<p>I am a rising senior and Pomona is currently my top choice for college. Everything I've read and heard about Pomona seems positive: the student life, academics, campus, and athletics. My question is about the PP athletic program, and even more specifically about the men's swimming program. Basically, I was wondering how much power Pomona coaches have to influence the admissions department and "push" an application through (obviously if anyone has any information specific to the swim team that would be wonderful, but generalities are great too). I have competitive, but not out-of-this-world, scores and grades; without swimming Pomona would be a reach school. I've heard that in general Pomona doesn't give much weight to a coach's recruitment, is this true?
Any input is greatly greatly appreciated!!</p>
<p>I have no inside scoop on recruiting at Pomona. But, I’ll tell you about my friend’s son. In his sport he had Divsion I talent (recruited by Division I schools). But, he wanted to go to one of the Claremont Colleges, Pomona if possible. He had a 3.8 GPA and a 33 on the ACT. The coach was not able to get him by admissions at Pomona. He ended up at Pitzer (where he as been very happy). So, I’d say from that one example, that coaches have a pretty minor impact. Good luck to you.</p>
<p>Athletics didn’t seem to help much in the past, but there are some indications that Pomona is now giving some credit to folks who can be both an elite student and an elite athlete. Definitely contact the coach. FWIW, Pitzer can no longer be considered the “safety” of the 5Cs. Its acceptance rate is under 16%, its acceptance decisions are a bit unpredictable, and like the son of thirdelement’s friend, the students there seem to be top-notch and very happy.</p>
<p>I’ve also heard that Pomona is starting to put more of a focus on athlete-scholars, does anyone know if this is becoming a full fledged policy or just a stronger factor to consider during admissions? Thanks btw!
Also do we think that the new Forbes list will lower the acceptance rate? I’m just thinking of all the parents who’ve pushed their kids to get impeccable grades and NEED their kids to apply to a top school. It’s all just so scary, especially because Pomona is such a dream school for me</p>
<p>I have some recent experience here. From talking to one of the coaches last year, it seems that Pomona is waking up to the fact that it is regularly losing top scholar/athletes to the Ivies and other top DIII programs (NESCAC) because it’s processes for recruiting are both rigid and opaque in comparison to peers. Many of the other top schools and conferences have clear policies on recruitment and methods for giving potential applicants comfort when they apply early that they will be accepted. Of course, this doesn’t work all the time and there are exceptions (which you can read about on CC), but it’s the general rule that these processes work for the vast majority of scholar athletes when there is a “slot” offered or a likely letter. Pomona is starting to have “pre-reads” for some athletes who meet a minimum bar for recruitment, which is a positive step. At the same time, like the poster above, I know of at least one kid with similarly high stats who was told he/she passed the pre-read and then was wait listed. Outcomes like this totally undermine the process at Pomona and I think will continue to put Pomona at a relative disadvantage in getting the top scholar/athletes to apply except for those few who are willing to roll the dice with the process or simply don’t know that other schools offer a better route. Sorry this is a bit discouraging. I recommend that you do everything you can to get clarity from Pomona, but also cast a wide net in your search and talk to other schools/coaches.</p>
<p>Have recent experience with Pomona coaches. Agree that currently there is no “slot” system like the NESCACs have. However, the coaches will submit recruits’ records for admissions pre-reads (review of transcript, test scores and senior class schedule). Pre-reads can indicate likely to be admitted, unlikely to be admitted, or that Admissions is not ready to make decision (needs to see the whole application, e.g., essays and recommendation letters). Admissions will look at specific class schedule to determine if the recruit’s course load has been rigorous, including senior year schedule. S had similarly high stats as posted below and senior schedule included all APs/honors. Coaches strongly urged S to apply ED, and continued to communicate with S after he submitted his app. Turned out OK for S, but yes, it was scary.</p>
<p>I’m a football recruit at Pomona and have a 30 ACT, 4.0 UW GPA and #1 in my class. My recruiting coach pretty much told me that it would be good enough to get me in with that.</p>
<p>Be careful, owenmoore. Others have been in your position with better scores and not been admitted. Such words from coaches mean very little. Only the Admissions department can decide and even they have been unreliable in their pre-reads. Have a back up plan.</p>
<p>I know of two recruits to Pitzer who were helped by the coach and one to Pomona. I was told if the grades/scores matched those of admitted students and athlete is wanted, then it will be a go. But grades/scores are the prerequisite.</p>
<p>Many LACs and Div III universities will admit only those student-athletes who have demonstrated that they can successfully negotiate the curriculum, e.g., GPAs, test scores. Remember that those schools aim for a high graduation rate.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Late to this discussion but with first hand information on the process. My daughter was recently offered “early read” at Pomona as outlined by PomKid 95. Her prospective coach indicated that he only had limited number of pre-reads to take to admissions and that those were generally reserved for those student athletes that would enhance the program. Needless to say, the student also has to have an impressive academic transcript and test scores that meet the acceptable range of admitted students. Fortunately for my daughter, she received a “likely to be admitted” read and was highly encouraged to apply E.D. While it is not a guarantee of acceptance, we were advised that admissions is not interested in reversing early reads except in exceptional circumstances like a student getting arrested or taking their senior year off. Now, I can only hope the financial aid package will be enough to make attendance possible for our family.</p>
<p>mundey,</p>
<p>Thank you for sharing.
I am looking forward to hearing the good news from you. Best of luck to your daughter.</p>
<p>D was accepted and we are elated/relieved. As I’m self-employed, the next unknown is what kind of financial aid D will get. I hope what I can pay and what Pomona believes I can pay are in the same ball park. Thanks for your interest!</p>
<p>@ADreee I’m going applying ED1 and looking to swim there too. The coach told me that if you’re on the list then you have a better chance in getting in. Did you go to the recruiting trip?</p>
<p>Yes, we visited campus and met with coach in August and D took recruiting visit in October. D Also took recruiting trips to Emory, UChicago and CMC. PP swim is on the rise!</p>
<p>We had a similar experience as outlined by mundey61, however as I was concerned about cost the coach arranged for a call with financial aid office to address our worries. With the positive feed back from the pre-read and attractive aid package my daughter applied ED1. She was accepted and the financial aid package matched what we had discussed. I was impressed with the timely, professional and caring attitude we experienced with the coaches and administration.</p>
<p>Daughter was an athletic recruit and submitted the guts of her application to admissions around this time last year. Got positive feedback and went on her visit. Loved the school applied ED1, got in. Listen to what the coach has to say in terms of feedback on academic stats. They don’t want to waste anyone’s time so they are honest to the students. </p>
<p>How long does the early-read usually take?</p>
<p>Submitted in July heard back in early September.</p>
<p>Your coach will get the results on september 1st</p>