I am currently deciding between Vassar and Hamilton for college next year. Both colleges are very similar in all the ways that matter to me: open curriculum, close to home in the northeast, very rigorous especially in the social sciences, small liberal arts, etc. However, I have a few questions that I haven’t been able to find answers to through either online research or when I was on campus. I
know that Hamilton is very well known for its “freakishly friendly” and collaborative environment, but I am not sure about Vassar’s academic environment. I come from a small all-girls school that is not internally competitive; we are all close and are self-driven and more collaborative. When I visited Vassar, I got a more uptight/competitive or too professional feel. Does anybody have any insight to this? Also, how do the colleges’ foreign language departments compare?
Any feedback no matter how small would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!
With respect to foreign language departments, you can review IPEDS for information on the popularity of foreign language majors. Vassar indicates 24 “first majors” across “Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics,” while the same source indicates 42 for Hamilton. You’ll note that you can also review the figures for specific languages of interest:
You should have picked up on this during your visit, but, the consensus around these forums is that Vassar is somewhat more cool and edgy than the average NESCAC college. That may read as “uptight and preprofessional” to the uninitiated. OTOH, it is also about 40% bigger than Hamilton, so finding your peep should not be that difficult.
The Japanese program at Hamilton is excellent and the students get very close. They have a Japanese Language table once a week, and a number of the students study away in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Nagoya during junior year. You can look at their study away options by going to the Hamilton website and using the search function. Can’t compare it to Vassar though, but my student has really enjoyed the program. I believe the students work together frequently on homework and projects - very collaborative. Important note - Japanese is a minor only, not a major, although it is a component of an Asian Studies Major I think.
We recently visited both, and honestly I don’t think you will go wrong either way. Both are great schools. Based on my observations, students at both seemed to like their schools and be collaborative overall. Vassar is bigger, and Hamilton is in a more isolated/rural area. Did you visit Hamilton as well? If so, and if the cost is similar (or not a factor), go with your gut. I think you would have a great experience at either one.
