Know Thyself
Socrates believed the first step to true wisdom is to “know thyself” because only then can one appreciate what one understands and what remains to be learned. Hamilton’s founders agreed. Today, more than 200 years later, that motto remains our guiding principle.
Because life is a constant process of learning about the world and your place in it.
Why “Know Thyself”?
Here are a few ways Hamilton supports that personal journey.
Hamilton prepares students to become critical thinkers in order to address our world’s most pressing problems. Once you gain a full appreciation of your strengths, skills, and interests, you will better understand how you can make valuable contributions to society and achieve both professional success and personal satisfaction.
Every new student is assigned three advisors even before they move in to help guide you on this “know thyself” journey: an academic advisor, a career advisor, and an ALEX advisor.
A Community of Diverse Perspectives
Every student, professor, and staff member brings something unique to campus, and we all come to “know thyself” by engaging with each other. As a result, you will leave College Hill as a more informed, inclusive, and compassionate person — traits that will serve you well in your career, your community, your family, and your life.
An Emphasis on Communication & Expression
As a national leader in teaching students to write clearly and speak persuasively, we believe that communicating well is evidence of your ability to think well — and you’ll hone both throughout your four years.
Students learn better when they can focus on personal development; doing what we can to minimize financial concerns is one way Hamilton honors that. It's one reason why we meet each admitted student’s full demonstrated financial need for all four years.
Ensuring all students have equal access to all that Hamilton offers is our most enduring value. That’s why we have funds that provide stipends for you to take on an unpaid internship, attend a national conference to present your research, visit a museum or catch a performance off-campus, or even store your stuff for the summer.
Our Campus & Location
College Hill and the Mohawk Valley
If we could pick a location best suited for a journey to “know thyself,” we would choose College Hill and the Mohawk Valley time and time again.
Think of Hamilton as a small city that has the feel of a close neighborhood. Our campus blends historic buildings and traditions with modern facilities and resources so that we can support you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Life in a small town provides wonderful local engagement opportunities and more meaningful connections with our local community members, both of which offer ways for you to learn more about your interests and values.
The City of Utica and the greater Mohawk Valley
The hustle and bustle of the vibrant city of Utica offers exciting cultural experiences to broaden your horizons, while our proximity to the Adirondacks and numerous other outdoor spaces (including our own Root Glen) is great for your physical and mental well-being.
The Journey to ‘Know Thyself’
No matter how many twists and turns your journey to “know thyself” takes, you can count on these promises we make to all of our students.
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You’ll be exposed to new ideas and interact with people who have different perspectives.
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We promise to meet each applicant’s full need, and we are need-blind in admission.
