I got accepted to both Vassar and Hamilton and have been rewarded the same financial aid to both. I love Hamilton’s student community (I am in a groupeme with several incoming students) but I have done some research and have noticed that Vassar’s academic program is much better. I am looking to major in chemistry/biology (maybe biochemistry?) and I am having trouble deciding what school to choose. Any thoughts?
Vassar has awesome new science facilities. Hamilton laudably emphasizes writing in all majors, which really means that the school encourages people to think critically and synthetically about what they’re studying rather than simply spewing it back out in the same form. If your critical-thinking skills are well honed, I would prefer Vassar for its beautiful campus and probably better networking options (perhaps not a consideration for a biochem major–I was one too).
“I would prefer Vassar for its beautiful campus”
Vassar has a beautiful library and chapel – and everyone has a different sense of aesthetic appreciation in any event – however, Hamilton is one of only three northeastern colleges to appear in an online article such as this: “The 25 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America,” Thrillist.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Both beautiful campuses, but personally I prefer Hamilton. I would not be concerned about networking at Hamilton. Their Career Center is active and dynamic. Science facilities are extensive as well. You will find everything you are looking for at either school. As wesleyan97 said, Hamilton’s emphasis on writing across all majors would serve you well. Finally, I disagree, Vassar’s academic program is not “much better” than Hamilton’s. These are elite LACs with equally strong academic programs.
Perhaps you need to think about other matters. Check out the student life and calendar tabs on their websites, see what’s happening and try to imagine which activities you can see yourself participating in. Check out res life. One difference is that at Hamilton you have many different unique housing options to experience over your four years. Vassar has the house system. You live in the same building for at least the first three years, and can stay for the fourth or move to on campus apartments. So, do you like the idea of developing a close knit family feel with the same group in the same building, or do you like the thought of moving around and experiencing your campus from many different perspectives?
And, when you move around at Hamilton you can move with your friends, so the close friendships will survive.
Both campuses are beautiful-but I personally give the edge to Vassar based on the main quad and the spectacular library. A few minor points-Vassar has 290 faculty for 2400 students, Hamilton has about 190 for 1900. Vassar also offers a wider array of majors, and has a more economically and ethnically diverse student body. But that said-both schools are excellent choices.