How should I approach the Hamilton College supplemental essay for 2024?
I'm starting to work on my college applications and I noticed that Hamilton has a supplemental essay again this year. I'm honestly a little stuck on what they're really looking for in their prompt, and how much I should talk about myself versus the school.
Has anyone who applied last year or is applying now have any tips? If you wrote something that you think worked well (or didn't), could you share how you structured it or what you focused on? I'm hoping to major in the humanities, if that changes anything, but I just want my essay to stand out for the right reasons.
I really want to show why Hamilton is right for me and make my application stronger. Any advice would be super appreciated!
Has anyone who applied last year or is applying now have any tips? If you wrote something that you think worked well (or didn't), could you share how you structured it or what you focused on? I'm hoping to major in the humanities, if that changes anything, but I just want my essay to stand out for the right reasons.
I really want to show why Hamilton is right for me and make my application stronger. Any advice would be super appreciated!
2 weeks ago
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7 views
Anonymous
2 weeks ago
The Hamilton College supplement usually asks why you are interested in joining their community, often with a question like, "Why do you want to attend Hamilton?" or it might focus on aspects of their open curriculum, community values, or personal growth. They're trying to figure out if you genuinely "fit" with their academic philosophy and social environment. That means they want to see you reflect on yourself and how you align with Hamilton in a specific way.
When tackling this essay, try to balance personal detail with research about the school. Instead of writing a generic "why college" essay, get specific. Mention particular professors, courses, or unique programs that relate to your passion (in your case, the humanities). For example, if you love creative writing, you might reference the opportunity to contribute to Hamilton’s literary magazine or their renowned Writing Center. Explain why those opportunities matter to you personally, and how that connects to your experiences or future goals.
Structurally, many successful Hamilton essays start with an anecdote or moment from your own life that illustrates your passion or personality. Then, pivot into how Hamilton uniquely suits you. For instance, if you love seminar-style discussions, you might recall a favorite high school class conversation, then note how Hamilton's open curriculum and small discussion-based courses will help you grow. Bring everything back to how you'll contribute to Hamilton’s campus, not just what you’ll take from it.
One effective essay from past years started with a student describing their experience running a community book club, then showed how Hamilton's emphasis on student-led initiatives and the freedom of the curriculum would help them expand that love for collaborative learning.
Finally, avoid spending too much space summarizing Hamilton's website or copying brochure language. Use your voice and personal insight. A great essay reads as though it could only be written by you.
If you can intertwine your academic interests and personal motivations with specific Hamilton opportunities, and show some excitement about contributing to campus life, your essay will stand out for the right reasons.
When tackling this essay, try to balance personal detail with research about the school. Instead of writing a generic "why college" essay, get specific. Mention particular professors, courses, or unique programs that relate to your passion (in your case, the humanities). For example, if you love creative writing, you might reference the opportunity to contribute to Hamilton’s literary magazine or their renowned Writing Center. Explain why those opportunities matter to you personally, and how that connects to your experiences or future goals.
Structurally, many successful Hamilton essays start with an anecdote or moment from your own life that illustrates your passion or personality. Then, pivot into how Hamilton uniquely suits you. For instance, if you love seminar-style discussions, you might recall a favorite high school class conversation, then note how Hamilton's open curriculum and small discussion-based courses will help you grow. Bring everything back to how you'll contribute to Hamilton’s campus, not just what you’ll take from it.
One effective essay from past years started with a student describing their experience running a community book club, then showed how Hamilton's emphasis on student-led initiatives and the freedom of the curriculum would help them expand that love for collaborative learning.
Finally, avoid spending too much space summarizing Hamilton's website or copying brochure language. Use your voice and personal insight. A great essay reads as though it could only be written by you.
If you can intertwine your academic interests and personal motivations with specific Hamilton opportunities, and show some excitement about contributing to campus life, your essay will stand out for the right reasons.
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