I have no idea what to do... (Pomona vs. Carleton vs. gap year)

College Search & Selection
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I thought that I was done making hard decisions after May 1. I was already preparing a presentation for my HS regarding tips for the college admissions process that I had gleaned from my experience.

Here’s some background. Pomona was my original first-choice school that I came to “fall in love with” after receiving emails from them and browsing their website extensively. It seemed perfect. Community of a small college with the resources of the consortium. Not in a city but access to city. In a different part of the country. And just a general sense that this was the place for me. I was waitlisted but was accepted yesterday evening. I have never visited.

However, I already committed to Carleton, a college that really snuck up on me. I absolutely loved writing their supplement (had a lot of fun with their 3 short answer questions). When I visited, I was tired from all the college visits that I had already done and did not expect anything. However, I came away loving it. I felt like I had found my people. I shared their sense of humor. They were the most kind and welcoming and genuinely caring people that I had met thus far in the college process. When I was talking to my friend before I had gone on any accepted students days visits, I told her that I felt like I would find my best friends at Carleton, and I am pleasantly surprised by how true that still rings after visiting. I was between Carleton and Cornell and followed my heart and committed to Carleton.

After May 1, I was accepted to City Year, a service year program that helps bridge the education gap by working in low-income urban schools. At Pomona, I cannot defer my admission. I have to be a part of the Class of 2022 if I want to go there. I already emailed Carleton admissions, and it would be fine to defer to my admissions. The deadline for responding to the City Year position is tomorrow, by May 18.

If anybody has any thoughts on Pomona vs. Carleton or a gap year, I would appreciate reading them. Some questions that I think about: Will I regret not taking a gap year since I have the opportunity? How does being a year “behind” affect the college experience if at all? How does diversity actually affect my college experience? Are the people and cultures really significantly different at Pomona and Carleton? Will I be happier at one or the other?

A short list of my view of the differences between the two:
Pomona: endowment, more internship+research opportunities, more classes+resources (academic and social) with Consortium, diversity, never visited, less isolated, loses some sense of community with Consortium, California weather
Carleton: would be able to be a varsity athlete, deeper sense of community, will probably never experience Minnesota again, trimester system, Minnesota weather

If you got this far, thank you for any responses you have to anything in this!

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First, congratulations! I think you can’t lose, whatever you decide to do. Second, do you have any thoughts about your intended major?

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Congratulations! While you really can’t go wrong because both colleges are excellent, it sounds from your post like you already have chosen Carleton in your heart and are just looking for confirmation. Trust your gut. Go where you will be happy. Both are wonderful liberal arts colleges.

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If your people are at Carleton and you loved the place, go to Carleton. If they will let you take a year off to sow your oats, and you feel led to do that, go ahead – just make sure they will reserve your class of 2023 spot for you.

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@Zion101, congrats on your accomplishments, options, and thoughtfulness. I have never visited Carleton, so I can not compare the two schools in question.
As for a GAP year, if you really want to take it (or feel you need it), it should not hinder or compromise your college experience. There are plenty of your classmates that take a GAP year, and it just doesn’t present an issue once you are in college. Some of your classmates will be younger, some older, it is just not a biggie.

Pomona is an amazing college. It not only offers, but truly celebrates diversity. I am not sure why you think Pomona may lose a sense of community because of the Consortium. There is a very strong sense of community. The consortium, if anything, just enhances the opportunities you will have. For instance, you can hear fantastic lectures at CMC, take amazing CS course at Mudd, eat in the awesome cafeteria at Pitzer. It is kind of the best of all worlds. And, with Pomona, you get the benefit of extraordinary weather. Pomona & Pitzer share Div III teams. Is your sport played at Pomona by any chance? They have a great athletics program.
Best of luck!

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This is a complicated situation. I find it a bit telling that you remained on Pomona’s wait-list and are still considering them this late into the process. Anyway-

  1. Contact City Year ASAP and see if you can get some extra time to decide, say by Monday of next week or so.
  2. Join the Pomona Class of 2022 Facebook page and read through the posts. See how you resonate with the students who could potentially be your peers.
  3. It doesn't seem like you'll be able to visit Pomona, or if you could, there's not much point to (since the academic year is over). There are websites online detailing student perspectives regarding both Pomona and Carleton. You'll see certain trends and narratives which stick out and will tell you what vibe you prefer. Do some research this weekend.
  4. You have time to do City Year. You could wait until after college, you could do it right after your first year, but I get the appeal of doing it now so that your time with your class isn't divided. Honestly, this is a totally personal preference; I have met people from my class who did gap years prior to enrolling and thrived. I know some who regretted doing it and wish they had gone straight to college. If you feel like a gap year is essential to your personal development, then that's a pro for Carleton.

