Nationality: Indian
Applying ED
G. P. A: My school doesn’t give GPA but the percentage is 95-96% (Class rank is 2 in 256)
SAT:1490 (E-700 M-790)
ACT: Taking it on 28 Oct. but I think Pomona won’t accept them
APs:Physics 1-5 Calculus BC-5 Physics C-5 Microeconomics _5
Subject tests: Math 800 Physics 800 Chemistry 800
Extra-curriculars:Run my own organisation that uses funds from recycling to promote sustainable development goals. Raised almost INR 20000 as of now. Donated approximately 3500-4000 books and about 1000 sanitary pads. President of School eco club and quiz club. Vice-president (and Co-Founder) of another organization that plants forests using a scientific manner. Raised about INR 350000. Planted approximately 25000 trees Organised the largest plantation in the history of my city. Wrote a research paper on environmental and financial effects of the plastic ban in my state. Also thinking of writing a research paper on the deteriorating groundwater conditions in India. Also started a fundraiser for the flooding conditions in Kerala and raised INR 100000
Awards- Nil
LORs: One by counselor (Fantastic), One by chemistry teacher (great), and by English teacher (the best as she knew me the best), another by a chemistry prof. at a college where I attended introductory classes. (letter is great but I didn’t get credit for college)
CommonApp essay on how my perception of learning has changed over the years.
Expeceting a 34 or 35 on the ACT =and applying for 40% aid.
Also, I have an app that tracks your carbon footprint
Looks like you have a good chance with high scores and meaningful ECs. In my experience, your essays really count. Make them personal and unique. Show why you would be a good fit for Pomona.
But the problem is that I am a little weak at writing essays. :-/
How are you weak at essays, @HitarthS ? Do you have trouble saying meaningful things about yourself? Many people do. It’s not a skill that you’ve had to practice before now unless you’re a diary writer.
But a fabulous admissions essay is different than a fabulous essay for English class. A great admissions essay is all about topic selection and personal details. Pomona has an essay prompt about your home environment, and you appear to care deeply about the environment from your ECs. Write a love letter to your home and talk about your dreams of improving it. That could be a standout essay.
Yeah thanks. Not exactly a love letter, but could I write a letter of apology to the dead fishes in the pond behind my father’s factory which got dried up?
I mainly face trouble in writing about myself. I am not a great show-not-tell writer.
That sounds like a brilliant idea for an essay. Something that lets you show your better qualities and emotions.
Show not tell is overrated.
Thank you!
@ninakatarina How else could I better my application?
Well, first, don’t look at me as the oracle of all things admissions. My son is also applying to Pomona this year, so I only know as much as I’ve read.
That being said, I will give you the same advice that I gave my son. Google the college’s mission statement. Read it and think about yourself. How do you fit in with that mission, and how would teaching you advance their mission in the world? I can think of several ways, based on what you’ve written here, but this is a question that only you know the true answer to.
Got it! Thanks a lot for the advice ma’am. @ninakatarina