Pomona and Claremont McKenna

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I have a few questions about the two schools. I'm applying this fall but because I felt I was aiming either too high or too low, I decided to add in Pomona or Claremont McKenna, or both.
My counselor told me that you can take classes in any of the 5 sister colleges which made me wonder about admissions. I've heard that Pomona is harder to get into, so wouldn't it make sense for me to apply to CM and just take classes at Pomona?</p>

<p>I want to study psychology or neurology in college and am quite impressed with both college's residence halls. I'm from a city heavily populated by Asians and was wondering if the campuses are diverse and offer nearby Asian markets. </p>

<p>lastly, CM requires an interview if you live nearby (which I do) but does Pomona require it as well?</p>

2

<p>

You can take classes, but you can only graduate from the school you’re enrolled in. You have to satisfy graduation requirements of the school you’re enrolled in. Pomona and CMC have different majors, different cultures, different financial aid policies… There may also be limits on the number of classes you’re allowed to cross-register at per semester. </p>

<p>As for whether Pomona requires an interview of locals, call and ask! It might also be on their web site. I would definitely interview at a local college and if I were an admissions officer I would probably be concerned about a local who hadn’t interviewed.</p>

3

<p>Claremont McKenna is only slightly less selective than Pomona. Both are among the 25 or so most selective colleges and universities. Both would be reach schools for nearly all applicants.</p>

4

<p>just like HYPSM for the large research universities, Pomona is part of WASP for the liberal arts colleges, separating itself from the others…</p>

5

<p>So for my psychology or neuroscience major, would Pomona be more fitting for me?</p>

6

<p>I believe that Pomona expects people who live within a reasonable drive to interview. It’s not mandatory, it’s expected. At least that’s how it was four years ago when my son applied. Yes, for neuroscience I think you would want Pomona.</p>

7

<p>Pomona is more diverse, from what I’ve read, and their neuroscience program is supposed to be very strong. However, as tk21769 said, Claremont McKenna is no easier to get into, I think they just look for a certain type of student beyond the objective data. They’re both very good academically. I think it really just comes down to what kind of atmosphere you prefer. Lastly, the Pomona website states that they “expect all students who apply from Southern California to interview on campus.”</p>