<p>^^^the acceptance rates are almost indistinguishable. I’m saying that Claremont might more closely align with your strengths in politics, history, and English and that you might find at Claremont more like-minded students. If you’re not restricted in number of apps, maybe CM could be one. I think the strengths of the consortium outweigh the benefits of almost any one LAC or small uni, and so it might be worth it to apply to two schools. Your strength in English will appeal to Pomona, and if you write a fantastic essay…</p>
<p>As for your chances, they are the same as everyone else’s: slim and next to none. I can only go on what I have in front of me, and I could be wrong about whether or not you’d get into an ivy with a 32. I watched carefully a couple of almost-ivies this year, and one of them seemed to cut off at 33, as in next to nobody got in RD without a 33. I’m suggesting that applying to the ivies has become so competitive that unless your ECs include something no other 18yo has done then the toughest ivies are out of reach. If you come back with a 1540 in October, you’re still going to need those ECs and a great essay and recs. </p>