Hamilton College is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious liberal arts institutions in the United States, celebrated for its rigorous academic programs and dedication to fostering well-rounded, socially responsible graduates. Nestled in Clinton, New York, the college prides itself on creating an environment that emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and a deep commitment to lifelong learning.

The admissions process at Hamilton is highly selective, reflecting the college’s commitment to maintaining an intellectually vibrant and diverse student body. Applicants are evaluated holistically, with significant weight placed on academic excellence, standardized test scores, extracurricular achievements, and personal qualities. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the SAT, ACT, and GPA requirements to help prospective students navigate the admissions process and understand what it takes to become part of Hamilton’s exceptional academic community.

Hamilton College Admissions Requirements 

The holistic admissions process at Hamilton University allows the review of every piece of an applicant's profile. Other components aside from scores in the SAT or ACT contribute to making a successful application. A compelling essay is essential as it provides an applicant's values and goals, as well as letters of recommendation that would speak to an applicant's strength in terms of good relationships with mentors or educators. Extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, initiative, and long-term commitment can be added to the application. Furthermore, an optional interview gives applicants the opportunity to speak more about their personal achievements and aspirations, thus further showing their potential fit for the university.

Requirements	Details
Application Platform	Hamilton Online Application Portal
SAT Scores	1140-1300
ACT Scores	25-30
GPA Requirement	Minimum 2.5 (Preferred)
Personal Essay	Required (Demonstrating Motivation & Goals)
Professional Experience	Recommended for Certain Programs
Application Fee	No Application Fee

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Hamilton University SAT Scores Requirements

A competitive Hamilton University SAT scores, with the middle 50% of admitted students scoring between 1430–1520. Students aiming for the higher end of this range significantly enhance their chances of admission.

Hamilton University Average SAT Scores Requirements

Hamilton College values standardized tests as a reflection of an applicant’s academic abilities but also considers them as part of a holistic review process. Submitting strong Hamilton University SAT scores can complement an outstanding GPA and bolster an application.

• Reading and Writing: 700–770
• Math: 710–780

Hamilton University SAT Scores Distribution 

Hamilton College maintains a competitive admissions process where SAT scores play a significant role in evaluating an applicant’s academic readiness. Here's the Hamilton University SAT scores distribution for students admitted to the institution:

This score range reflects the middle 50% of admitted students. Applicants with scores within or above this range demonstrate a strong level of preparedness for the college’s rigorous academic environment. However, the college takes a holistic approach, so test scores are evaluated alongside other aspects of the application.

Hamilton University Schools/ Programs That Uses SAT Scores

In the holistic admissions process at Hamilton College, SAT scores are considered. While not used as the only factor in determining student readiness for rigorous coursework, Hamilton University SAT scores are reviewed by a variety of academic departments to determine a student's readiness for academic rigor. The following areas may specifically use SAT scores in the admissions process:

• Sciences
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Interdisciplinary Studies

Must Read How to Prepare for Both SAT and ACT? 

Hamilton College ACT Requirements

The ACT score range for admitted students is equally competitive, falling between 32–35 for the middle 50%. Like the SAT, ACT scores are considered within the broader context of an applicant’s overall profile, which includes academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal essays.

Hamilton College ACT Scores Distribution

Hamilton College takes into account the ACT scores as part of its holistic admissions process. For the middle 50 percent of students admitted, composite ACT scores range from 32–35, showing exceptional academic ability and preparedness for college-level coursework. Such a range only illustrates how competitive the applicant pool is for Hamilton, while the college considers scores together with GPA, essays, and other extracurricular activities.

ACT Composite Range:

• Middle 50%: 32–35

Also Read: SAT Sections

Hamilton College GPA Requirements

Hamilton University places significant emphasis on a strong GPA, with the majority of admitted students achieving a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Students with GPAs in lower ranges may still be considered if they demonstrate exceptional potential through other aspects of their application, such as test scores, essays, or extracurricular accomplishments.

GPA Distribution of Admitted Students

Academic excellence is one of the major emphasis at Hamilton College as portrayed in the admitted students' GPA distribution. The successful applicants' majority has a GPA of 3.75 or above, thus exhibiting an excellent academic performance. Students with GPAs in the range of 3.50–3.74 are a minimum number of those admitted, while a rare few with GPAs below 3.50 are admitted. This emphasizes that the college is rigorous academically and its admission process is highly selective.

Also Read About SAT vs ACT Here!

Hamilton University Acceptance Rate

With an acceptance rate of 12%, Hamilton University is highly selective. This means that prospective students need to present a compelling application, including strong test scores, a high GPA, and impactful extracurricular involvement.

Total Applicants	9,643
Admitted	1,135
Enrolled	462

Conclusion

Hamilton University’s admissions process is among the most rigorous in the country, with applicants required to demonstrate exceptional academic performance and well-roundedness. To secure a place at Hamilton, students should aim for top-tier SAT or ACT scores, maintain a high GPA, and craft an application that showcases their individuality and potential to contribute meaningfully to the university community.

Check Colleges Accepting Low ACT Score

College Name	ACT Score	SAT Score
Clark Atlanta University	17–20*	860–1053*
Keiser University	15–21*	Not available*
Barry University	16–20*	860–1062*
Texas Southern University	15–19*	820–980*
Tennessee State University	16–21*	890–1080*

Colleges That Accept 1200 Score In SAT

University	ACT Score	SAT Score
University of Arizona	21–28*	1110–1290*
Sam Houston State University Admissions	19–25*	950–1130*
Oakland University Admissions	20–27*	900–1150*
University Of North Florida Admissions	20–26*	1010–1200*
Wayne State University Admissions	21–27*	940–1200*
Kean University Admissions	16–25*	910–1150*
Eastern Michigan University Admissions	18–26*	910–1150*
Lamar University Admissions	18–24*	910–1120*
Radford University Admissions	19–26*	950–1150*
Grand Valley State University Admissions	21–28*	950–1180*
Central Connecticut State University Admissions	16–27*	925–1140*