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Hamilton College is not excessively preppy. It is a small, academically demanding LAC that is well respected by graduate schools. Preppiness runs strong at some of the nation's best schools such as Dartmouth College, Colgate University, Bucknell University, St. Lawrence University and a number of large Southern flagship state universities. All of these named schools tend to attract highly motivated students, many of whom attend graduate school. A concern with respect to Hamilton College may be collegiate drinking as it is a small, somewhat isolated, cold weather institution. But, just as with Dartmouth College, if a student is going to drink beer, it is probably preferable to do it while bonding with other intelligent, motivated, high achievers during a time of substantial growth & maturation. A more important difference between small LACs and large--even very elite--universities is that your son or daughter will be known and given a great deal of attention during & after their college years versus a large university where a young adult has to learn to stand up for themselves and accept disappointment. I have never heard of Hamilton College being referred to as snobby--52% of the students qualify for financial aid--and wonder if those suggesting such actually meant "cliqueish". Although my impression of Hamilton students is hardworking, ambitious, graduate school oriented students who write well.(And drink lots of beer.)