<p>Hamilton is attractive to our family because of its location and financial aid policies. Also I hope that this sort of liberal arts college would give my son a good combination of academic challenge and support. I want to understand their writing focus better. My son would say that he doesn't like to write and that it's not his strong suit. I would say that with the right sort of assertive nurturing his writing could improve a lot. (I hope that was diplomatic.)</p>
<p>Opinions, please: Would Hamilton's emphasis on writing turn my son off or make him miserable?</p>
<p>Math and science have always been the courses where my son has been happiest. If he went to Hamilton he would probably major in physics and then go somewhere else for a masters in engineering.</p>
<p>Do Hamilton's math and science courses involve more writing than other schools' math and science courses?</p>
<p>We just visited my son this past weekend at Hamilton for Family Weekend, and although he is a Freshman still adjusting, he is very happy. He is taking one writing-intensive “proseminar” which focuses on writing, but in a positive way. The purpose of these proseminars is to teach students how to write at the college level. The good thing about these courses is that the professors encourage students to resubmit their papers after receiving feedback, and they regrade the papers. This can be done multiple times until the students “get it right”, e.g., get an “A”. </p>
<p>Only one of my son’s four classes this semester is writing-intensive, and he plans to do the same next semester, namely, one out of four classes will be writing intensive. When students pick their courses, there is a “writing intensive” designation for courses that require a lot of writing. The writing requirement is that a student takes three writing intensive courses over the four years – which really is pretty minimal.</p>
<p>For students who want to focus on their writing, Hamilton is very supportive. For students who don’t want to do so, they don’t have to.</p>
<p>My daughter graduated several years ago from Hamilton. I will tell you the writing program is excellent. My daughter’s writing improved tremendously, and she was a decent writer to start. When ever someone in the family needs help with writing, we all go to her!</p>
<p>Every course will not be writing intensive; you son can avoid them if he wants once he takes the required writing courses.</p>
<p>Only three writing intensive courses are required for graduation. I also know a couple of friends who are
taking linear algebra (which is writing intensive…since you write proofs). It’s not too bad and the writing focus shouldn’t scare your son away. But, I will note that there is a strategy in choosing what writing intensive course to take. There are
Professors here that hand out Cs on what some consider beautifully written papers. But it’s not about grades. Come to Hamilton and you’ll leave a better writer. It’s a useful skill that’ll serve you well for the rest of your life. I hope to see your son on campus next year.</p>