<p>I just graduated from Pomona, and stumbled upon this site while looking at some of the new numbers for the college. </p>
<p>To those of you who were accepted, congrats! And, I want to agree with many of the people who have posted that Pomona is about a lot more than numbers. The standards have gone up in recent years, but in reality, the school looks for the quality of the person more than class ranks or GPA's. The best part about Pomona is that it accepts from a wide range of social and academic backgrounds, and once you are enrolled nobody cares about how well you did in high school. </p>
<p>If you really want to attend Pomona, you'll get there. Sure... It happens that the people who generally embrace the values of Pomona College also tend to have flawless academic records, but you should never let a daunting SAT score (such as some of those posted) scare you into not applying. Above all else, Pomona College Admissions looks for what is interesting about you. So, do your best in school, and If you are interesting, Pomona will be interested. That said...</p>
<p>I believe its two sat IIs and yes to ACTs....what do CC members mean by "interesting" students? interesting meaning unique? awkward (highly unlikely but I don't know?</p>
<p>I think by "interesting," people really mean "interestED." That is, students who are able to show that they are engaged with the world and fascinated by a variety of topics. </p>
<p>You can't be interesting if you're not interested.</p>
<p>oh.... at first I thought these "interesting people" meant people who for some reason or another are eccentric and that this eccentricity is determined by your interviewer. Well...I am interested in a ton of stuff despite the fact that I want to be doctor at the end of all my studie. </p>
<p>Did most people here who got accepted send in a supplemental essay w/ pictures...? My friend who got in had some weird pictures of herself sent w/ the essay.</p>
<p>Hi everyone... I'm thinking about applying to Pomona ED, but my grades definitely worry me. I had consistent A's freshman and sophomore years, but I had a lot of personal issues going on (I've posted the specifics on other threads) and my grades suffered greatly for it. I managed to finish up the year with nothing lower than a B, but it's a pretty significant dip in grades. My SAT's are good but lopsided (800w, 800v, 600m), and I have excellent recs (I've read them for a summer program) and am really passionate about my extracurriculars. Do you think if my guidance counselor wrote about what went on with me this year in his rec, they'd understand? Thanks :)</p>
<p>Overcoming personal hardship can be a strong plus for your app, especially if you focus on how you successfully persevered to move on. Your ED application will convey your strong interest in attending Pomona should you be accepted. Definitely, have your GC include a brief summary of your experience from his viewpoint.</p>
<p>Pomona is probably more likely than larger schools to really look closely at what happened, rather than just saying "her grades got worse, let's not accept her." Obviously a downward trend in grades is NEVER a good thing, but those people in the admissions office are human. Definitely explain to them what happened. You can't change your grades now, so you might as well plead your case to them... no guarantees, of course, because Pomona is not a guarantee for pretty much anyone.</p>
<p>Another thing is that you should really work on your first semester senior year grades... I don't know if they look at them for ED but I know for sure they do for RD and they can really help and show and upwards curve.</p>
<p>Pomona does not mind lopsided SAT's in fact they commented during parent orientation on how many students had perfect scores in one area. They especially seem to like strong verbal skills so that is a major plus. Write your essay on why your grades slid or what was going on in your life. I know they focus on junior and senior grades but if you do great 1st semester it will be a huge plus. Good luck!!</p>
<p>I am planning on applying to Pomona ED, and I have good stats (2280 SAT, 3.9 GPA unweighted). I am worried, however, because although I participate in sports, music and extra-curricular academic activities, there is no one standout area. I am just a normal, well-rounded kid. Do you think the generic good numbers will be enough to get me in?</p>
<p>soccerfanatic--Applications for the Class of 2010 will probably appear on the website in the fall.</p>
<p>Graciela--You have strong stats and a well-rounded background. Did you concentrate on just one sport or do you play a specific instrument? Committing oneself to four years of playing a sport or an instrument or musical activity could be considered "standout areas" for well-rounded kids. You must be passionate enough about that "something" to have done it for four years.</p>
<p>Thanks so much Little Mother. I have played the flute since fifth grade, and will hopefully be a captain on my XC team after three years on the varsity team. I just doubt that I can continue contributing in these areas when I get to Pomona or whatever other school.
I guess I should stop worrying and see if I get accepted next year. Good luck everyone applying for '10! Too bad Pomona is such a competitive school.</p>
<p>The crosscountry girl's team is a great social group and very low keyed. Some girls who were athletic but never formally ran have joined it and loved it. The coach could help give you a boost in admissions if you meet with him. He is a very nice guy. If it got to be too much you could always drop it the following year. Pomona will want to know what you will contribute to their school and they will not be impressed with just academics. You sound like you have a lot to offer. Best of luck!</p>