I don’t care much about money and location. I know some people are going to say that hamilton is more liberal and life at W&L is fraternity-oriented, but I honestly think that I can fit into either community. I probably would go for mathematics and economics and do a graduate school. Both school’s mathematics and economics are pretty strong, and they even share the same usnews ranking. Any suggestions?
With respect to these schools’ math programs, Hamilton appears in a Princeton Review (print edition) sampling, “Great Schools for Mathematics Majors,” as well as in the site below:
Both Hamilton (#9) and W&L (#24) appear in this analysis of economics departments based on faculty scholarship:
Economics rankings: US Economics Departments at Liberal Arts Colleges | IDEAS/RePEc.
The culture, due to the part of the country they are located in, will be part of your experience. I always think it’s a good idea to go to school in a different part of the country than where you grew up. It will broaden your horizons. If you are from the South, go to Hamilton. If from the Northeast, go to W&L. If you are from California, I can’t help you 
I think deciding based on academics is hairsplitting, and there isn’t much difference between them on that front.
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If you think either will make you happy, and assuming the cost is the same, start considering practical matters. What about travel time? Strongest alumni network? Does winter weather matter to you? Is the loose curriculum at Hamilton appealing?
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Two very different school cultures likely to offer substantially different undergraduate experiences.
If you play tennis, then I suggest Wash & Lee as this is a great way to socialize in a nice climate.
Truthfully speaking, I view Wash & Lee as a bit of a country club experience with excellent academics. Hamilton is much more of a typical Northeastern US LAC experience with excellent academics.
It might help to know to which other schools you applied in order to give readers a better sense of your preferences.
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They are probably about equally strong academically, so I would look to their obvious differences:
- Weather
- Culture
- Campus style/architecture/layout
- Cost (if there is an impactful difference)
Also, take a gander at the available courses in your areas of interest, as well as degree requirements.
W&L is WAY more pre-professional than Hamilton. According to its website, about 45% of the student body will choose a major under the rubric of its business school (mainly accounting, business, economics or politics.) About the Williams School : Washington and Lee University which leaves the arts and humanities and STEM to split the rest. My gut feeling is that the arts and humanities are going to be the big losers here.
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Based on your stated interests, this decision doesn’t seem like it should be a tough call.
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I’m also feeling kinda leaning towards Hamilton. Alright I’ll attend some admitted student events and see how it goes.
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