Location: Clinton, New York
‍Established: 1793 (as Hamilton-Oneida Academy), chartered 1812
‍Enrollment: ~2,000
‍Admit Rate: 13.5% (Class of 2028)
‍Yield Rate: 41%
‍Endowment: $~$1.1–1.2 Billion
‍Academic Calendar: Semester
‍School Colors: Continental Blue and Buff, #002F86
‍School Mascot: Continentals
‍Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: $68,400 USD (2024–25 Tuition)
‍Typical SAT Scores: Reading and Writing 700–770, Math 710–780
‍Motto: Gnōthi Seauton (Know Thyself)
‍Notable: Open curriculum (no distribution requirements); highly regarded writing program requiring intensive writing courses.

1. Quick Facts Snapshot
• Location: Clinton, New York
• Founded: 1793
• Enrollment: ~2,000
• Admit rate: 13.5% (Class of 2028)
• Yield rate: 41%
• Endowment: $1.47 Billion

‍2. Why This School Fits the Little Ivy Profile
• Hamilton is a "Little Ivy" hidden gem. It provides the open curriculum of Amherst and Brown, with a strong focus on writing and speaking. If you graduate from here, you can write.

‍3. Selectivity & Admissions
• Approx admit rate: 13.5%
• Selectivity trend: Increasingly competitive, particularly for students seeking open curriculums.
• SAT/ACT ranges: SAT 1440–1520

‍4. Academic Strengths
• Signature programs: Creative Writing; Economics; Public Policy.
• Faculty ratio: 9:1
• Key differentiator: Writing Intensive Requirement. Students must take at least three writing-intensive courses across disciplines to graduate, ensuring elite communication skills.

‍5. Outcomes
• Salary or placement overview: Strong feeder for law school and journalism.
• Alumni influence: Disproportionately high in media, literature, and finance (David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs, is an alum).
• Where grads typically go: Wall Street, Publishing Houses, Top Law Schools.

‍6. Campus Culture
• Traditions: Class & Charter Day. A spring celebration where classes are canceled for an awards ceremony and campus picnic.
• Social environment: Greek life exists (~30%) but is non-residential; the campus is highly residential and community-focused.
• Notable athletics or arts strengths: "Continentals" athletics; high participation in intramurals.

‍7. How It Compares
• [Hamilton vs. Amherst: Open Curriculum Duel]
• [Hamilton vs. Colgate: Upstate NY Rivals]

‍8. FAQs
• What is the "Open Curriculum"?
You have no core requirements (besides PE and quantitative/writing skills), giving you freedom to explore.
• Is it widely known?
It is highly respected in professional circles (law/finance), even if less famous to the general public than Amherst.
• Is the winter bad?
It is in the "snow belt" of NY; expect heavy snow, but the campus is well-prepared.