What is Hampden-Sydney Known for?
Founded in 1775, Hampden-Sydney is the tenth oldest college in the country and the second
oldest in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The College is known for its Honor Code, which states that students will not lie, cheat,
steal, or tolerate those who do. It is because of this Honor Code that students feel free to leave bags and books unattended in
the library or the cafeteria. Because professors trust their students, professors will rarely proctor an exam, choosing instead
to attend to other items in their office while students complete an exam. Hampden-Sydney is also known for its Rhetoric Program,
which is a reflection of the mission articulated by the school’s first President, Samuel Stanhope Smith. Smith, a Valedictorian
of Princeton University, aimed to model Hampden-Sydney after his alma mater, but with a “greater emphasis upon the cultivation of
the English language than is usually done in places of public education.” Smith’s goal lives on today as all Hampden-Sydney
men learn to express themselves grammatically and persuasively in both writing and speech.
How can I increase my chances of being accepted?
The Admissions Office seeks candidates who have demonstrated aptitude in the classroom through a series of rigorous
classes. Young men who have excelled outside their studies also present attractive qualities to Admissions Officers. Hampden-Sydney counts among
its student body Eagle Scouts, athletes, entrepreneurs, dedicated volunteers and even a professional speed boat racer. The Admissions Office
encourages prospective students to visit the College and speak with an Admissions Counselor. Interviews give prospective students a distinctive
opportunity to convey their personalities and the qualities which are difficult to express through an application.
Are there any specific classes I should take before entering Hampden-Sydney?
Prospective students should have mastered a solid college-preparatory
program, including at least four units of English, two units of one foreign language, three units of mathematics
(including Algebra I, II, and Geometry), two units of natural science (one of which must be a laboratory course),
and one unit of social science. In addition, a third unit of foreign language and a fourth unit of mathematics
are recommended. The records of successful applicants often include impressive school and community extracurricular
activities.
What types of scholarships does the school offer?
Hampden-Sydney evaluates every applicant’s merit for academic based scholarship awards.
The College recently increased the size of monetary awards for honors scholars. Some honors scholarships were increased by as much
as 67%. For a full list of scholarships and requisite academic performance, please see the Financial Aid webpage. The top level
of scholarship covers nearly all of tuition. For the 2009-10 school year, 95% of students received aid totaling over $12.7 million.
The average financial aid package per student was $25,187 including scholarships, loans and work-study. Total charges for the school
year were $40,578.
What’s it like going to an all-male school?
Most Hampden-Sydney men will admit that when they first heard the school was an all-male college, they quickly decided the school
was not for them. However, upon reconsideration and after a campus visit, those same skeptics became intrigued by the advantages of
a single-sex education. A single-sex classroom removes social pressures and encourages lively debate amongst students and professors.
Many students report that it is much easier to develop efficient study skills at Hampden-Sydney than it is at a larger, co-ed institution.
Moreover, graduates enjoy becoming a part of the loyal alumni base which actively supports students who seeking career advice.
How is the food in the cafeteria?
The school recently remodeled its cafeteria to expand
the variety and improve the quality of the cafeteria’s cuisine. Some of the notable additions to the kitchen include
a fire brick oven, a fresh orange juice squeezer and an open hibachi grill. If students prefer an alternative to the
cafeteria, they may walk down a flight of stairs to the Tiger Inn, which has a full menu of breakfast sandwiches in
the morning and an array of salads, burgers, pizzas, wraps and sandwiches from lunchtime until late night.
I hear there is a lot to do at Hampden-Sydney. Is that true?
Hampden-Sydney students have the option of joining more than 70 clubs and organizations run by Hampden-Sydney students.
These clubs range from debate to competitive sports teams and cover all the ground in between. In addition to these clubs and
organizations, 25% of Hampden-Sydney students participate in intercollegiate athletics and a combined 95% of students participate
in intercollegiate, club or intramural athletics. The College is home to ten social and one professional fraternity that offer
many opportunities for social expansion on the weekends. One of the best features of Hampden-Sydney is the College's ability to
adjust to the needs of the students. If you are interested in something that you don't see listed as one of our established clubs
and organizations, you will be encouraged to start a new organization to meet that need.
I like to hunt and fish. Is there any way to do that at Hampden-Sydney College?
Hampden-Sydney is located in the middle of Southside Virginia – home to some of the best turkey and deer hunting
on the east coast. Hampden-Sydney's 1,330 acre campus has three small lakes stocked with bass and other assorted game fish. For those who seek a larger
challenge, the area around campus has copious hunting and fishing options.
Briery Creek is located 5 minutes to the south and is home not only to some of the best largemouth bass fishing in the nation, but also offers students the
opportunity to hunt deer, duck, dove, and turkey.
Sandy River Reservoir, about 15 minutes from campus, offers additional opportunities for fishing. Many H-SC students are members of local hunt clubs
and will invite non-member students to participate in club outings. Also, some local farmers give students hunting rights in exchange for occasional help with
various jobs on the farm.
That sounds like a lot of hunting and fishing. Does that mean I can keep my rifle in my room?
Although the College gives its students a lot of trust and responsibility, it doesn't go quite that far;
however, students are allowed to keep bows, rifles, and shotguns on campus in our gun locker. Handguns are prohibited on campus. The gun locker is located
in the basement of Carpenter Y, and is open only to students who have a weapon stored in it. All firearms on campus are required to be stored in the gun
locker, and not in students’ rooms or vehicles. The convenient location of the gun locker allows access even for the earliest morning hunts.
I'm a well-rounded guy. Will I be able to explore all my interests at Hampden-Sydney?
As mentioned earlier, the College has
clubs and activities that fit most of the needs of the student body, but the
opportunities for involvement don't stop there. In addition to those groups,
the College is governed by the student-led Honor System and by the Student
Senate. Members of each class have the opportunity to run for office and make a
positive impact on the College. The College Activities Committee is also
comprised of elected members of each class and chooses campus-wide activities in
addition to the College's famous Homecoming and Greek Week concerts. For those
desiring to serve beyond the Gates,
The Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest provides leadership
training through classes, guest speakers and peer debates. Graduates of the
Wilson Center can receive a minor in Public Service.
