Hamilton Magazine

What makes a strong admission essay? One that’s well written, of course, but also thoughtful and authentic. This is your chance to show us who you are beyond grades, test scores, and lists of activities. Your essay provides insight into your character, perspective, and motivations. The following essays are examples of just a few terrific admission essays written by members of Hamilton’s Class of 2030. We hope they provide you with inspiration.

A biology major with minors in geoscience and environmental studies, Papetti traces her interest in plant science to Assistant Professor of Biology Pete Guiden’s introductory biology course Secret Life of Plants.

Justus Doolittle, Class of 1846, was among the first American Protestant missionaries to build cultural and educational connections between the United States and China. His legacy not only represents Hamilton’s broader historical contributions to global scholarship and intercultural exchange, but also continues to inform research and inquiry on campus today.