<p>I have two spots left open on my list of colleges to apply to. I'd prefer only using one for the Claremont colleges, but I could do two if it turns out to be my best option.</p>
<p>I want to mix computer science or engineering and business when I work. I would like to primarily go for business, but I know I could just do a techy major for undergrad and then business postgrad and that would be fine. Or I could focus on business for undergrad as well and just take some other classes. But something I have to think about is I don't really know how much I'd like computer science and engineering (I've only done a few basic computer programming classes), and I don't want to get stuck doing it.</p>
<p>So here's my analysis of the three colleges...
Pomona: I would do econ, with maybe a few business classes from CMC and comp sci/engineering classes from HMC. I would prefer business over econ, but econ would certainly work. I wouldn't have much of an opportunity for the techy classes, but at least it's an opportunity. I feel the social life would be alright- doesn't seem too party-oriented or anything. I've also heard good things about how available teachers are.</p>
<p>CMC: I would do business (and I know their business programs are not normal) and take some classes at HMC. It would probably be the best for me academically, but I HATE the idea of a jocky, party scene. And since the school is so small, I doubt I'd find many if any people I'd get along with. i could try socializing with people at other schools, but is it reasonable to believe I could really fit in if my main friends are at another school?</p>
<p>HMC: I would do comp sci or engineering, and I would like to take business courses at CMC, but I know the courses are very rigorous and there's a lot of classes you need to take and I simply wouldn't get much of a chance to do that kind stuff. So I might get stuck with doing only one of those... which I might not like (but maybe I will, who knows). Otherwise, though, HMC was awesome when I visited. I love the teacher availability, the social scene, the opportunities, etc. I just hate the idea of being caught doing something I might not like (but I have taken some classes in computer science that I've enjoyed so far... how am I supposed to know if I will like going in depth in computer science, though?).</p>
<p>Sorry if it's a lot to read. Read what you want. But can I please get some advice? Thanks!</p>
<p>You seem to have a misconception about liberal arts colleges and how they prepare people for the business world. You can’t take a “business” course in any of the Claremont Colleges, but many of the colleges’ graduates are enormously successful in business. I know one religion major from Pomona who was CEO of a large sporting goods chain. The founders of KKR are CMC alums, not business majors; ditto the founder of TCW. I spent many years working in the Colleges, and I can’t imagine you not finding good friends at any of them. You probably should visit both Pomona and CMC to see what they’re like, since your understanding of both is way off the mark.</p>
<p>I think you need to understand the core curriculum and graduation requirements of these schools a little better. At HMC you need to have a humanities breadth, which could be economics. Also, some of the majors at HMC are more class intensive than others - I think compsci gives you some flexibility. And, you could create your own major - still the core is there, so you will be taking a lot of science classes your first year & a half. (I have a daughter at Mudd.) I think you should look hard at the majors & general ed in each before you decide - along with the fit for you. </p>
<p>Also, look at what research or internship opportunities each school might guide you towards during your time there. </p>
<p>And, these are really hard schools to get into. Pomona being the hardest. You might want to take a look at which one of those schools would want you too!</p>
<p>I agree with your perception of CMC. It is personally my least favorite of the 5C’s because I don’t like their scene. I feel like CMC students don’t take classes at Mudd as often. Pomona seems to have broader opportunities and more types of students, and a lot of Pomona students take classes at Mudd.</p>
<p>I am a Mudd student, and I would advise that Mudd curriculum (especially engineering) does not leave much room to take classes that will not satisfy some requirement at Mudd. There is a humanities requirement which requires that you take at least 4 classes in one field of study. This could be economics for you. But you also have to take 5 humanities classes at Mudd. There aren’t a lot of these to choose from, so you sort of have to take which classes have space and fit in your schedule. There are a fair number of economics classes with many spots at Mudd, so this may work for you.</p>
<p>@soymikk - what are your stats and hooks? All three schools are very difficult to get into. What are you using your other “slots” for?</p>