<p>Could anyone give me just an idea what caliber of the ECs should a person have to be competitive for Pomona (given that the person is competitive academically - 700+ on each section of SAT (some of them closer to 800), 4+ GPA, challenging courseload (every possible honors class + 7-8 APs with 5s on exams), some minor achievements on academic contests - like math olimpiads, National French Exam, some artistic achievements - like All-State Honor Choir or Orchestra ... etc.)? Would just "local" leadership positions (president or VP or just the officer of the school club) or achievements (local music performances or competitions) add anything to the applicant's chances? Or should those be neccessary some kind of national awards or "saving the world/curing cancer" kind of ECs to have a shot at a place like Pomona?</p>
<p>Pomona loves passionate students. A student may be passionate about anything from soccer to a specific genre of literature, and this passion should be expressed in the academic and personal aspects of one's application. Although helpful, it isn't necessary to have "cured cancer" level achievements--just show the admissions committee who you are, what interests you and why. Pomona doesn't want a bunch of brutally competitive, overachieving students; instead, they like interesting people who are very accomplished but still modest and personable.</p>
<p>However, to more specifically answer your question, national and international competitions/awards will carry more weight in admissions than school, local, and regional ones.</p>
<p>So, what kind of achievements are more prevalent among Pomona-accepted students - truly oustanding ones (national or international level) or modest? Does a person whose passion for some particular art form or academic area shows through his/her participations and commitments (passion-related clubs, performances, festivals, some competitions) but without huge outstanding awards have any chance at Pomona?</p>
<p>Yes, it is possible to be accepted by having focused activities that reflect your interests. I personally don't know what kinds of awards admitted students recieve b/c it's not the kind of thing that comes up in conversation. Pomona students recognize that they're all going to the same school, so high school awards generally aren't of interest.</p>
<p>However, you seem very curious, so i will admit that i've recieved some prestigous national/international awards and was admitted early decision. I would estimate that approx. 40-60% of the class has recieved recognition of equal caliber. </p>
<p>Remeber that the admissions committee will evaluate your application individually, and consider your achievments within the context of your background. I hope this helps.</p>
<p>myau--</p>
<p>If it makes you feel any better, my D ('09) was not stellar in her ECs (volleyball and dance) but she showed improvement in the former by making varsity her senior year and commitment in both by coaching vball at her elementary school and being involved in dance in venues in addition to her HS. It's not necessarily the level of achievement but the dedication and passion displayed. So, staying with an EC for all four years and showing an upward progression means a lot. That doesn't mean that having won outstanding award doesn't carry a lot of weight; it does. It does mean, though, that you don't necessarily have to be a superstar.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>