I know you are never supposed to do this, but my husband, daughter and I pretty much fell in love with both schools. I personally prefer Hamilton, because of what I know about the school and curriculum. No one was around, so we will go back again in the future. The question: Any tips on what Hamilton is really looking for? D is going to be a sophmore so there’s a lot of time. Just curious what’s most important to them, and what kinds of kids tend to get accepted (I looked at the common data set) so I know the basics. Any insider info would be great.
I don’t have any insider information but have to say that Hamilton is a great school.
I edited my post above and left out the part about seeing both Hamilton and Colgate. Loved them both, but Hamilton stole my heart (can’t believe I’m saying this).
The thing they probably liked most about my application is fit. My teacher recs and my supplemental indicated that I participate in classes and would benefit from a strong writing curriculum at a small LAC. They obviously look for a strong academic record and test scores with a rigorous schedule. Demonstrated interest is a must and an interview is helpful.
OP, I thought you meant the musical! LOL
@MidwestDad3 Haha! Easier to get into Harvard than get tickets for Hamilton:(
Me, too, @MidwestDad3 !
If you’re willing to spend between $1,200.00 and $15,000.00, StubHub has Hamilton tickets. Enough money can buy almost anything, including admission to Harvard 
The repurposed buildings and their layout are remarkable. Random students in the local pizzeria, campus cafeteria and on walkways also impressed.
Colgate? I dunno about tiny Division 1 football schools. D3 is more to our liking.
Tiny?
Colgate may have only 2950 students but its D1 competition is anything but tiny. Just look at the 2016-2017 schedule of any of Colgate’s varsity team.
Regarding football in particular, the out of Patriot League schedule is impressive with Syracuse, Yale, Richmond and Cornell, all larger schools than Colgate. The PL schedule promises to be exciting especially vs perennial challengers Fordham and Lehigh, also larger than Colgate.
In other sports and the PL it is always enjoyable for Colgate fans to see play against other member schools such as
Army, Navy, American and Loyola. All larger than Colgate.
Then there is D1 ECAC ice hockey. What is more exciting in the northeast?
D3? Different strokes…
Go 'gate!
@Burgermeister Since we were there this summer, we didn’t see any students. Can you tell me more about what impressed you about the students you saw around campus? Thanks
Markham … I agree. Best hockey I saw was UMich vs. State. Still prefer D3 for my skinny kids.
citymama9 … Great kids. I will PM you.
My recent experience with Hamilton indicates their admissions committee is receptive to sincere, motivated students who show strong academic achievement (with perhaps standardized testing reflective of this) and meaningful, though not necessarily singular, extracurricular pursuits. Other factors, such as a good interview, can carry the application the rest of the way home. Hamilton, it would appear, has little desire to become a rejection factory for fully qualified students (though deferral/waitlisting may be a factor for some of them).
That said, Hamilton is a remarkable college, notable for the diversity and depth of its curriculum and inherently interesting architecture, aspects of the school that are strongly related to its history of having once been two colleges of substantially different emphases and characteristics.
@merc81 Thank you. Can you say more about the “extracurricular pursuits”?
D has a friend who will be starting his second year at Hamilton in the fall. He fits @merc81 's description almost exactly.
I haven’t been on CC for a while, but this post struck me, so I’m replying for what it’s worth at this late date. I have three daughters. My middle daughter is a junior at Hamilton. We had the same strong positive reaction when we visited during the college search. The campus is beautiful of course, especially in the fall, but the students we met during our couple visits during the search really sold us. Now, several years down the line, I know there have to be some bad apples, but I’ve never met them. All the students I know are intelligent, polite, interesting and genuine. They have an “I’m okay, you’re okay” way about them that leaves room for everyone to flourish without feeling pressured to conform. Hamilton was THE college my daughter wanted to attend, and I guess her application adequately conveyed why she thought it would be the best fit for her. She’s loved her professors (most of them anyway), her fellow students, and the beautiful Mohawk Valley. She and her friends are very well aware that their life at Camp Hammie is pretty special and privileged, so they make every effort to reach out to the surrounding communities and find other ways to give back.They also remind each other that they eventually will have to make their way in the big world, The new president is warm, enthusiastic and talented, in addition to having an amazing resume. If you think this school is the one for you, I’d give it all you have on your application. Meanwhile, I’ve heard that Colgate is great too.
@honeybee55 Thanks so much for your response. Hamilton sounds wonderful in so many ways.