@happy1 That’s something that bothers me. The US has strict visa policy for foreign students looking for a job in the country (CPT, OPT, and the notorious H1B, where you get the right to work by drawing lottery). I am kind of worried if Pomona is well-known enough outside of the country (or even the state), although it offers great job opportunities thanks to 5C.
Thank you all so much for replying to this post. As to answer some other questions, I am considering Columbia and Pomona over the others primarily based on academics, location, peer quality (I judge from Facebook & groupme although that might not be representative enough), livability, and conversation with current students. Swarthmore, Duke, and UChicago are also great schools and I am truly grateful and honored to be admitted.
I just found out today that I have been named one of the John Jay Scholars in Columbia’s Class of 2020, which is an honor program that provides exclusive academic, social, financial, and career resources. It’s like 20-30 students out of 1100+ in CC every year are selected according to wikiCU. This is really tempting…
As noted above, I’d give Columbia the edge for an international student and the honors program would pretty much seal the deal for me.
Are you named as anything for Pomona, if not, it is a no brainer, Columbia. Being named something goes on your Resume and stays there.
I also got John Jay and was told from a current John Jay student that it really didn’t add much to the experience. Yes, you get easier access to research and speakers but it’s really easy (probably easier) to get research at Pomona. It shouldn’t be a big distinguishing factor. Some students get extra grant aid (I didn’t). This may not be true as of now. I’d avoid falling for what is said and seek out concrete understanding of the benefits offered.
Lastly, no matter what anyone says here, it is really important to visit the two schools if you can. They are completely different from each other. You can read all the information and opinions you want, but until you actually settle down at the institution and get a sense of it, you will be removed from your own experience. I’d especially recommend seeking out international students at both schools and getting their honest feedback.
Based on the priorities you have expressed thus far, Columbia.
Columbia and Duke probably have the best placement. Duke is a much more traditional college campus. Columbia is in NYC and students are often pretty individualistic. Duke has more “rah rah” school spirit. As an international, you should consider going to Duke to get the quintessential college experience.
Duke grads do make more money than Columbia grads. That is a fact. You can attribute the disparity to any number of things (it’s possible that more Columbia grads go into academia for example) but the disparity exists and no one can dispute the facts.
Duke - $76,700
Columbia - $72,900
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?198419-Duke-University
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?190150-Columbia-University-in-the-City-of-New-York
^ This is data from the federal government.
Do you want to live in NY or California after you graduate?
@SeekingPam said:
I just want to note that I am not aware of anyone being “named” for anything as a Pomona admittee unless you count Questbridge Scholars. Pomona is a small school and according to my D, they try to put everyone on a level playing field as a freshman. You were good enough to get in so you are as good as everyone else. It doesn’t reflect any lack of regard for the OP, it’s just a different approach to the admitted freshman class by a small, highly selective LAC.
What the OP would be named at Pomona College is “Pomona student.” For a school of that size, that’s what is to be expected.
I cannot comment on Pomona since I do not really know it, which is why I ASKED the question. I personally think for any top 20 school there should not be these special designations. However, if you happen to get one, it is something that someone looking at your resume in X years will see. That even with Columbia’s sub 10% admission rate, YOU were designated for something additional. As to whether it adds anything to the experience, I have no idea. Someone else posted about that already.
COLUMBIA. If job opportunities/internships is one of your major concerns there isn’t even a contest. Columbia literally has one of the best connections/networking of any school.