Claremont McKenna vs Pomona for the PPE Major (Poli Sci/Philosophy/Economics)

<p>Which school would be best for a student looking to take this route as an undergrad. Both schools offer the program but I am still contemplating which would be best for me. If I am not mistaken, Claremont seems to be stronger in the social sciences, which is the route that I hope to take. Any input, alumni?</p>

<p>I’m interested in PPE as well but I’m applying ED to Claremont McKenna because I prefer the emphasis on economics. I’m sure both schools have similar programs and the differences will be negligible so perhaps it would be better for you to try to figure out which school is a better fit for you</p>

<p>Apples and oranges, my friends. Pomona’s PPE program is more or less a major consisting of a certain number of philosophy, politics, and economics classes. CMC’s, however, is modeled after the original program at Oxford. A very selective major, only 12-14 students in each class are chosen to be PPE majors. Each semester the group participates in a seminar/tutorial program for a specific subject. Generally sophomore spring is philosophy, junior spring is government, and senior fall is economics (junior fall is left open for study abroad, the DC/Silicon Valley programs, etc). With a once-a-week seminar structured around group discussion and a once-a-week tutorial (either one-on-one or two-on-one) with the professor, PPE students are required to fully integrate the three subjects and understand the intersections between them. Paul Hurley, one of CMC’s most lauded philosophy professors, actually left Pomona to spearhead CMC’s PPE program in the 1990’s. Read more about CMC’s program here: [Claremont</a> McKenna College](<a href=“http://www.cmc.edu/ppe/]Claremont”>http://www.cmc.edu/ppe/) and Pomona’s here: [Philosophy</a>, Politics and Economics - Pomona College](<a href=“http://www.pomona.edu/academics/departments/philosophy-politics-economics/]Philosophy”>Philosophy, Politics and Economics Program | Pomona College in Claremont, California - Pomona College)</p>

<p>Thanks to both of you! CMCstudent206, are you a PPE major at CMC?</p>

<p>I would also like to chime in regarding CMC’s PPE program. While Pomona College does have PPE, it is essentially a triple minor in philosophy, politics, and economics. However, PPE is a ** completely ** different being at Claremont McKenna. It is highly based on seminars and tutorials, and takes a much more intensive look into the three subjects. As CMCstudent206 mentioned, it is modeled after Oxford’s PPE program. </p>

<p>What is more important, with regards to deciding between Pomona and CMC, is where you could actually see yourself going. If you visit the campuses, you will find that each school attracts a very specific type. Pomona tends to gravitate more towards the purely intellectual, while CMC definitely places an emphasis on professionalism and success in government/business. As such, the kids who make up the two schools can be vastly different in attitude, personality, and goals. I would advise you to visit both campuses to decide where you think you would fit in best. </p>

<p>Both schools are highly competitive, with CMC’s acceptance rate being 12.4% and Pomona’s 12.8%. Decide which school you think would be best suited towards your college desires and plans, and go for it!</p>