<p>I did a quick perusal of the 12-page thread on the SAT scandal. I know people are feeling really defensive about it. I didn't want to get caught in that thread's heightened sensibilities.</p>
<p>Bottom line: Junior son and I are visiting CMC this month. The SAT scandal didn't really turn me off on the school (whereas the Pomona story DOES turn me off on that school). However, after reading some of the comments on the long thread, I'm beginning to wonder whether I'm not giving this story enough weight. What am I missing? Do people really think this story will cheapen a degree from CMC? I was willing to write it off as one guy, under pressure, making some bad decisions. Maybe I'm wrong.</p>
<p>I hope some CMC students and parents will reassure you that all of the reasons they are passionate about the college are still in place.</p>
<p>Regarding Pomona – after the college received a written complaint about illegal immigrant employees in the dining hall, they were bound to follow federal law. I do think the college has stated that it actively supports new immigrant legislation, but that is a federal mandate that has not moved forward in the U.S. Congress.</p>
<p>CMC and Pomona strengthen one another as cooperative institutions in the broader Claremont consortium. Many students cross-register.</p>
<p>Youdon’tsay - I am a current CMC sophomore and I appreciate your inquiry, as I am really glad you didn’t just listen to what some people outside of the CMC community are saying. </p>
<p>This school is an incredible place. The Office of Admission is committed to accepting students who will contribute to the CMC community, and sometimes those students don’t have 2400s and 4.0’s. That being said, the Office is also under immense pressure, much of it internal, to boost rankings. Essentially what happened is that Dean Vos tried to have it both ways - if this was about wanting to accept students with higher scores, that would have been done, as they are certainly in our applicant pool. Instead, Dean Vos made a bad decision to do what he felt he needed to do to preserve the CMC community we are all so proud of while answering to pressure regarding rankings. He made a bad decision and I certainly hope it does not deter you or your son from considering this school. I chose CMC over many other schools (namely Northwestern, William & Mary, George Washington Honors, Hamilton, etc) and legitimately cannot imagine myself anywhere else. This community is proving itself tenfold this week - students are banding together and defending the place we all love.
If you have any specific questions feel free to PM me. I hope you enjoy your visit to our beautiful campus.</p>
<p>In reading all the posts about CMC and the SAT mistake you will see that the vast majority are positive about CMC. Well they should be. My Pomona son plays lacrosse and the majority of players are from CMC. Through lacrosse I have met many CMC parents who without exception rave about the school. The most oft quoted scholar in the LA Times is Jack Pitney government professor at CMC. I hope you are there Mon-Thur so your son can see the classes for himself. When he sees the interaction between faculty and students he will realize the benefit of a small LAC education. Still remember my first class at the University of California, 480 students. As Sarabande says there is more about Pomona employment issues than the article in the NY Times would lead you to believe. Only Pomona employs dining workers for instance, at the other colleges they are employees of contracted food service companies. If you have time you might want to look at this. Though posted by the administration there are links to those opposing the actions of the administration. [Work</a> Authorization Requirements Stir Campus Unrest - Pomona College](<a href=“http://www.pomona.edu/administration/communications/special-features/work-documentation/communications.aspx]Work”>http://www.pomona.edu/administration/communications/special-features/work-documentation/communications.aspx)</p>
<p>To add to what 70’s Grad said about student-faculty interactions, something happened on Tuesday that perfectly exemplifies how this school works. I emailed my Spanish professor telling her I was going to be 15 minutes late to class because I needed to meet with my boss on campus about this whole story. She emailed me back just telling me to call her. We spoke for 15 minutes and she told me she just wanted to check in and make sure I was doing okay with the news, because she knows that I’m very involved in the Admission Office. This professor holds a doctorate, is well connected with the Mexican embassy, and personally brought Beatriz Paredes Rangel, the former president of one of Mexico’s most powerful political parties, to the Athenaeum last year, and she cares enough about her students to take time out of her busy day to check in about something non-academic.</p>
<p>You don’t have to see me on a LAC; ds1 is at Carleton. :)</p>
<p>I just wonder whether I’m being naive to think everyone will think like I do and write this off and not let this reflect on the student body or whether we should take this more seriously.</p>
<p>CMC, any ideas for what class he should sit in on while there? I know we don’t get the list until we show up, but I’m looking for a heads up!</p>
<p>Youdon’tsay, let Junior walk around the entire consortium and talk to the students. When I visited CMC for the first time, I did not really want to like it. I tried to get out of the scholarship trip and needed some not that subtle parental “encouragement.” The first person I talked to at CMC was the person at the center of the storm. He did not get me at “Hello” but it was close, although he was no Tom Cruise. Within two hours, I told my mom … send them the money! I never looked back and never regretted my choice. The only regret is that graduation came too soon. </p>
<p>I have no doubt Junior will feel in his heart if CMC is right for him. Or not!</p>
<p>Youdon’tsay, what day of the week are you visiting? I’d love to give you some class recommendations. PM me about your visit and I’ll help you out!</p>