Clues You Are a Future Hampshire Student

These "Clues You Are a Future Hampshire Student" were created by current Hampshire students and recent graduates. They are intended to highlight the kinds of characteristics that broadly apply to prospective students for whom Hampshire might be a good fit.


 * When the school administration makes a decision you don’t agree with, you’re the one writing editorials for the school newspaper and gathering names on a petition.
 * You always carry a book, notebook, drawing pad, or laptop with you. Everywhere. Just in case.
 * When you see something you admire, you think, “Hey, I could do that.” And then you try.
 * When a teacher gives you an assignment, you ask if there is a different, more creative way in which you could complete it. You consistently find ways to incorporate your “non-academic” interests into your academics.
 * When asked for a book recommendation, you are able to rattle off the names of several recent reads (offering your critique of each).
 * You’re not afraid of having unpopular viewpoints; in fact you welcome debate. You’ve found that conflict can be productive.
 * You’re actively committed to social justice. You don’t just talk about ending world hunger, you volunteer to head a food drive. You want to make a difference. Change the world. Starting with yourself.
 * Your life’s ambition is something that no one else has ever heard of. And you have three of them.
 * When there is a class debate, you show up (without flashcards) and argue passionately and persuasively.
 * You’re disappointed to receive a paper back with no comments other than the common “good job!” You seek out (and respond well to) constructive criticism.
 * You’ve always wanted to learn to ride a unicycle. So you start a unicycling club at your school.
 * You are interested in several seemingly unrelated subjects (maybe physics, philosophy, and music?) You see connections between them. You don’t think you should have to narrow them down to one major in college.
 * If scheduling issues prevent you from taking an interesting course, you create an independent study or find a course in the subject at a local college.
 * You spend long nights in diners, getting free coffee refills and having “philosophical” discussions with your friends (and random strangers).
 * You are the most persuasive person you know. When you want something, you know how to get it. (But you use these powers for good, not evil).
 * You are not satisfied with simply knowing how something is done. You always ask why. You tend to turn mandatory assignments into a personal quest for Truth.
 * You make up new words. You get people to actually use these words.
 * You are willing to take risks—to make new friends, to get your voice heard, to do what you think needs to be done. You are not afraid to get a little loud now and then.
 * You don’t believe there is just one definition of success. You really seem to get that life is bigger than a GPA. Bigger than college even. This is all just leading you towards a satisfying life.