Welcome Hamilton Class of 2009!

The 502 members of Hamilton's Class of 2009 arrive for orientation on Tuesday, Aug. 23. The Class of 2009 is one of -- if not the -- most academically competitive class Hamilton has ever enrolled. The average SAT score for the incoming students is 1347. Seventy percent of the class ranked in the top 10% of their high school class; 87% ranked in the top 20%. This class is also the most diverse on record. Eighteen percent of the incoming first-year students are multi-cultural students from the United States; an additional 5% are international students. This year's incoming class comes from 36 states and 18 countries and 34% come from New York State.

The five-day orientation will include opening ceremonies, an address by Hamilton President Joan Hinde Stewart, advising sessions, academic information sessions as well as a new student-faculty picnic, kickball tournament, a dance party and Big Prize Bingo. On August 26 an annual tradition will continue as members of the Class of 2009 visit the Kirkland Cottage to sign the historic College Register. President Stewart, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty David Paris and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Monica Inzer will be there to greet each student individually.

Returning Hamilton students arrive on Saturday, Aug. 27, and on Sunday, Aug. 29, at 4 p.m. President Stewart will preside over Convocation, marking the official opening of Hamilton's 194th year. Classes begin on August 29.