<p>Pomona is probably my top choice in terms of colleges right now (I’m a junior) and so I’ve been trying to do as much research about it as possible. Meanwhile, Pomona appears to be avoiding me.
I’ve gotten mail from all of the other Claremont colleges and Princeton and Yale and MIT but I didn’t get a word from Pomona. So I assumed they were just not big on the college mail and went online and requested info. An automated message promised to send info, but alas, it never came either.
So are the rest of you getting Pomona mail? Should I take this as a hint? :D</p>
<p>@gingkotree, the Admissions Office may be revising their written/mailed material given the arrival of the new Dean of Admissions, Seth Allen. I know he dispensed with mailed applications this year, for example. I would recommend checking with Sumner Hall and asking when their guidebook/viewbook will be mailed to you. If you have further difficulties receiving this info, come back and post again. As the parent of a current student, I would be happy to help!</p>
<p>xiggi, it looks like Questbridge offers two application options - college match and regular decision. Endofworld could have used regular decision. The New York Times has blog posts from a Questbridge student who used the regular decision process and has many college choices. [Green</a> Light From Ivy League, but Mixed Signals From Stanford - NYTimes.com](<a href=“Green Light From Ivy League, but Mixed Signals From Stanford - The New York Times”>Green Light From Ivy League, but Mixed Signals From Stanford - The New York Times)</p>
<p>KBW4932, the “could have” does not apply to a student who was matched by Pomona on December 1st. Hence, the comment about the available choices for such student, and the implausible scenarios of turning down the OFFERS from the schools listed.</p>
<p>Fwiw, the story of a student ranking Pomona over the other QB schools should be powerful enough. And powerful enough to avoid to embellish the story with details that raise the eyebrows of anyone who happen to know how Questbridge really works.</p>
<p>I’m sorry that I haven’t even to be able to post in a while. Pomona is really rigorous and I was caught up in midterms and such.</p>
<p>Let me see what has been already answered and what should be answered…</p>
<p>“I would love to know why you chose Pomona over Stanford, WashU, and especially over Columbia.”</p>
<p>Costs were pretty much the same for them all, so it wasn’t a factor. I personally considered Pomona a notch up academically than WashU, especially in areas I was interested (math, history), so I didn’t really research WashU…</p>
<p>Stanford vs Pomona- Upon visiting Stanford, it felt too big and intimidating. While the students were laid-back and friendly, the school was distinctly individual, which for me was a con. Being a first generation and low income student, I appreciated Pomona’s more tightly-knit community more. The administration didn’t really seem to notice I was at Stanford, and I had heard from other students that there is somewhat of a divide between those pursuing STEM and those pursuing humanities. People didn’t seem to be as open minded about race and class issues as Pomona students. The two big differences Stanford had going for it were a plethora of resources and prestige, but I realized Pomona has a great number of resources as well and that prestige didn’t matter too much for me.</p>
<p>Columbia vs Pomona- Upon visiting Columbia, I was immediately struck by how cold and aloof the administration was. I hadn’t brought along a sleeping bag and they told me that was none of their concern. Questbridge students at Columbia were really friendly and helped me out though, but the other students seemed pretty distant. The class I sat at (CHEM 1404) was almost 200 students. The atmosphere just didn’t feel welcoming. Plus, Columbia just didn’t feel as residential as Pomona. Being almost 2000 miles away from home, that was an important factor- to find not just a family but a home.</p>
<p>“Williams and Swarthmore”</p>
<p>Williams is very similar to Pomona in the student body and academic quality. The only thing that turned me off was how rural it was. Yes, there are a ton of activities happening every day, but I just could not bear being 3 hours away from civilization as a big city kid. I also really liked how well-balanced Pomona was through the Consortium. I have to admit though that Winter Study and Oxford tutorials are something I REALLY wish were at Pomona…</p>
<p>Swarthmore vs Pomona- This is a silly factor, but what really convinced me was the exchange both schools have with each other (which Swarthmore cancelled). When Swatties come to Pomona, they are very hesitant to return back to Swarthmore- the weather, the general friendliness, a different culture (laid-back vs academic poker). Almost no Pomona student takes advantage of the exchange because Pomona is pretty much a perfect atmosphere to be at. </p>
