What are some tips for writing strong Hamilton College essays?

When tackling Hamilton College essays, especially their supplements, it’s smart to recognize that Hamilton really does take its writing-heavy reputation seriously. They want to admit students who can express themselves clearly, thoughtfully, and with an authentic voice.

Here’s how you can play to those strengths:

1. Reflect Hamilton’s Values: Hamilton is known for its open curriculum and commitment to communication. If you can connect your experiences, interests, or perspectives to those things, it’s a plus. This does NOT mean being generic—avoid broad statements like “I love writing” or “I enjoy exploring new ideas.” Instead, tell a short story or describe a micro-moment that highlights your communication skills or why you’ll thrive with academic freedom.

2. Get Specific with Your Experiences: Pick a moment, detail, or experience that only you could write about. For example, maybe you led a mental health peer support group at school, or you started a blog about psychology research. Even something minor (like a quirky family tradition that shaped your sense of empathy) can become a strong essay if explored thoughtfully.

3. Authenticity vs. Trying Too Hard: Creativity is a plus, but clarity always wins. You don’t need to force a narrative—just be yourself and let your natural voice come through. If you’re inclined to be witty or humorous, include it if it feels natural, but don’t shoehorn jokes into your essay. A single, well-placed wry line or anecdote is enough.

4. Balancing Personality and Professionalism: Show your personality, but don’t go over the top. For a psychology major, you could reference a fascinating conversation you had about behavior, or an ‘aha’ moment in AP Psych, but relate it to your larger curiosity or personal growth, not just academic achievement alone.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Don’t genericize. Avoid clichés like being inspired simply by wanting to ‘help people’ or loving Hamilton’s small class sizes without further detail.
- Don’t echo the website. Go beyond what anyone could find in a brochure.
- Don’t treat the short supplement as less important than your main essay. Hamilton weighs writing everywhere in the application.

Example: Instead of just saying why you love psychology, describe how a misunderstanding with a friend led you to research communication barriers, sparking your passion for the field—and how you hope to investigate similar challenges at Hamilton.

Above all, your best bet is to choose topics that genuinely matter to you and write directly, like you’re telling the story to a trusted mentor. If you find yourself posturing or performing, simplify and focus your draft until you sound like yourself at your most thoughtful. That’s what Hamilton is seeking.