ED: Penn vs. Pomona

Colleges and Universities A-Z Pomona College
1

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>As a Junior, college apps are itching closer and closer. I really want to take advantage of the Early Decision option at colleges because it increases the chances of getting in to a school I could see myself attending. As of now, I am am in love with two completely different schools: Penn (School of Nursing) and Pomona.</p>

<p>Let me fill you all in with some background information about myself.
Indian female from NJ.
Taking ACT this June.
GPA isn't great, but grades are improving year to year.
Large competitive public high school (845 kids per grade therefore no rank).
5 APs (Chemistry, Spanish, Biology, Calculus AB, and Psychology) by the time I graduate (because of restrive block scheduling).
Working on Research Project with Ophthalmologist.
Editor-in-Chief of Yearbook.
Indian Classical Dancer since age 6 (now professional).
Violin player since age 10. Performed in USA/Europe.
Public Relations Officer of Community Service Club.
Section Editor of School Newspaper.
Co-founded Asian/Indian Service Club (raises money for local organizations).
Chemistry Club (officer-less club).
Volunteer 2-3x/wk at hospital/orthodontist's office.
If need more info, feel free to ask.</p>

<p>Penn:
Philadelphia.
Close to home.</p>

<p>Pomona:
Great weather.
Small classes.</p>

<p>They both have amazing research opportunities, long lasting traditions, prestige, and great academics (especially sciences).
I can't seem to choose where. They're both awesome!</p>

<p>Wow, sorry about the lengthy post guys, but thanks for reading/your help!</p>

2

<p>My first impression is that you haven’t done the work yet to prepare you to successfully apply to either school. What I mean by work is that I don’t think you really understand either one. I think you have a crush but it doesn’t go very deep.</p>

<p>An undergraduate nursing program has nothing in common with Pomona, which is traditional pure liberal arts college. Most kids tend not to be particularly career focussed and spend time experimenting with a variety of disciplines. </p>

<p>What is your GPA and test scores? Without those you can’t even know whether either one is a target school.</p>

<p>My advice is to try to put the emotion in the backseat for a while and explore the topic of college a little more seriously. What kind of educational experience do you want? What kind of social experience? If you can answer those questions by fall of next year, you can apply early to a school which is at the high end of your target range given your GPA and test scores. If you can’t answer those questions by then, which many students cannot, then applying early doesn’t make much sense.</p>