A straight answer: 13.6% acceptance rate.
This means for every 100 applicants, only 14 actually get in. No guessing. Hamilton College is a 4YEAR institution located in Clinton, NY — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.
Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)
Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:
Men
Women
If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.
Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters
This is where the reality hits:
Yield Rate: N/A
This shows how many admitted students choose Hamilton College. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.
What Scores Do You Need?
If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.
Understanding the Acceptance Rate at Hamilton College Beyond the Headline
The acceptance rate at Hamilton College is often treated as a shortcut for admissions difficulty. Students see the number, compare it to other schools, and assume it directly answers how likely they are to get in. In reality, acceptance rates are summaries, not personalized indicators—and that distinction matters.
An acceptance rate of 13.6% reflects how many applicants were admitted overall, not how admissions decisions are made for individual students. It blends together applicants with different academic goals, preparation levels, and reasons for applying, which makes it useful for context but limited for prediction.
What Influences Acceptance Rates at Hamilton College
One of the biggest drivers behind acceptance rates is applicant behavior. When a university attracts a high volume of applications—including many from students who apply broadly or experimentally—the acceptance rate can rise without any change in academic expectations.
At Hamilton College, demand can also vary by program. Some majors receive far more applications than available seats, while others are intentionally designed to remain accessible. This means the real level of competition depends heavily on what a student plans to study, not just the university as a whole.
Using Acceptance Rate Data the Smart Way
Instead of asking whether Hamilton College is “easy” or “hard” to get into, applicants should use acceptance rate data as a framing tool. It helps categorize schools and set expectations, but it doesn’t replace understanding fit.
Students who approach the acceptance rate at Hamilton College as one piece of a larger picture—alongside academic preparation and program alignment—tend to make better, more confident application decisions.
Admissions Insight
Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?
Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.
Your Chances of Getting Into Hamilton College
Let’s keep it real:
- ✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
- 🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
- ❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles
If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.
What's my real shot?
Acceptance Odds Estimator
Estimate your admission probability at Hamilton College based on your unique profile.
Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.
Try Right Fit MatcherHow Students Should Use Admissions Information Going Forward
After reviewing admissions data, many students feel pressure to draw firm conclusions. But college admissions rarely reward certainty — they reward preparation and thoughtful decision-making.
Admissions outcomes are influenced by shifting factors: applicant interest, program capacity, and institutional priorities. That’s why the same university can feel approachable to one student and competitive to another.
Turning Research into Strategy
The best applicants use admissions information to shape their approach, not limit their options. They ask where they are competitive, where they may need stronger positioning, and how each school fits into their overall goals.
If Hamilton College aligns with your academic direction and expectations, then admissions data should help you plan — not second-guess yourself. Strategy, not speculation, leads to better outcomes.
Should You Apply to Hamilton College?
If 13.6% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.
- Will I be a standout here?
- Do I like the vibe?
- Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
- Is this my best-fit major here?
Explore Hamilton College
Jump to related stats for this same university.
FAQs About Hamilton College Acceptance Rate
What does test-optional mean for Hamilton applicants?
Test-optional means you may choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you submit scores, they will be considered alongside the rest of your application; if you do not, admissions will emphasize transcripts, essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars.
How important are essays and recommendations?
Essays and recommendations are very important, especially under test-optional review. Essays should convey intellectual curiosity and fit with a liberal-arts education, while recommendations should highlight academic readiness and personal qualities.
Which programs is Hamilton strongest in?
Hamilton is strongest in liberal-arts disciplines with notable programs in writing, social sciences, languages, and interdisciplinary studies. Students benefit from individualized faculty attention and opportunities for independent research or off-campus study.
Are interviews required or recommended?
Interviews are not required. If available, an interview can be an opportunity to demonstrate interest and discuss academic motivations, but the rest of the application remains the primary basis for evaluation.
Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual
Hamilton College isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.
Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.
Unlock Your Best Shot with Orbit
Everything you need to maximize your college application success
