Hamilton College Top Questions

partly

While there is a significant portion of student body here on Daddy's dime, guaranteed a job in finance or a spot in their chosen business/medical/law school, there is a large pool of students working hard to make their own way. Most of my friends--regardless of income--have on-campus jobs to pay for their own books and alcohol, independent of their parents. Never underestimate the power of the Kirkland (or "Dark Side" of campus) legacy. A women's college founded as a sister college to Hamilton, their hippy values and artistic ways live on in the more laid-back crowd who are a lot less preppy.

"Preppyness" is a matter of opinion

I think that there are a lot of people on campus that do have money. But I do not think in anyway that snottiness describes the whole campus.

not really

Both of these extremes do exist on campus, but there are a wide range of diverse, interesting students in between. There is a drinking culture on campus, but not everyone drinks to excess and most people do not party every night of the weekend - we do have homework to do! Hamilton is an expensive, northeastern, private, liberal arts college and with all of that comes a high price tag and consequently, a lot of wealthy students. There is, however, a large population of students on financial aid or simply those who come from middle class families. And Hamilton also has a lot more diversity than many give it credit for. The problem seems to be integrating our diverse population of students rather than recruiting students from diverse backgrounds.

Very preppy, and very athletic on the light side not on the dark side, People are rich and love to drink everywhere on campus.

yes

For about half the population for each stereotype.

I would say that these stereotypes are close to accurate, minus the snotty part. Kids here are wealthy but very friendly. I would also say that drinking is a big part of campus life. Gotta love keystone light or vodka. Also, a lot of the student population is from the city, Boston or New Canaan--it is definitely noticeable.