I got into both Hamilton College and Sarah Lawrence College for the class of 2021, and am interested in pursuing art. I’ve looked into the art programs in both schools, and Hamilton College seems to have more/ better resources, yet on ratemyproffesor kids generally seem dissatisfied with the art teachers there, whereas Sarah Lawrence students show a higher level of satisfaction. I understand both these schools don’t have a high focus on visual arts programs, but as I have to choose, can any of you shed any insight into their programs?
Hamilton indeed offers great visual arts and art history resources through their facilities, which include the (clustered) art museum, theatre and studio arts complex and art history building. However, you should ideally connect with at least a representation of the faculty in your major of choice. You could try a trial email to the department head in which you introduce yourself and discuss art as you would like to experience it. The promptness and depth of the reply could provide you with needed insight.
In terms of electives outside of your major, Hamilton offers a much greater array of choice. This might be an additional consideration for you.
Sarah Lawrence seems to be cut in an arts mold overall, and if you regard yourself as being firmly and nearly exclusively inclined toward the fine arts (and humanities) as a personal characteristic, then you might like this choice for that reason.