Hamilton vs. Carleton

[Anonymous]

DC is looking seriously at both. Would love any feedback in terms of points of differentiation? Culture, outcomes, etc. TIA.

[Anonymous]

Would be helpful to know why your son/daughter is interested in these two schools.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think outcomes will be meaningfully different. I know recent grads from both, some who are doing well and some who are still figuring out a path.

[Anonymous]

I would pick Bucknell over both for the outcomes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would pick Bucknell over both for the outcomes.

Maybe for finance, but no reason to pick a lower-ranked school for anything else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would be helpful to know why your son/daughter is interested in these two schools.

Academic reputation, collaborative atmosphere, resources, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would be helpful to know why your son/daughter is interested in these two schools.

Academic reputation, collaborative atmosphere, resources, etc.

You can't go wrong on any of those counts. It really comes down to location and slightly different vibes (Hamilton preppier).

[Anonymous]

My sense when we visited and from the kids I know when who go there is Hamilton has a preppier, wealthier vibe. Carleton has a more laid back, midwestern/friendlier feel.

Both great schools.

[Anonymous]

The approaches to curriculum are very different. That’s one starting point. Carleton definitely came across as more structured (and perhaps a bit rigid, for lack of a better word, in some ways) than Hamilton.
When we visited Hamilton, the students on the tour were very athletic and affluent looking.

Carleton is on a trimester system and has its own study abroad programs.

Hamilton is on a hill and you have go down it to get to the little town.

Both are freezing much of the year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The approaches to curriculum are very different. That’s one starting point. Carleton definitely came across as more structured (and perhaps a bit rigid, for lack of a better word, in some ways) than Hamilton.
When we visited Hamilton, the students on the tour were very athletic and affluent looking.

Carleton is on a trimester system and has its own study abroad programs.

Hamilton is on a hill and you have go down it to get to the little town.

Both are freezing much of the year.

Hamilton parent here-Hamilton has open curriculum. Huge range of students. Wealthy and first gen. Needs blind admissions and half students get FA. not in mountains so weather is cold but not drastically different from nj.

[Anonymous]

Carleton possibly better for future PhDs? Know a couple recent grads in good PhD programs. Could be true of Hamilton too, I just don’t know. I think either school is best for very motivated, self directed kids. The kids I know who haven’t done well at both are those who were hazy on their goals/direction or very open-ended. They seem to drift.

[Anonymous]

Hamilton is super woke and obnoxious if your DC doesn't like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hamilton is super woke and obnoxious if your DC doesn't like that.

So is Carlton.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hamilton is super woke and obnoxious if your DC doesn't like that.

Curious what you are basing this statement on ? The campus seems pretty chill in terms of politics for better or for worse

[Anonymous]

Hamilton has a lower percentage of international students than Carleton. Hamilton seems notably lower in that department compared to many peer schools. Different ways to interpret - in part a positive because suggests they don’t need the money. But it can be a net negative for students who seek a more global vibe.