<p>I do wish Pomona were a little bit more openly intellectual and academic as Swarthmore is, though.</p>
<p>@Aimanch- There isn’t gender neutral housing for first years, and if you don’t want it in later years you definitely don’t have to get it. About 70-75% of rooms after first year are singles, so that takes out the issue altogether. Even if you want a double or triple, how room draw works is you select who you want to be with!</p>
<p>@Xiggi- I did not realize Pomona was binding (which was part of me ranking it so high). I had moved over the process, so I missed out the deposit and thought I was free to apply elsewhere.</p>
<p>Of course, the administration asked me around April why I hadn’t submitted any initial documents, but by that point I was set on Pomona anyway.</p>
<p>You are right though that I didn’t really have much of a choice- if I liked another school more, it would have been a lot of trouble. And that does raise issues about validity of my posts. But I was set on Pomona, both for National Match and after visiting a couple of the schools. I did an extraordinary amount of research to settle on Pomona, a school I had not heard of before Questbridge and that my family did not approve of. </p>
<p>And I have absolutely no regrets about what has happened 
This year was incredible, and I can’t wait for the years, memories, and friendships ahead.</p>
<p>@Mamabear- </p>
<p>The courses I have taken include the freshman writing seminar, biostatistics, philosophy, linear algebra, calculus III, two semesters of chemistry, two semesters of chemistry lab, tai-chi, and sociology. </p>
<p>Next year, I will be taking Physics for majors- Quantum, Classical, and E&M, cell biology, organic chemistry, history, psychology, and karate. </p>
<p>I would say if you are interested in double majoring, begin early. The major requirements are very intense and you would have to schedule out your year so that you can get it done in time. Usually, math majors take linear Algebra, honors calc II, or calc III first semester, and physics majors take Physics 70.</p>
<p>“specific insights about how the science programs”</p>
<p>Here are some of the numbers for Pomona’s various science and math departments, out of 972 declared majors for this semester (Spring 2013). Use these numbers to gauge relative interest among each major.</p>
<p>Biology- 49
Chemistry- 38
Environmental Analysis- 48
Geology- 10
Computer Science- 36
Cognitive Science- 27
Math- 78
Molecular Biology- 48
Neuroscience- 66
Physics- 28
Psychology (considered a science here)- 61
Science, Technology, and Society- 4</p>
<p>My particular insights-
Biology: A great department with quite some flexibility. There is a lot of research done and the facilities are top notch. Really emphasizes experiential learning and field work</p>
<p>Chemistry: A great department with really good teachers and a lot of flexibility in terms of the major. There are 4 tracks in chemistry: General, Biochem, Geochem, Chem Engineering, and you choose the one you like.</p>
<p>EA- An interdisciplinary major that combines both the humanities and the sciences. Since EA builds off of Pomona’s good departments, like biology and PPA, it’s a very good major to pursue here. It’s probably the most flexible major at Pomona, because there are so many tracks you could take.</p>
<p>Geology- Not the most popular science, but the professors are top-notch and the community of geology majors is really strong. Really encourages off-campus venturing. </p>
<p>Computer Science- great facilities and combination with Harvey Mudd CS classes and clinics make this a great major to pursue, especially for a LAC</p>
<p>Linguistics and Cognitive Science- The facilities are great, but there aren’t very many classes that one could take (especially for Cognitive Science), and the professors tend to be hit or miss. </p>
<p>Math- A strong contender for Pomona’s strongest department. While the facilities are pretty bad, what more is needed for math than a chalkboard, chalk, and high-tech computers? The professors are amazing, the program is extremely flexible, there are over 200 math classes offered at the colleges, and they’re making a better math and physics building in rise of the student demand for it.</p>
<p>Molecular Biology- Similar to chemistry, but there are concentrations, not tracks. You could take molecular neuroscience, molecular ecology, or so forth. Since it combines math, chemistry, and biology, it’s a great major.</p>