Both are excellent schools that are more similar than they are different. You’ve done a good job thinking about some of the distinctions, though I would hesitate to say the consortium makes Pomona’s community any less tight-knit (given that 98% of students live on Pomona’s campus). I actually know a Carleton–>Pomona transfer who loves the energy and dynamism of the Claremont Colleges alongside the similarly tight-knit community he had at Carleton.

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Carleton is a wonderful school. Sounds like you’d feel at home there. If you were my kid, I’d say take that option, take the gap year (I think gap years are wonderful when spent wisely and City Year would do that), and don’t look back.

If Pomona won’t be flexible enough to accept you with a 1 year deferral, screw 'em. You won’t have a lesser experience at Carleton.

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Great options! I’d take the gap year and accept your spot at Carleton. Starting a year later is irrelevant, and a gap year can help you sharpen your focus when you do start college. You visited Carleton, and you loved it. (And I agree, I also love Carleton!)

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Is it a wash financially, between Pomona and Carleton?

Would taking the gap year set back your performance in your sport? (Some sports are more amenable to coming back after a break, or training while taking a break, than others.)

If Pomona isn’t a better financial deal than Carleton, then I agree with @doschicos. You can have your proverbial cake and eat it too at Carleton - seize the gap year opportunity and then matriculate at a college where you already have a direct and palpable experience of “fit,” and a spot on a varsity team as well. Why compromise for a pig in a poke, no matter how prestigious it is? Carleton is equally prestigious, rigorous, and intellectual; and you know you loved it when you visited. As lovely as Pomona is, it’s a very different vibe that you might not love as much. Why gamble? Above all don’t be swayed by Pomona’s having “played hard to get” and then made a waitlist offer. Love the school that loves you, and that you know you love back!

Don’t worry at all about being a year older when you start college. The added maturity and distance from high school burnout will be an advantage. But you won’t be so changed as to feel out of sync with your peers - just equipped with fresh energy and perspective.

Congratulations, whatever you choose!

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As a parent of an incoming Carl and someone who attended Pitzer college (and got to take classes at Pomona,) I really do think that the people at Carleton are significantly different than at the 5 colleges. The overwhelming friendliness at Carleton was such a breath of fresh air that I was blown away, not to mention the natural beauty. Sure people at the 5 Ca are friendly too, but I feel there is less of a sense of a close knit community.

While I loved Pitzer (and my time in Pomona classes) I am deeply in love with Carleton. As far as the gap year is concerned, I am going to be of little use because on this one I truly believe that you must follow your heart. While starting a year later will not matter in the scheme of life, I’d only take a gap year if the idea makes your heart sing! Hope this was helpful. Good luck!

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@rosered55 Math/Stats/Computer Science. Something in that direction as that is definitely where my strengths lie.

@TheGreyKing Thank you for saying that directly (that I was looking for confirmation)… I tend to do that. I think after writing this post and emailing a Carleton student that I have been in contact with, it does seem that my heart says Carleton as of now. It may not be a totally informed decision since I will not be able to give Pomona a chance with a visit, which is perhaps a reason I am also consulting here to hear other people’s experiences. Rationally, it also seems Pomona is the better choice with the Consortium and diversity as @CallieMom has mentioned. I will have to weigh the pros and cons, but if past history says anything, I usually follow my gut.
@prezbucky Yes, thanks for the reminder. I checked with them a week or so ago, and they said it was fine. I just have to let them know as soon as I know if I’m taking the gap basically.

@nostalgicwisdom Darn, I actually just sent an email in between my initial post and this post and did not think to request an extension. I just requested to join the Facebook page though. Thanks for the good points! Hearing about the Carleton->Pomona transfer is a helpful little anecdote. Pomona was my original “gut” feeling college for me, and thinking about it more is bringing some of those original thoughts back, which is very much complicating things.

@doschicos @intparent I feel like this option is what I’m leaning towards slightly right now, but I will talk with my family and friends and counselor some more and things may change. And also, whatever I do, you’re right. I shouldn’t look back. There’s no point to that. Thanks for the input!

@aquapt We did not apply for aid at the time as we got little if any with the first sibling in college, so financially, they are basically the same. And no, a gap year shouldn’t affect my performance too much. I am participating more to stay in shape and be part of the team atmosphere (rather than results) that comes with everyone being committed to one thing and spending so much time together. The sport I play is too competitive for me at Pomona while seems just right for me at Carleton. Thank you for the insights!

@CAmom27 I think I share this perspective as well from my feelings, but this makes me feel better as I didn’t feel qualified to say that having never visited the 5Cs so this is helpful to hear. Thanks for the advice! I have heard follow your heart several times over the past 24 hours, so it seems that is the recommended course of action :slight_smile:

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If financials come out even, I would pick Pomona first, Carleton second, and gap year a remote third. You have listed all the benefits of Pomona, and they are all true. Carleton is good, but it’s location and weather and limited choice of majors make it much less desirable than Pomona. Gap year? I though it’s only for students who didn’t get into any college. You don’t get much by delaying college, except for getting older.

