<p>Hello everybody, I'm a high school senior from California that is currently living in Thailand. I got accepted to UC Berkeley and got waitlisted for Pomona. My dream is to become a doctor and so I'm wondering which college is better for pre-med. I've been doing research but would love your ffedback. And, how do I increase my chances of getting out of the waitlist in Pomona into the acceptance list?</p>
<p>I’m in the same boat.</p>
<p>shipleader and joifnok -</p>
<p>Welcome to CC!</p>
<p>In answer to which school - both are good, but if you’re interested in doing research early on in your college career, I believe Pomona would offer you more opportunities. I’ve known of students who worked with professors in the lab beginning freshman/sophomore year.</p>
<p>As for getting off the waitlist, it’s important to keep Pomona current on any awards, prizes, honors, etc., you have received since you filed your application. It’s equally, if not more, important to let Pomona know that it’s your #1 choice. At this point, admissions offices will be more likely to accept students who plan to matriculate in the fall.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>is it possible to hear back from the wait list before the may 1st deadline? I really lke pomona but if I committed to another school i would lose some money from the enrollment fee.</p>
<p>Most likely, you’ll hear after the May 1 deadline. At that point, Pomona would have a better sense of how many students they could take off the waitlist. I heard that one student didn’t hear until June; he chose to attend Pomona.</p>
<p>I was in the same situation, Pomona vs. Berkeley, for premed two years ago. I’m at Pomona now and I couldn’t be happier! </p>
<p>I love the close relationships between professors and students here. I also really like the collaborative atmosphere at Pomona, students and faculty alike are so willing to help one another out. There is also a lot of availability for academic support at Pomona…Profs always have office hours, or an open door policy. There are mentor sessions, TAs study groups, and tutors available from the deans office. I really feel that Pomona wants all of its students to succeed academically.</p>
<p>As a premed there will really never be a question about getting into classes that you need. For example, more people enrolled in physics for premed students this semester than available classes, so Pomona opened up another section. I know with budget cuts at UCs that they have been having to cut certain classes…so it might be harder to get into the classes you need as a premed at a UC? But I’m not entirely sure…</p>
<p>I know Pomona also gives students a lot of support when they’re applying to med school, from mock interviews, to reviewing applications etc.
anyways you really can’t go wrong with the two choices you have. Best of luck!</p>
<p>First, I’d like to say thanks alot for all those who have posted something. I think the consensus is that Pomona has an edge in pre-med. I’m going to write a letter to Pomona as soon as I find out if I receive a Millenium Gates scholarship or not (I was chosen as a finalist). Should I wait until I get the scholarship or write the letter asap and I should definitely mention that Pomona is my first choice, right?</p>
<p>Once again, thank you and I’ll make sure to post something after May 7th, when Pomona is supposed to alert all waiting list students.</p>
<p>@shipleader: write that letter to pomona right away… and do not fail to mention you are already in @ Berkeley even though Pomona is your first choice, and you will rescind your UCB attendance as soon as Pomona admits you. Let that message be clear to Pomona admissions officer.</p>
<p>Good luck…</p>
<p>Thanks alot Oclement! That tip about Berkeley was pretty helpful. So, you’re saying I should not wait and just tell them that I was chosen a finalist? The Bill Gates Scholarship office said that they would announce it to me by late April. It’s already April 30th and still no news.</p>