Columbia vs Brown vs Pomona

College Search & Selection
1

I’m currently undecided about my major, but I’m interested in econ/public policy. Specifically, I’m interested in getting a job straight out of undergrad without having to go to grad school. Brown’s financial aid package was pretty bad; it’d be at the very upper limit of what my family could pay and I might have to take out some loans, whereas Columbia is quite affordable. Pomona is also quite expensive, although not as expensive as Brown. I will appeal financial aid, but am currently assuming that the price of these three schools will not change.

I love Brown and Pomona’s more laid-back atmosphere, and dislike Columbia’s lack of community and high-stress atmosphere. Columbia’s location in New York is a major plus for me, and I’m worried about Pomona’s strong focus on getting kids into graduate school. Although I’d prefer a more open curriculum, the Columbia Core is not a major drawback for me; I enjoy reading and learning about a wide variety of subjects.

Could anyone give insight into which school would be the best option?

2

Seems like you applied to the wrong schools based on your interests, likes & dislikes. For example, why not Claremont McKenna College ?

3

@Publisher I actually did consider claremont mckenna, but because I’m prone to changing my mind and am not 100% set on a career path, I wanted to go to a school with more options in terms of classes and majors.

4

Columbia due to COA.

5

I’m a little confused by your affinity for New York City and dismay at Columbia’s “lack of community and high stress atmosphere.” One is a reflection of the other, don’t you think?

6

Congratulations on some great acceptances - you really do have a tough decision! I’d choose between Brown & Columbia in order to keep your East Coast job options open. Try for the FA appeal at Brown and see what happens. If Columbia is still the most economical, then go there. If the $ ends up being equal between Brown/Columbia, then come back to us and ask again :wink:

7

I think fit matters more than $$ so I’d choose Brown.