Hello! So I’m having a mental breakdown right now, because I need to decide which school I should apply ED to by 12:00 PM EST on Dec. 4 (This is very urgent lol). I can’t decide between Columbia and Pomona. Below are the options I’m weighing (aka my thoughts regarding each school). They’re in somewhat of an order, with the most important factors at the top.
- MY CHANCES AT ADMISSION. This is the biggest determining factor for me, but I have no idea which school I have a better chance at. I obviously have a lot more competition if I decide to ED to Columbia, but they do pick a lot of first-year students (relatively speaking). On the other hand, I know I'll definitely have less competition for Pomona, especially since I live on the East Coast, but Pomona picks only about 700 first-years. Any insight/thoughts about this would help immensely.
- ACADEMICS. To begin with, I lean more towards the liberal arts, and I know I'll be able to experience this at both schools. I am equally drawn to both Columbia's Core and Pomona's Curriculum (as of now).
- CLASSROOM SETTING. I like very small classes, with a very low student-to-teacher ratio, and where classes are run like a seminar instead of a lecture. Basically the typical liberal arts classroom is what I'm looking for.
- CULTURAL LIFE. This is pretty important to me, and I'm a person who very much enjoys the arts. I love the fact that art, music, theatre, etc. are so accessible if I choose Columbia, but I am also drawn to how Pomona seems to value the arts as a big part of their campus life.
- CAMPUS SETTING. In regards to the campus setting, I can do anything from a city to a suburban setting that is in close proximity to a city. I like meeting new people, but I also want a sense of togetherness (?) among the students. I also would prefer it if the surrounding neighborhood/town/city is well-kept, clean, and safe.
- INTERNSHIPS AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES. For this factor, I know Columbia is much stronger on, considering that it's in NYC, but I've also heard that Pomona has a very strong alumni-student and faculty-student network.
- PROXIMITY TO HOME. This is probably more important than some of the factors above. I live very close to NYC so I am very familiar with it and I've visited Columbia a few times (just because), so this would mean I wouldn't have to worry too much about getting used to a new environment and travel expenses. On the other hand, Pomona would literally be across the country, so I would be a little nervous (especially since I've never been to CA). But it would be nice to live somewhere else and meet new people.
- CAMPUS LIFE. I would prefer it if there were a lot of clubs and activities, especially with the arts (e.g. performance groups, theatrical productions, etc.). As for parties and large social gatherings, I don't have much of a preference, as long as there are not too many and not too little.
I know that was a lot to read, but any advice would be greatly appreciated, especially in regard to the first factor! Thank you!
(Again, these factors are not in the exact order of importance)