<p>Neuroscience- Another extremely strong major. The professors are incredible, and the major really prepares the students for the real world. Neuroscience labs and equipment is top notch. </p>
<p>Physics- One of Pomona’s weaker departments. The teachers are usually a miss though there are some incredible teachers. The facilities are not the best (especially compared to biology/chem) but they’re building a new physics building and hiring new teachers. </p>
<p>Psychology- Extremely well laid out. The department has top teachers and great facilities. Another contender for a top Pomona major.</p>
<p>STS- The major is very tough in terms of the number of requirements, but well laid out to prepare scientists for the needs of the problems the world faces. It’s not very pursued and so I don’t know too much about it, but on paper it seems to be a very flexible department.</p>
<p>tl;dr: Pomona has amazing science programs! Even the worst tends to be really good.</p>
<p>Hey, EndOfTheWorld! </p>
<p>Have you heard anything about the Chinese Major at Pomona?</p>
<p>@EndOfTheWorld: This is an outstanding synopsis and very helpful! Thank you!</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>And, that is the only thing that really matters. You ranked Pomona first and were matched to one of the most fabulous schools in the country. And got to join a group a enthusiastic and hard-working students who love their opportunity. </p>
<p>As far as the Questbridge, I simply wanted to point that students who do get matched to an ED school such as Pomona really do not have the chance to “turn” another QB participant “down” and that a student does not know which other schools did make a match offer. This was to help others to understand that the decision to rank one binding school is … indeed binding. </p>
<p>To the next great 3 years!</p>
<p>For the Intro. classes(BCPM): what is the breakdown of grades in general–% A’s, B’s etc?</p>
<p>Enotramsolleh- The Chinese teachers are fantastic, and Pomona is a great place to do languages due to a variety of language resources. I am pretty sure they teach traditional instead of simplified, but the professors really make sure that the students are adjusting to a difficult language well. The major requires going Study Abroad to Beijing, Hangzhou, or Hong Kong. The requirements aren’t too intense, only 8 required classes + thesis. There are many opportunities to connect with Asian programs through Pomona’s Pacific Basin Program.</p>
<p>ratrat- it really depends on the teachers and the class you take. And professors don’t assign grades by a curve. In general, it’s very hard to make an A and below a B-: most get B-'s, B’s, B+'s, or A’s.</p>
<p>Hi, I’m coming up on the decision deadline and I have some questions about Pomona.
Do you know anything about the international relations program? (I’m also considering Tufts, which has a really great IR department, so I’m trying to see if Pomona’s IR is average but somewhat limited by size, if across the 5Cs there are lots of opportunities, etc…)
Also how do students interact with the town of Claremont? I know they do a lot of outreach & community service in the area. But do students go into town a lot for shopping, cafes, etc, or is there a campus bubble that students don’t bother to pop because of all the stuff going on with five colleges?
Thanks!!</p>
<p>Thanks! I’m glad I found out it’s traditional.</p>
<p>A question for EndOfTheWorld,</p>
<p>Can we major Chem Engineering at Pomona? I thought among the Claremont schools only Harvey Mudd has engineering majors.</p>
<p>Thanks, ADADONCC</p>
<p>Do you have experience with the pre-med track and how students feel about the rigor? I also wanted to know if many students do not apply because they are weeded out. From what I know, Pomona does not weed out.</p>
<p>I really don’t know too much about IR, but it’s a supposedly good department. I can ask my friend who’s majoring in it for his perspective.</p>
<p>Students go to town often- places like Laemmle Movie Theater, Starbucks, and Yogurtland are frequented. Restaurants like ZPizza, Some Crust, and Saca’s are also frequently visited, as is the barber shop in town. There’s also the train station about a block from Pomona and a Trader Joe’s a mile away north that’s frequently visited by students. But for the most part, students remain on campus or go out of Claremont. Claremont is not the most happening place and it is somewhat expensive.</p>
<p>About 2 miles from the college are a lot of fast food places, supermarkets like Target and Walmart, and a bigger variety of brand name stores. You can walk if you really want, but most people just drive, take public transportation, or bike there. You won’t be in Claremont anymore though- rather Pomona (the city).</p>