I’m just scared because I’m an athlete, but I’m nerdy and don’t fit in with the stereotypical athletes. I’m also very involved with choir and some of my best friends are theatre kids also. Luckily we know alumni/parents of alumni at both. Again, we need to visit to really know, but we are getting a strong sense that Hamilton is the better fit.
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My DD was choosing between Hamilton and Colgate last year. I highly recommend visiting Union and any other serious contenders as well and not ruling them out. My non-athlete chose Hamilton and even though she attended a geographically remote boarding school, she felt isolated at Hamilton. She didn’t find her people in the first semester, and badly needed that- she was so lonely. Parties and drinking were what the kids she knew liked to do. She likes talking and hanging out and movie nights etc. Could she have eventually found people who also liked those things? Probably but she felt excluded because she didn’t go to the parties. And she gave up trying. What is important is that you get a good feel for the place and don’t focus on prestige. Good luck to you!
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In terms of statistical aspects related to student satisfaction, Colgate’s and Hamilton’s first-year student retention rates place them near the top of all LACs by this standard: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-liberal-arts-colleges/freshmen-least-most-likely-return.
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I wonder how much of this is related to the school or the wealthy student body, especially Colgate where less than a third qualify for need aid. At Hamilton, it’s under half.
They may be wonderful schools but I do think wealthy kids tend to have an easier time in continuation - really at any school. But these schools, especially Colgate, seem to have a wealthier student body than most.
THIS a million times. Conn might also be a great fit. None of these is dramatically more prestigious than the others, and your happiness is what matters most. Give them all open-minded consideration.
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Not sure about the wealthier student comment. Although it may have something to do with attitudes and maturity level of those wealthy kids at certain schools. Having spent several years at one of the wealthiest boarding schools in the country, the vibe at Hamilton was much different.
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My hypothesis was from the point - that perhaps either wealthier students are better equipped to handle the academics (from upbringing) and/or have a less or non stressful financial situation, vs. having to work, etc. to ensure they are able to afford. Maybe some students suffer academically or in overall living quality based on financial status.
Obviously a school like Colgate has an academically accomplished but wealthy student whereas a top public will be more socioeconomically mixed.
Just a thought I had - I’m sure there’s research one way or the other to either confirm or dispel.
Thanks
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Well I did some research at Hamiltons running program. Most of the runners are grandfathered in, so you kind of have to be better than everyone to get a spot. I love my current schedule (practice 2hours a day), but the standards are really high. I’m not sure I would be able to meet them and even if I did, it’s a lot of stress on my body and I wouldn’t be able to do any of my other ECs. I wish they had a running club which usually have practice 4x a week and still compete. But it’s either D3 or 2x week recreational running with no competition.
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I know it’s hard to get club sports approved at certain colleges, but my mom suggested that that could also be a project of mine- to raise funds and gather interest in having a competitive club team.
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I don’t know if you have any interest in rowing, but at many NESCACs, women’s crew is one of the few sports that is open to walk-ons. I know several people who had never rowed and walked on at Williams, one of whom became a co-captain. This might give you the team experience you’re looking for without the stress of trying to start a new club, at least at the beginning of your college experience. You can ask about this at admitted students day if it’s appealing.
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I would probably have to be a coxswain, but im open to trying new things! i already talked to my mom about maybe joining the club ski team or hockey, since i have hockey gear because i used to play.
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@lilyesh You might want to reach out to Conor McManus in the Hamilton admissions office. He is class of 2023 and was a runner and I am sure he would have insight into the culture, and the possibility of starting a competitive club.
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Not to be a broken record, but the women’s XC and track team at Conn seems wonderful, and my understanding is that it is no-cut. My son will be running there next year.
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What does this mean? Are we talking about XC, T&F or both? There is no downside to contacting the coach and asking questions…including whether or not it’s a no cut team (although in this case not all runners compete). There tends to be a lot of turnover on college sports teams, which the coach may also be helpful with understanding.
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I did ask the coach, it seemed like there was a clear cutoff for their runners.
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Have you spoken with the coaches at Colgate, Union, and Conn?
It does seem if you consider other varsity sports and/or club sports that you would have ample opportunity for competition at any of these schools. Up to you though what you want that to look like!
I reached out at Colgate, no response. I reached out at Union and I would run varsity there.
I just like the structure of my current program- 2hours of practice a day and meets on the weekend. But I’m not willing to sacrifice my academics, personal health, or other extra curricular activities. If I really wanted to, I could try out for the team my sophomore year. I just don’t see myself dedicating that kind of energy to the sport.
I spend a lot of time and energy on running anyways, putting more into it could lead to burnout and excessive stress on my body
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I’m pretty sure it is easy to start clubs at Hamilton, and the school gives money to each club since they have deep pockets. We had the impression they listen to what you want and help you achieve it. Your mom is right to be optimistic; at any college you choose, what you get out of the school is largely dependent on what you actively seek. Good luck, you have great options!
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It seems like you’ve got more focus on Hamilton at the moment which is great. Colgate does have a very active club sports program although I don’t know about a running club. My son plays club soccer and a few of his friends are on the rugby and hockey teams and there’s an active women’s club hockey team as well as an alpine ski racing club team. I’m assuming the same at Hamilton.
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neither have a running club, hamilton also has hockey and skiing. i think that would be a good thing for me. i like running because i like the team feeling and being active makes me happy. im confident i can get that out of any club team. i’ve played hockey before and i have gear, so i’ll probably do club hockey. i tried a lot of sports i haven’t liked but i enjoyed playing hockey. i’ve only skied once and probably wouldn’t do it competitively, but i want to do it as a hobby! being in the adirondacks excited me for that reason too. i like the cold and mountains. and when it’s warmer, i can go backpacking and trail running!
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