<p>What is Hamilton's reputation? </p>
<p>Possible answers you will hear when mentioning that your child is thinking of attending Hamilton (or any other NESCAC):</p>
<ol>
<li>Where? Never heard of it.</li>
<li>Sounds cold.</li>
<li>Why so far?</li>
<li>Liberal arts? Doesn’t he/she plan on getting a job?</li>
<li>KInda small, isn’t it?</li>
<li>Can’t you get the same education at Big State U?</li>
<li>Wow, good school.</li>
<li>Hey, I went to Rival School! I could never get in there today. Good luck and hope he/she makes it.</li>
<li>Oh my God, that’s my school! Let me know when you’re going to visit so I can make some phone calls so you meet the right people. They will be so excited someone from our area is interested in attending.</li>
</ol>
<p>^SO TRUE^
This man preaches the gospel.</p>
<p>For the record, my daughter actually does go to Hamilton and loves it. Great school, but I will acknowledge it’s not for everyone and so try not to push it outside of the Hamilton forum. There are lots of Hamilton-like schools that kids like, you just have to find one that fits you. I have rarely found anyone who is knowledgeable about higher education that thinks the Top 25 or so LACs provide a substandard education in any way in any field they offer. (Some research universities might offer a few undergrads better opportunities in some cutting-edge fields, but most students won’t have access to that and better doesn’t mean the LACs are substandard.)</p>
<p>The sad thing is, schools like Hamilton are better suited for more kids than just those who apply to go there. So many kids miss out either because they have no idea the LACs exist, have preconceived notions (or their parents do) about what a liberal arts education is all about, or are obsessed with Ivies when the top ranked LACs are just smaller versions of the Ivies without the attached grad schools.</p>