January Admission
Hamilton College offers January admission to several dozen students each year, and seeks to annually enroll about 50 new first-year students in the spring semester.
“Jans” are admitted because of their academic potential and strong personal qualities, as well as a demonstrated independence and intellectual curiosity that lead us to believe that they will make good use of the fall semester.
While all applicants are automatically considered for both fall and January admission, many students express interest in being considered for either semester and some indicate a preference for the “Jan” option when applying to Hamilton.
Receiving admission as a “Jan” is an offer of full admission to the college community.
Please direct any questions to Niki Barron ’02, associate dean of admission, by phone at 1-800-843-2655 or email at nbarron@hamilton.edu.
Jans’ Experiences Jump Start Their College Careers
Student Experience
Jans have chosen to do virtually anything and everything from community service and travel, to outdoor adventures and full-time work. Many students have chosen to pursue credit-bearing opportunities at an accredited institution for purposes of earning transfer credit that will allow them to graduate after three-and-a-half years at Hamilton. Other students have used AP credit and/or summer coursework to make on-time graduation possible.
Contact
Office of Admission
“While everyone else was at college, I had the chance to slow down. It was the first time in my life where I was truly on my own page and independent of everyone else.
Frequently Asked Questions about January Admission
No. Jans have explored many alternatives over the years and their experiences have been as varied as their interests. Some engage in internships, volunteer work, outdoor exploration, or paid employment. Please note that you will need regular internet access throughout the fall to receive important communications from Hamilton and register for spring classes. If your preferred fall experience will take you away from internet connectivity for long stretches of time, contact Anne Riffle (ariffle@hamilton.edu) in the Registrar’s Office to discuss how it will impact your pre-arrival process.
Most Jans earn transfer credit by taking courses at accredited colleges or universities in the US or by participating in a study abroad program such as the Arcadia Fall in London program, the School for Field Studies, or others that earn transferrable credit. Information relating to how credit might transfer (as well as a list of programs past Jans have been involved in) can be found on our Jan Courses and Credit webpage.
A detailed listing of what courses are offered and how their credit would apply at Hamilton is available here. Specific questions can be referred to Anne Riffle (ariffle@hamilton.edu) in our Registrar’s Office.
Jans who apply for financial aid will be notified of their eligibility at the time of admission. Those who are eligible for financial aid will receive prorated awards covering the spring semester for which you will be enrolled at Hamilton. Should you choose to participate in a fall semester experience at one of our partner programs or elsewhere, you would be responsible for all program fees to be paid directly to that program. Some of these programs offer financial assistance, and you should feel free to be in touch with them directly to explore your options.
For questions regarding Hamilton College financial aid, please contact our Financial Aid office at finaid@hamilton.edu.
Housing is guaranteed for all students, including Jans. The Office of Community Living attempts to place January students in close proximity to each other and tries to be responsive to housing requests (such as preferred roommates) from the Jans.
January admits complete an online advising tour in the fall, which asks them to choose 12 priority courses they want to take in the spring. The registrar’s office uses the list of priority courses to assign each student a schedule of four classes. Based on course selection, advisor assignments are made. Students find out their class schedules and their advisor assignment in early January. If necessary, students have an opportunity to make schedule changes.
Niki Barron '02, associate dean of admission, will serve as your liaison as you make your decision about January admission. Please contact her with any additional questions by phone at 1-800-843-2655 or email at nbarron@hamilton.edu. If you would like to connect with a Hamilton Jan or have specific questions regarding a particular aspect of the January Admission program, please refer to the contacts listed below.
January Admission Contacts
Contact Niki with any questions about Hamilton's January admission program.
Paige spent her fall semester traveling, working, and volunteering.
Lev participated in one of our partner programs as his fall experience before coming to Hamilton.
Seth attended the Arcadia Fall in London program.
Contact Anne with general questions about transferring credits.
Contact Adam with general academic advising questions.
Contact Tessa Chefalo regarding any questions about the orientation program, First-Year Experience Program, and Jan mentoring program.
Contact Kelley Paduano with questions about housing and living at Hamilton.
Contact Program Advisor Bre Scott about studying in London.
Contact Devin Foxall about studying abroad through the School for Field Studies.