<p>Can someone tell me how good Pomona is in terms of the three major sciences [Physics/Chemistry/Biology] as well as math? I've heard that Pomona isn't really a science school- more of a humanities school, and I've heard LACs tend to be pretty bad in the science, but some clarification would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Take a look at this thread about CS (and also Math)
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/pomona-college/1319969-cs-pomona.html[/URL]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/pomona-college/1319969-cs-pomona.html</a></p>
<p>I have not heard that about Pomona or LAC’s in general - many are highly regarded in sciences and because students have close relationships with faculty and smaller class sizes LACs can actually provide a stronger undergraduate science education than large universities. There are often options for undergraduate research. Another LAC with a strong science reputation is Carleton… just FYI, but I’m sure there are many others.</p>
<p>S is a freshman studying Physics, and chose Pomona over Harvey Mudd, Berkeley, and some other programs that might be more well known for their physics departments. He chose Pomona because he wanted the LAC experience (and decided a math-science oriented-school like Harvey Mudd was not for him). He plans to go to grad school, and figured that was the time to get the big university experience. </p>
<p>He has been very happy with the quality of Pomona’s physics program. The professors are open and accessible, and he has developed close relationships with several of them. He has already lined up a paid research project with one of the professors for this summer. </p>
<p>The department is smallish – I think about 8-10 students graduate per year?? However, physics majors benefit from close proximity to Harvey Mudd. There is a weekly physics colloquium that alternates between the two campuses. See [Physics</a> and Astronomy Colloquium | Pomona College Physics and Astronomy](<a href=“http://www.astro.pomona.edu/blog/2010-physics/?page_id=614]Physics”>http://www.astro.pomona.edu/blog/2010-physics/?page_id=614) And, of course, S has the option of taking classes at Harvey Mudd. </p>
<p>I don’t know a whole lot about the chemistry and biology departments, but I know Pomona students have excellent results in applying to med school. You should spend some time looking at the websites for the various departments you are interested in, see what areas professors are doing research, and then feel free to contact them at one of the admitted students days, or by email. If possible, sit in on a class. Even the introductory science classes are not large. I think my son’s freshman physics class was about 28 students. The lab sections of course are smaller, and are taught by professors, not TAs.</p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>Bio is one of Pomona’s strongest departments. Chem is good too, from what I’ve heard. Physics has improved dramatically in the past few years and is now a good department as well. Having Mudd available really puts it over the top.</p>
<p>Some of the stereotypes about the resources at liberal arts colleges just don’t apply when there is a $1.7 billion endowment. Pomona can attract and quality top faculty for every department.</p>
<p>Also, the vast majority of research resources at a research university are for graduate students and professors. Because Pomona is undergrad only, any and all research funds go directly to helping undergraduate students pursue research.</p>
<p>Our daughter is a sophomore majoring in astrophysics. Like SDMomof3’s son, she chose Pomona (over Cornell, Penn, Brown, and the College of Creative Studies at UCSB) for the LAC experience, as she is also passionate about literature, theatre, dance, etc. and also plans on going to grad school for a University experience. </p>
<p>She has had amazing access to her professors, and her physics advisor advises only four other students. She has taken classes at all the colleges except Claremont Mckenna. She will have a paid research position with one of her physics professors this summer, and she’s heading to the University of Edinburgh for the fall 2012 semester to study astrophysics, thanks to Pomona’s study abroad program. </p>
<p>She has found the camaraderie between her fellow physics students to be of great benefit, as well as the tutoring sessions (she now has a paid position tutoring freshmen) and the colloquiums. Her classes have been rigorous and satisfying. Her experience at Pomona, for both herself and us as parents, has been even beyond what we were hoping for.</p>
<p>Good luck to you wherever you choose to go.</p>
<p>Not to mention, pomona’s neuroscience program is one of the best in the county.</p>
<p>I remember seeing somewhere that 90% of Pomona’s pre-med undergrads get accepted to their first choice of med school, but I don’t have a source for that (and it sounds pretty high).</p>
<p>Either way, science and math at Pomona are in no way lacking.</p>
<p>I’ll buy it without the “first choice” qualifier.</p>