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I expect the poster who said that didn’t really mean it literally — it is more a way to get the OP into the headspace of being happy with their decision if they choose Carleton.

I’d really caution you against picking any school because it looks good on paper. And to be honest, given your academic interests, I’d probably pick Carleton. The strongest STEM students who are attracted to the 5Cs tend to gravitate to Mudd. Pomona is fine in those majors, but in no way superior to Carleton.

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“I’m amused by some of the remarks here. “Screw 'em” for using their waitlist as every other school does, to fill in the remaining spots in their class?”

Yes, screw 'em. Sure, Pomona and other colleges can have their policies and have every right to do so but the OP has an equally good option in Carletton. He/she has choices now and can pick and choose. Nobody called it a “nasty surprise”. If one choice provides flexibility and the other doesn’t, go with the one that provides flexibility. I think the Pomona in your username makes you a tad defensive. :slight_smile:

“Gap year? I though it’s only for students who didn’t get into any college. You don’t get much by delaying college, except for getting older.”

Then, you thought wrong. Many, many students take gap years including my own kids, deferring after receiving acceptances. Many top notch colleges actually recommend gap years (Harvard, Middlebury to name just two) as they find gap years impart focus, growth, and experience to students which benefits the school as well. Experiential learning is a good thing. You might want to read up on gap years and the benefits. Plenty online.

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A few recent articles about supply and demand issues with CS classes at the 5Cs:
http://tsl.news/news/7144/
http://tsl.news/news/7576/

And @pomonathrowaway , there’s no need to be so defensive. If it were reversed, would I say that Carleton had “played hard to get” - yes! It was tongue-in-cheek, but the point was that one school wanted OP all along, and the other waitlisted him/her. Nothing morally wrong with waitlisting, of course… but what I’m arguing against is the psychological effect of the school that didn’t accept you on the first pass feeling inherently more desirable because it initially said no. I’m saying that this effect should be disregarded, and if there’s any bias at all, it should be toward feeling more attached to the school that saw “fit” and wanted you unambiguously. Nobody is attacking Pomona for having a waitlist - that would be silly. (One of my own kids was waitlisted at Carleton, fwiw!)

I’m a 5Cs parent and not trying to badmouth Pomona at all. But it seems there are multiple sacrifices that OP would need to make to choose Pomona over Carleton, and I’m not seeing a guaranteed payoff in terms of his/her particular wants and needs. And having done the college-visit rounds with two kids now, I have experienced a number of “gut feelings” that ended up feeling much different in person than we expected. A gut feeling that has been verified/validated in person carries far more weight, IMHO.

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They are both wonderful schools. Congrats on your admissions! I took a gap year (just ending), and am transferring to Vanderbilt in the fall. If you are considering a gap year, I truly think that it’s worth exploring. Taking a gap year was the BEST thing I’ve ever done- it allowed me to grow personally, emotionally, academically, and spiritually. The unique opportunity to pursue City Year will enhance your educational pursuits and future endeavours. If you wanna check out some gap year advice I published an article on my blog about it —> freshman year of college I had health complications and was unhappy at my school. I took a gap year and then applied to transfer and I found that having a really productive gap year gave me a leg up as a transfer applicant. if you want to read more about why you should take a gap year, look here–> https://www.soulfulseedsblog.com/2018/05/why-you-should-take-a-gap-year/ , feel free to ask me any ?s!

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The two choices are both superb and the OP seems to rely a great deal on gut instinct so go with gut and choose Carleton. Gap year won’t be a negative for one’s career; in fact, it’s a good idea to broaden one’s perspective and gain some maturity.

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Sounds like Carleton feels like “home” whereas Pomona is a place you had a “crush” on from afar but who knows if it would feel like home if you visited. Carleton and Midwest 'nice" sounds like a great opportunity! I’d respectfully decline the waitlist offer from Pomona, if it were me.

One consideration about City Year and deferral at Carleton – you mentioned being able to be a Varsity athlete at Carleton. Have you been in touch with the coach about deferring as well? Depending on the sport, I can imagine that losing an athlete for a year could affect things, and a coach might not be willing to hold the spot for after the gap year. Just a thought, to make sure you have all the information needed to make a good decision.

Otherwise, City Year would be a phenomenal growth opportunity – you would come in to college with more experience and maturity. Then again, if you connected with incoming first years at Carleton, maybe you would prefer to start as a first year with the kids you have already met, been talking with on social media etc?

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Hey again, the president at Pomona just sent out an email saying that there are currently 411 students in the first year class, so they’re at the target (their website says they were aiming for 410). You might just be able to do a gap year and be able to accept Pomona’s offer as well, if you decide you prefer the latter. I’d contact a senior admissions officer, like Dean Allen or Dean Sapp, to see what could be done. Good luck!

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If you want to do a gap year, go ahead. Go to Carleton where you feel at home, and fill out the financial aid forms next year, who knows you might get some aid with two in college.