdaisies! What schools are similar to Hamilton? Which schools are similar to Syracuse?</p>
<p>Mt. Holyoke is a tough one for me, mainly because its all girls. However, when I think about it, I feel like I would be able to focus more on my academics in an all girls environment where I won’t be distracted by frat boys, lol. I also love the fact that I can take classes at Amherst.</p>
<p>Oh- and I can’t forget the dorms! Can anyone share some insight on what the dorms are like at these schools? Best? Worst?</p>
<p>My oldest D graduated from Mount Holyoke and my youngest D will be starting at Hamilton this fall. I know very little about Syracuse per se other than the basics.</p>
<p>My D loved Mount Holyoke. She did not want to leave. She received a great education. Also, she was able to participate in many activities and is a very empowered young woman today in the biotech field. It is just an awesome school. The campus is all women, therefore, it may not be for all individuals. I would say there is a strong LGBT presence compared to Hamilton. So that might be an attraction for some students. </p>
<p>From what I have seen of Hamilton, it is very similar in many ways. I think you cant go wrong with either school. There may be more available in the arts at Hamilton. Both are great in the sciences.</p>
<ol>
<li> weather-I think both pretty similar although more snow at Hamilton(HC)…but more outdoors activity such as skiing, snowshoeing etc at HC </li>
<li>Campus life at Mount Holyoke (MHC) is a little more quiet on weekends except for a few big parties they have each year. So very easy to study on the weekends. I think there might be more beer parties at HC. However,if you want to party you can go to UMASS. Hamilton has some Greek groups that have parties. So a little more activity on the weekends at Hamilton.</li>
<li>Dorms …I think MHC may have nicer, older dorms but there are some programs at HC where students take classes with their dorm mates.
4.surrounding cities…I think about the same…MHC does have a few colleges nearby that can be accessed by a bus service. However, HC has bus rides into town also.</li>
</ol>
<p>I think it depends on what you want to study, location, and coed or not.</p>
<p>I remember the dorm rooms at Mt. Holyoke being pretty large (have been on the tour twice, both Ds applied and were accepted, one with very large merit aid). And the campus is so beautiful. Not sure what you want to study, but the science building is really nice. And I feel like there is a certain focused, academic vibe that MH had compared to other colleges – my Ds both liked that. They felt like they would have fun, but that getting a good education would still be their top priority. Have you visited the campuses yet? Do you have to choose one over the others now (I am not sure how Posse works)? If not, apply to all and then try to visit. It is possible they may help cover the cost of a visit, too.</p>
<p>Thank you both for your input! 145bluz, you said your D graduated from MHC… did she take classes at any other schools? like Amherst? Smith? If so, how was that? Was it manageable or too hectic? Was the all girls environment ever too much to handle? (I’m not a party girl myself, but I DO want to enjoy a social life with boys and stuff, haha)</p>
<p>Intparent, I haven’t taken campus tours, in fact, I hadn’t heard about these colleges until a couple of days ago when I received an email from Posse. (Posse will give me a full ride to one of these colleges if I end up being a finalist… I don’t mean to put all my eggs in one basket, but I am hoping for the best :p) I’m also interested in studying Communications and Psychology. Would these schools be a good option for that? </p>
<p>Thanks in advance for your advice!</p>
<p>Schools similar to Hamilton would be other small, rural liberal arts schools like Colby. I often think of Syracuse as being a private version of certain state schools, because of its large size, pre-professional focus, and dominating sports scene.</p>
<p>Communications is strong at Syracuse, though if you end up changing your path you may end up disappointed with the other departments. I had a friend in Syracuse’s highly ranked journalism program who ended up transferring because of the disparity between the journalism school’s quality versus other academic concentrations.</p>
<p>Liberal arts schools typically don’t offer communications majors, because the most important skills for someone looking to work in the communications field are the ability to think critically and write critically. Liberal arts schools teach these skills best. Hamilton, in particular, is known for producing effective writers across numerous fields. As for psychology, I think both research universities and liberal arts school teach the discipline well - only, in a small liberal arts school you will receive much more attention than in your average lecture-hall psych classes in large schools like Syracuse.</p>
<p>Right now I’m interested in communications but last year I swore I wanted to become a lawyer, lol. I’ve heard people change their majors a lot. </p>
<p>So far I’m feeling like Mt. Holyoke and Hamilton would be the better choices to make. Now, I have another question: which school would give me a better chance at finding a job after I graduate. In other words, which one would look better to have on a resume? Thanks!</p>
<p>mgm0909</p>
<p>My D took a a second semester organic chem class at UMASS. She thought it might be easier. It was a little easier but she said the prof did not know any students because there were so many in the class. Also, getting extra help was difficult. She regretted it. I think its difficult to take the classes at other schools because of logistics. You probably need a car to be efficient and fitting it in your schedule may not be so easy. It can be done, however.</p>
<p>Was the all girls environment ever too much to handle? Maybe here and there but she was always happy to be at MHC. Look if you want guys you can find them at UMASS or Amherst etc…</p>
<p>Which school would give me a better chance at finding a job after I graduate? I don’t think it makes a difference. Both Ham and MHC will give you a great education. Honestly, the average person has probably heard of Syracuse because it is bigger, has more graduates, and sports recognition. However, Ham and MHC will give you a better education on average.</p>
<p>I get the sense that most MHC students take 2-3 classes on the other campuses over the course of four years. While there is a shuttle, it does take a chunk out of your day. But if there is something offered there that isn’t at your own campus, then it is worth it. But for those who want to socialize on the other campuses, that happens more often.</p>
<p>I agree with 145bluz, the education at Hamilton & Mt. Holyoke is pretty comparable, and your job opportunities would be about the same. Both are very good schools, you will be lucky if you get the opportunity to attend one of them. 
Do you have to decide on a top choice before applying, or can you apply to both? If you can do that, it would be a good way to go.</p>
<p>If I make it past the first round of the Posse program, I will have to choose my top 3 partner schools, and they will help me apply to them. The other school on the list is Franklin & Marshall </p>
<p>And 145 bluz, that’s what I figured. I have another question (sorry :p, but I take it you know the school well) how are the study abroad programs? Did your daughter ever study abroad during her time at MH?</p>
<p>mgm0909,</p>
<p>Actually, I don’t know anything about going abroad…my D changed her major and in order to graduate on time, she could’t do it. My youngest is interested in the semester in NYC program at Hamilton. She is interested in the art world etc… I think both schools have great opportunities for study abroad.</p>