<p>I've been reading some of the Pomona admissions thread and it really seems like most posters here feel that it is impossible to get into Pomona. Is this true?
My credentials really aren't all that special compared to the applicant pool at Pomona, which is pretty self-selective from what I've read. I scored a 2325 on the SAT, I volunteered about 400 hours at my county's animal care and control shelter, I've achieved near native fluency in Spanish, I'm an AP National Scholar, I've got a 4.0 gpa, and I'm the treasurer of my high school's student council, so although to my blue-collar first-generation Mexican-American parents I seem like a super-genius I know that compared to some other kids, I seem like a slacker almost.
Is there really any point in applying? Is the school a reach or a match for me? My parents are not doing so well financially so I don't have the money to apply to a dozen schools, which really adds up, so I've got to weigh my options and pick the schools I feel I have a decent shot at getting in to so some help would be much appreciated. Please rate my chance of admission to Pomona on a scale of 1-10.
Oh and could you reccomend some other schools I should look into that are in the same tier or a tier or two below Pomona that are in California. I live in Phoenix,AZ and would like to stay within a 3 hour flight from my parents, so anything north of Sacramento is too far.
THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS!!!!!!!!!</p>
<p>If this is even close to all true (2325?), definitely apply. Don't think there's anything like it in California, but checkout Scripps and the other Claremont's if your looking for an LAC, and Stanford if not.</p>
<p>Take a look at the numbers and where you stand. More importantly how kids at your school have stacked up with Pomona. I think you are a strong candidate. Look at some other LACs that are not as selective, such as Occidental. Santa Clara, Redlands, Colorado College, etc, to round out your list.</p>
<p>yeah that's my real SAT score. I hired my cousin, who works for the admissions department at the University of Arizona, 2 years ago to start coaching me 12 hours per week for the SAT, so I think I've spent somewhere in the neighborhood of about 600 hrs prepping for the SAT. Now the whole AP National Scholar thing won't be decided until June of next year, I've taken 7 AP tests and you need 8 in order to be an AP National Scholar but I only need to score one more 4 and its mine.
But here are some of my main concerns:
1st My h.s. is tiny there are only 50 other kids in my graduating class so it's not like class rank really matter I mean I'm second out of only 50 kids
2nd I've recieved almost no awards, I mean ZERO, and my only two extracurriculars were that I was student council treasurer and that I volunteered 400 hours at an animal shelter. Compared to some of the kids at my school that's a lot but compared to some of the stuff that I've read on this website it's not shnatzle. It's going to be embarrassing when I have to write about my extracurricular activities and I put down 2 things leaving quite a few empty spaces.
3rd I don't really have that many unique talents. I'm a horrible pianist despite the fact that I've had lessons since the 4th grade and I'm severely asthmatic so I can't really do any sports. Other than me being bi-lingual I don't think I have a hook, which is why I probably won't apply to Stanford so I'll save my parents the money and myself the heartache of being rejected.
Those are my chief concerns so please help me, anybody.</p>
<p>Are you doing anything now? COntinue with your work with animals. Do a drive for animals. Get something in process that ties into our two activities like that.<br>
It is what it is. You have the numbers, some activities and the class rank. Go for it.</p>
<p>are the chances of acceptance higher if you apply under early admission one rather than EA 2?</p>
<p>"yeah that's my real SAT score"</p>
<p>No worries... I just haven't seen any that ended with a 5. Some would say first gen and Mexican American is a "hook". Some would say your judged in your context ( but when # comes to EC's that includes your community, not your school). I understand the Stanford application is a lot of work, but I don't think you should let the fee or potential disappointment stand in your way. I sort of think of Pomona and Stanford as similarly competitive.</p>
<p>i'm pretty sure that was the number but you may be right but it was definetly in that general area but i don't know where the exact form is at form. what do i have to gain by making up fake numbers, online buddies? so anyway is Pomona a safety or a match?</p>
<p>"what do i have to gain by making up fake numbers,"</p>
<p>Hey! I know, but it happens!</p>
<p>Never a safety. I'd think it's always a reach.
This is just stats from college board, which at this level may not mean much. It MAY come down to "what else you got?"</p>
<p>Pomona
Percent applicants admitted: 16%
Middle 50% ofFirst-Year Students Percent Who
Submitted Scores
SAT Critical Reading: 690 - 770 91%
SAT Math: 690 - 760 91%
SAT Writing: 680 - 750 91%
ACT Composite: 29 - 34 38% </p>
<p>Stanford
Percent applicants admitted: 10%
Middle 50% ofFirst-Year Students Percent Who
Submitted Scores
SAT Critical Reading: 660 - 760 96%
SAT Math: 680 - 790 96%
SAT Writing: 660 - 760 96%
ACT Composite: 29 - 33 25%</p>
<p>P.S. DO check out Occidental. Not "like" Pomona but my D overnighted at Scripps and Occidental (and Santa Clara and admitted students day at Pepperdine) and LOVED Scripps and liked Occidental a lot. She's also URM</p>
<p>i advise you not to listen to all of the freaks on this website who have nothing better to do except list their very unrealistic stats and say CHANCE ME!!!!</p>
<p>reading all of that made me feel really small and im already highly involved in my school and community and have nothing near the number of extracurriculars as those kids. i find it impossible to have that much time. my counselors even told me not to read this site because of the intimidating nature of those types of posts haha</p>
<p>but anyway i think anyone has a shot at pomona, as its a reach for everyone. just write a killer essay and emphasize your current passions. show that you are down to earth and normal. if you let yourself shine through then you have chance of getting in.</p>
<p>im also applying to pomona this year but stanford REA. good luck with your applications!</p>
<p>Occidental gives really really generous merit aid. Its in los angeles, it's definitely a step below Pomona, but i think your chances at pomona are not at all impossible. I hate to use the race card, but I think you have good chances at Pomona. You're for sure in at Occidental.</p>
<p>You can't get a 2325 on the SAT...stop lying about your SAT score...</p>
<p>Given the number of graduating HS seniors this year plus the number of apps each senior submits, admissions at any school has become more of a crap shoot. If you're interested in applying to Pomona, or any other school for that matter, apply - all they can say is no. What I don't encourage or condone is applying willy-nilly to schools either to increase one's odds of getting into college or for trophy-hunting.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Both Pomona and Stanford do give an extra look at first generation college kids. So go on ahead and give it a whirl. Both schools are need blind and give 100% of need, so they are excellent reach schools for you. Just make sure you have some good safeties on your list as well, as the numbers for acceptance are low at the selective schools. You are definitely the material for serious consideration at any college.</p>
<p>liar...how do you have an sat score ending with 5? you fake troll</p>