Hamilton College

Date: Apr 26 2007
Major: Archaeology (This Major's Salary over time)
I was in the happy position of knowing that Hamilton was the school I wanted to spend the next four years of my life. I admit I didn't have one of those lightning strike epiphany moments. It was something I discovered after visiting other schools. After all the college trips, Hamilton felt comfortable.

There's so much that I loved about my time on the hill:

Academically:

One of the reasons I applied to Hamilton was because they have a full archaeology major and even a geoarchaeology major. But also, I was challenged in my classes. I worked hard and I did spend some sleepless nights, but I was never overwhelmed. In addition, I did a lot of writing. They really aren’t kidding when they tell you that you will know how to write well when you graduate.

My professors were great, knowledgeable, always accessible and genuinely wanted to know about my interests (I saw my archaeology professor at nearly all of my orchestra concerts). Even a year after graduating, I am still in contact with my favorite professors and I find it hard to express just how much they have had a positive impact on my life.

Socially:

The students are friendly (Hamilton was the only school where students actually smiled at me and acknowledged my existence while I was touring). The opportunities to try new things are outstanding as long as you take the initiative to try. Not only was I able to continue my interest in music by playing in the orchestra, I spent a glorious semester in Athens, Greece and I found a new passion for Capoeira (a Brazilian martial art dance that I had never heard of until I came to Hamilton). I'm also not much of a partier, and despite the preconceived notions, there are plenty of other things to do than going to a Bundy party. For example: in 4 years I was able to see: Bill Cosby, Bill Clinton, Gregg Proops, Jason Mraz, the Shanghai Chinese Opera, Drop Kick Murphy’s, as well as many interesting lectures about topics that interest me (I had a very geeky moment when I was able to listen to and have lunch with Stan Lombardo, a prominent classical translator and scholar).

I read other comments and I hear about the preppiness of the school and the party scene, and yes it exists. BUT despite all the talk about it, these are not the end all and be all of the school. There are also students who would be considered granola and alternative. And while Uggs do abound, I never owned them, I never popped my collar and a significant number of other students are the same. I actually really appreciated the fact that the student body wasn't all collar popping, private school kids, or all tree-hugging, vegan, capital "L" liberals. It provides a nice variety.

Addressing the Negatives:

Having a car is a plus, I won't lie. There is a service that provides transportation to key areas off campus like the mall, the theater, etc. However, nothing beats the freedom of a car.

The food can get repetitive and you'll probably hear students gripe a little about it. The quality is almost always maintained at a high level, and after sampling the food selection at some other colleges, trust me- Hamilton food is very good.

Overall, know what you're getting into- Clinton, NY and the surrounding area is not a populated and happening place. Students who need easy access to a major city aren't going to find it. Hamilton is not for everyone so do research, definitely visit campus if you can and decide for yourself.