What are the application requirements for international students?
There is no separate application for international students. International students follow essentially the same procedures as all students applying to Hamilton. We accept the Common Application both in hard copy and via the internet through www.commonapp.org. Applicants must also complete the Hamilton supplement. If you apply online, we waive the application fee. Please note that all official documents must be translated, preferably by an official agency if the originals are not in English.
Can I apply Early Decision as an international student?
Yes. If Hamilton is your first choice, you should apply under one of our Early Decision Plans. The admission deadlines for Early Decision are November 15 (Early Decision Plan I) or January 1 (Early Decision Plan II). Students may also convert their application to Early Decision Plan II anytime before January 25. Please note that Early Decision at Hamilton is a binding agreement. If accepted under one of our Early Decision Plans, a student must withdraw all other applications and make a commitment to enroll at Hamilton College. Failure to do so may jeopardize your admission to Hamilton as well as other colleges.
Does Hamilton admit international transfer students?
Interested international students may apply to transfer to Hamilton College, but please note that we offer very limited financial aid for international students. Therefore, international students with financial need may be at a competitive disadvantage. Prospective transfer students are advised to apply after successfully completing one full semester at a college or university. The maximum number of times a student can be considered for admission to Hamilton College, including first-year or transfer admission, is three.
Hamilton does not require an application fee for applications submitted online. Online applications are available at http://www.commonapp.org. If you choose to apply with a paper application and need a fee waiver, you must have an appropriate administrative officer from your school send a letter. The letter should state that you are requesting a fee waiver and that the person signing the waiver confirms that you are unable to pay the application fee. [Back to Top]
What standardized tests does Hamilton require?
Hamilton is SAT optional, but not testing optional. So, you still need to submit some form of standardized tests. If you do not submit either the SAT or the ACT, you may submit a combination of scores that can include AP exams, SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests, IB final exam results or the TOEFL.
All official test scores must be sent directly to our office. For a list of testing centers in your country or for more information regarding standardized tests you may wish to contact the following organizations:
All international students must submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or ELPT. We will waive the TOEFL requirement for students whose primary language is English or whose instruction is primarily in English or for students who score above 600 on the critical reading section of the SAT Reasoning Test. Hamilton does not have minimum requirements or a "cut-off" for the TOEFL, but is generally looking for scores of 600 and above on the paper scale or 250 and above on the computer scale. We are anticipating scores of 100 and above on the internet-based exam. [Back to Top]
What if SAT or ACT exams are not offered in my country?
Standardized testing is one of many important components in our application review process. Please review our standardized testing requirements to see if you can still fulfill the requirement without submitting the SAT. Students not submitting some form of standardized testing, however, can be at a competitive disadvantage.
In cases where a student has absolutely no way of getting to a test site or of fulfilling the standardized testing requirement, you may submit a letter with your application requesting a waiver. If approved, you may need to provide our office with additional materials (e.g. writing samples and/ or a letter of recommendation from a school administrator) for review with the rest of your application. Students not submitting some form of official standardized testing, however, can be at a competitive disadvantage. [Back to Top]
What if I do not have a graded writing sample in English?
The graded writing samples gives the Admission Committee a better understanding of your writing and is an important part of the application. We do recognize, however, that not all schools require assignments in English and we will waive the requirement in select cases. To request a waiver, please include a brief explanation of why you believe you qualify for an exemption. Students who receive a waiver should be aware that we will review their essays from the SAT Writing exam. [Back to Top]
Are interviews available for international students who cannot visit campus?
Hamilton does offer interviews off-campus with alumni in select international locations. These interviews provide you with an opportunity to learn more about Hamilton and Hamilton the opportunity to learn more about you, but are not required. Most international students are accepted to Hamilton without an interview. Please note that due to an overwhelming number of requests from mainland China and Hong Kong, we will not be conducting off-campus interviews at these locations. [Back to Top]
How important are extracurricular activities in the admission decision?
Each case is different. Although Hamilton seeks to enroll well-rounded students, we realize that in many countries extracurricular activities are not a priority. If you have been an active member of a club or organization, participated in community service projects, held a job, played sports, etc., please make sure to mention these in your application. If you are an athlete, anartist,ora musician, we do welcome lists of your accomplishments, slides of your work or CD's/DVD's of your music.
How do I contact the admission staff who is responsible for my area?
If you need to communicate with the admission officer who is responsible for your area (e.g. Canada, India, etc.), please visit the Admission Office staff page. [Back to Top]
