January Admission Explained

Congratulations on being offered a spot in Hamilton’s “Jan” class. The following information may be helpful as you consider the opportunity to participate in Hamilton’s January Admission Program.

• Hamilton welcomes approximately 40-45 new first-year students each January. Because a large percentage of Hamilton students study abroad or away during the spring of their junior year, we typically have space available to offer January admission to qualified students whom we would not be able to accommodate in the fall.
• After determining who will be offered fall admission (based on the number of available spots in the class), the admission committee is able to offer admission to several dozen more candidates whose academic and personal qualifications are strong and compelling, and whose demonstrated independence and intellectual curiosity lead us to believe they will make good use of the fall semester.
• Hamilton “Jans” have done virtually anything and everything in the fall, from community service and travel to outdoor adventures and full-time work. Many students pursue credit-bearing opportunities at an accredited institution or a partner program and earn transfer credits so they can graduate after three-and-a-half years at Hamilton. Others have used AP credit and summer coursework to make on-time graduation possible. The majority of students who join the Hamilton community in January graduate with the rest of their class. More information about options and partner programs can be found on our website but this will get you started:
  • Arcadia University provides a Fall in London Freshman Program for Hamilton students, with credit-bearing and pre-approved courses. Arcadia offers limited financial aid for this program.
  • Hamilton’s partnership with SEA Education Association is a credit-bearing program tailored to first-year, “gap”-semester students who are seeking a unique and adventurous fall semester experience. SEA offers limited financial aid for this program.
  • Another partner is The School for Field Studies (SFS). This research-intensive program offers field study opportunities with professors, mentors, and researchers who are experts in ecology, environmental policy, resource management and socioeconomics, and in locations that range from the coral reefs of Turks and Caicos to the rain forests throughout the world. The courses are credit-bearing and pre-approved, and the programs have rolling admissions, though space is limited.
  • “Jans” looking to create a unique and personalized fall semester experience are encouraged to consider the Center for Interim Programs, a trusted partner that provides one-on-one counseling for students looking to design a non- credit-bearing gap experience of any length.
• Check out further information on transfer credit and a list of other programs in which Jans have previously participated.

While many students choose — and in some cases prefer — Hamilton’s “Jan” option, we recognize that it isn’t for everyone. For those who are uncertain about this possibility, the admission committee encourages you to compare this offer to other more traditional ones you might receive, and be thoughtful about the decision that is in your best interest. Unless there are extenuating circumstances or enrollment imbalances, “Jans” are not permitted to petition for fall admission or convert this spring admission offer to a fall waitlist spot.

For additional information about January admission, please contact Niki Barron '02, associate dean of admission, at 1-800-843-2655 or nbarron@hamilton.edu.