<p>santeria, that’s how i feel too! but as an east coaster, i think it’d be more practical for me to go to Amherst.</p>
<p>I agree :P</p>
<p>Haha, GA2012MOM. My loyalties lie with Smith (but I still love Amherst!) 
And I imagine I’ll be at Amherst fairly often - can’t wait to spend some time with your D! :D</p>
<p>Santeria;
It really depends on what you want. I have a friend who was between Pomona and Amherst. He got into both, and I think Amherst gave him a better package. He ended up chosing Pomona. They’re basically the same (5 college consortium, LAC, etc.) but he really loved the weather there and he just cannot say enough about how much he loves Pomona. Can you try visiting both to see which you would see yourself in?</p>
<p>My first year at Amherst, I spoke to a senior who had been deliberating between Amherst and Pomona. He’s a California native, and to him Amherst’s better reputation and overall academic strength swayed him. For him, an individual, it was no contest. Perhaps he hadn’t been as well-informed as most CCers, or maybe he was oversimplifying. </p>
<p>Ultimately it comes down to individual preference, and the mature personal assessment of one’s own needs and wants.</p>
<p>I disagree that Pomona and Amherst are “basically the same.” The quality of classroom experience and professors is immeasurable, but the Claremont Consortium is more intimate and integrated, both academically and socially, if only because of the physical proximity shared by the member schools, and this arguably offers a superior overall undergrad experience. Weather is important, frankly. Anyone who has experienced both the West Coast and New England climates appreciates why.</p>
<p>Again, as I’ve said, individual wants and needs.</p>
<p>I have visited both. I’m leaning toward Pomona right now. I would be perfectly happy to get into either though.</p>
<p>kwu;
I think you over analyzed what I meant when I said they were “basically the same.” Of course no two colleges are alike in terms of academics and social aspects. I meant when comparing the overlying aspects of both - the fact that they are in a 5 college consortium and the fact that they are both LACs - it is evident that they display a great deal of similarities. </p>
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<p>Santeria, one step at a time. Apply to both first, write kick ass essays and then assess financial aid, your wants, distance, etc. GOOD LUCK! :D</p>
<p>(Oh, and then apply to Smith and Scripps 
)</p>
<p>Well, I’m not a girl, so Smith and Scripps aren’t really on my radar :P.</p>
<p>Add my username!</p>
<p>Apply for kicks. I guarantee you’ll get accepted. ;)</p>
<p>how are Middlebury and Swarthmore? I’m still looking into them.</p>
<p>I was between Middlebury and Amherst a few months ago, and when I visited both, I got a very positive vibe from Amherst that just wasn’t the same at Midd. They’re obviously both strong academically so the only reason to choose one over the other is personal fit. Small town or middle of nowhere/really, really small town? (I will throw in that Amherst is close many small cities as well as a 2-hour drive from Boston… this could be a pro or a con for you.) 1600 students or 2400 students? Charming red brick buildings surrounded by trees or modern architecture and vast expanses of grassy slopes?</p>
<p>Well if I grow my hair out, shave, and become an ardent feminist, it could work</p>
<p>:O</p>
<p>I take offense to that statement… :(</p>
<p>Wait nevermind…I thought you wrote “DON’T shave.” I was about to say… Haha.</p>
<p>Smith ROCKS!!! Excellent education. Professors really care about your learning experience. Women are smart, funny, and interesting. I had to choose between Smith and Cornell, and Ithaca was such a turn off. I’m glad I chose Smith.</p>