<p>I'm a senior who just toured Pomona and CMC, and really loved them both. I would major in psychology no matter where I went, and if I go to either Pomona or CMC I would double major with econ at CMC because of the program's amazing reputation.</p>
<p>CMC's philosophy of learning for practical purposes in the working world appeals to me, even though I love intellectual endeavors just for their own sake, which goes more in line with Pomona. With all that said, I know that academically the distinctions don't matter too much since students can study at any 5C school.</p>
<p>CMC's research institute opportunities, emphasis on internships, and the Ath all provide tangible benefits to attending CMC. However I do have some concerns about it. I'm not a super-confident leader type; although I am the president of a not-insignificant club at my school, it's more of a planning events type gig.</p>
<p>I feel like socially CMC might not be my ideal fit. Even though I play a sport, do some leadership stuff, and like to party, I'm definitely not a jock / frat boy-ish type like the stereotypical CMC kid. My friends at school are split between the popular kids, and the more quirky stoner kids, but it's a private school where pretty much everyone who's not a total nerd is relatively cool and also very smart (admission is highly selective). While I'm definitely driven and want to be successful, I don't have a burning desire to be super rich or a CEO like CMC kids are made out. A nice psychology practice would be enough for me.</p>
<p>So do the tangible benefits to attending CMC outweigh the fact that socially I probably fit in better at Pomona? I've heard mixed reports on how much social mixing really goes on, and I'd want to gel well with the people in my dorms. But if I could get feedback on how well people think I'd fit in at CMC, I would be very grateful!</p>
<p>I know this is a pretty nuanced question so I thank anyone who takes the time to answer!</p>
<p>My son is a student at CMC and is having an excellent experience. He is getting a great education, interesting internships and is benefiting from the myriad of extracurricular activities on campus. You sound like you would fit in very well. I would take issue with your description of the stereotypical kid at CMC. There are all types of kids at CMC, and I am sure you will have no trouble finding friends you feel compatible with. I have never met anyone who has attended CMC and has not loved being there.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply. Yes, I definitely love CMC and I’m sure I would be very happy going there; and obviously the stereotype of the typical CMC student does not apply to everyone there. However, if it’s generally true, and from what I’ve heard it’s at least accurate for a fair amount of the students there, I think I’d prefer rooming at Pomona. If I was truly so turned off by the stereotype of the typical CMC kid, I wouldn’t go to either school, since there’s such a large amount of mingling both in and out of class. If I don’t get in to Pomona, I’ll still definitely apply to CMC, they both really are amazing schools.</p>
<p>haha I’m in the same dilemma as you, i think I am just gonna apply to both and see which offers a better financial aid package ;p
of course all schools are gonna have a bunch of those “stereotypes” , but your definitely right in that CMC definitely has more than usually, and they do have a conservative, CEO driven reputation, but what the hell the weather is nice</p>
<p>Though the jock/frat boy is the stereotype, your description of yourself falls into what I saw when I went to CMC. Not everyone wants to be a big shot CEO or financial person, and the psych program is great. Partying however is pretty central to social life. My advice would be stay over on a Thursday or Saturday (the party nights) if you can. In terms of social mixing between the schools I found CMC and Pomona interacted the least of the schools. Make sure you really examine the social stuff though, because if it doesn’t fit, its not going to be fun.</p>
<p>Our D is at CMC as well. She visited Pomona first and came back with a big smile after her overnight…but went on to feel even more comfortable at Claremont McKenna. </p>
<p>She is very much like you with the combination of practical and intellectual, which is another reason she ended up where she is now. And she has classes at three of the five colleges this semester. In fact it looks like she will have a 2nd major at Pomona…so she struggled with some of the same thoughts.</p>
<p>As for super-confident, that isn’t necessary to be happy and/or fit in at CMC. D is that type but she also was a non-traditional leader. Two of her best friends you wouldn’t peg for leaders at all. And she is not a jock in the least although she says her frequent hikes to the other schools alone are keeping her in shape! </p>
<p>Also, she is not a partier but goes to some parties even though she doesn’t drink. There is no pressure. A lot of athletes are not drinking in season. There are plenty of other things to do on and off campus, including studying! (And I would say that not everyone wants to be rich or in a power position but I would say they all are goal oriented…just like you seem to be.)</p>
<p>That being said, I think you would fit in very well at either school. It does sound like you think Pomona is a better fit for you and that is something to take into consideration. Unless you are looking at ED, though, you should just apply and see what happens. It’s tough to get in at either place. You might get the decision made for you. And once you get in, definitely re-visit and stay over. D was really impressed with her fellow incoming students…now friends.</p>
<p>By the way, she has also made several friends at Pomona, so yes, there is some mixing.</p>