Hamilton College vs. Colgate University

Hey everyone, I'm currently considering applying to liberal arts colleges in New York and came across both Hamilton College and Colgate University. Can anyone share insights on their experiences, campus life, and differences between these two institutions? Which one do you think would be a better fit for a student interested in political science and international relations?

While both Hamilton College and Colgate University are prestigious liberal arts colleges in New York, they do have some notable differences that may help you decide which one would be a better fit for your interests in political science and international relations.

Academics: Both schools have strong programs in political science and international relations. Hamilton is known for its flexible academic curriculum that allows students to explore different subjects before declaring a major, while Colgate has a core curriculum that requires students to take courses from various disciplines. This difference in curriculum could be an important factor to consider depending on whether you prefer more flexibility or more structure in your academic plan.

Campus life: Hamilton is located in the small village of Clinton and has a more rural setting, whereas Colgate is in the quaint town of Hamilton, with more local amenities available. The more rural setting of Hamilton may mean a stronger sense of community and greater focus on campus life, while Colgate's location allows for more off-campus exploration. Both have a strong emphasis on campus involvement, so consider looking into clubs and organizations at each school to see which ones match your interests best.

Size: Hamilton is slightly smaller, with around 1,850 undergraduate students, while Colgate has around 2,900 undergraduates. This difference in size can affect class sizes and the overall campus atmosphere, with Hamilton possibly offering a more tight-knit community and more opportunity for personal connections with professors.

Study abroad opportunities: Both Hamilton and Colgate offer study abroad programs in various countries. You may want to explore the specific international relations and political science-related study abroad options that each school provides, as that could be a deciding factor for you depending on where you'd like to study and the types of experiences offered.

Career support: It may be worthwhile to look into the resources that each school offers for students interested in political science and international relations, such as internship opportunities, alumni networks, and career guidance.

Ultimately, the best fit for you will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. In order to get a better understanding of the differences between the two schools, you might consider visiting each campus, talking with current students, and reaching out to faculty within the political science and international relations departments to gather more information. This will help provide a clearer picture of both the academic and social environments at Hamilton and Colgate. Good luck with your college search!