<p>I really llike personalized discussion type classes that are intellectually stimulating and intense, and I know that both colleges can probably offer me these classes. Personally, I don’t consider myself a prestige whore, so lack of prestige is not a big problem for me.</p>
<p>i currently have this “problem”. princeton is a different type of school…a true university. I consider pomona and williams to be very similar, but would easily choose pomona over any other LAC. However, princeton is arguably the best university in the US. What do you guys think?</p>
<p>regarding the original post:
pomona wins. hands down. think: weather, consortium, town (williamstown is almost non existent; claremont is so cute!), location (near a city, beach, and place to ski), amazing dining options, dorms, etc. I got into amherst and had no problem crossing that off my list as soon as my acceptance from pomona arrived, despite its ranking.</p>
<p>however, the person who is deciding b/t columbia and I are talking about a totally different type of school. What are the advantages/disadvantages to each? obviously princeton is more prestigious (name wise), but I really fell in love with pomona. however, how can anyone turn down princeton?
PLEASE HELP!</p>
<p>I didn’t even look into Princeton for one reason and one reason only: Eating Clubs. If they had been a small thing at the school, I might have been able to overlook it, but they aren’t. They’re basically the social scene at the school and I hated the idea of them. I think the idea of Eating Clubs is counter to everything Pomona is about (if you really fell in love with Pomona). I don’t think you’d be happy there.</p>
<p>A kid at my school turned down Princeton for Pomona two years ago. It’s possible. And he’s amazingly happy with his decision.</p>
<p>And yeah, I have a problem choosing between Columbia and Pomona right now. It’s tough, more so because all my friends are in the Northeast than anything else. That’s probably the only reason keeping me back.</p>
<p>^ Me too! I have to decide between Columbia and Pomona.</p>
<p>I’m leaning towards Pomona now though. I just love the close-knit feel and the stellar academics.</p>
<p>@ Shadow - I also applied to Princeton, but before I even received my decision (was waitlisted) I had decided on Pomona above it. I just didn’t like the idea of social life revolving around eating clubs.</p>
<p>As many advantages as the city provides for Columbia, there are also major disadvantages esp. in regards to the community. If you want a “close-knit feel” I would definitely recommend Pomona above Columbia! That said, I’ve never been a student at Columbia, obviously, so… that’s just my impression from visiting.</p>
<p>As for Princeton, ditto the eating clubs. Plus Princeton wishes it were an LAC. Pomona is the real deal, without any of the negatives (since the consortium broadens social, academic, research opportunities).</p>
<p>my friend chose pomona over princeton and has never looked back. She cited the student body as her main example; if i recall correctly, when she asked students if they watched TV they gave her a confused look, and would occasionally reply “jeopardy”. I feel like at pomona the environment/student body is much more laid back/free/noncompetitive. </p>
<p>I won’t argue with the fact that princeton’s name does have a nice ring to it. it’s up to you though, your four years; i’m sure you’ve heard it tons of times but see where you fit.</p>
<p>Even though I’ve never been to princeton, I heard that princeton has a more ellitist feel to it. I would not go there just for the sake of prestige. I think liberal arts education would be more valuable for your life in the long run. How’s the FA for both schools btw? I’ve wondered how FA for Pomona and princeton compare.</p>
<p>Go to Williams. Everyone here hypes up the campus of the Claremont colleges, but in reality once you go a mile in any direction than your in a run-down LA small town/suburb. While at Williams you are surrounded by natural beauty, instead of AM/PMs and 7-11s. The city of Claremont is not a happening city loool. The smog is still horrible. Dont believe all the things you hear on here.</p>
<p>to the OP:
you should put Pomona vs. Williams on this site (which u already did), and start a Willams vs. Pomona thread on the Williams forum. That way, you see it from two different angles, and not just from the view of people who love Pomona (even though I love Pomona too!)</p>
<p>A relative of ours who graduated from Pomona and did her doctorate at Princeton where she taught undergrads said she noticed a difference in the level of diversity between the two schools. She felt that Pomona’s student body is much more diverse than Princeton’s.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>^ Why should I believe this either? 
Anyone have any thoughts on these comments?</p>
<p>I’m going to visit Pomona on the 13th and probably decide then :)</p>
<p>If you are the city type,then go to Pomona. The williams campus is pretty secluded, so if you want to run far,far away from the city then Williams it is. In all other aspects they are more or less the same. Unless rankings matter a lot to you ;)</p>
<p>All right. I’m going to post this exact question to Williams Forum and see how they feel about this. But I thought most people who posted in this thread were pretty unbiased for the most part. But then again I could be wrong…</p>
<p>I just saw my “bears” typo as I was looking back my thread. Wow. that is embarrassing.</p>
<p>^ I saw that and was like “Free bears?!” and googled it just like I did with “puppies before finals”. I got excited cos I’m over 21… I want a free bear :(</p>
<p>Williams forum didn’t answer much. Does that mean Pomona students are friendlier or just have more time on their hands?!</p>
<p>lol lets say its both 
we are friendlier AND have more time on our hands</p>
<p>Weather today at Pomona:
73 degrees, 9% humidity, with a nice breeze, and not a cloud in the sky. I can see snow-capped 10,000 foot peaks in the distance, with PALM TREES in the foreground. I look out my window across the green and I see people in bathing suits, lounging out.</p>
<p>Weather today at Williams:
It’s pouring rain and 43 degrees (feels like 36) today in Williamstown. </p>
<p>Weather is a HUGE factor that cannot be underestimated. You know how when it’s a sunny, beautiful day you just feel better? That’s how it is almost every single day at Pomona, and when it rains, it’s such a phenomenon that people often get more excited.</p>
<p>Also, Pomona students have the most astounding relationship with their administration. Even in the economic downturn, the school is well-funded, and eager to provide students with all their resources.</p>
<p>I, along with a lot of people here, chose Pomona over Williams a few years ago. Coming from the rural Northeast to Sunny Socal was definitely a bold move, but I have never for a second wished I had gone to Williams (or anywhere else). You really can’t beat the academics, the campus (with consortium) the weather or the people.</p>
<p>Thanks. Brassmonkey for the weather update. Anyway, I will be visiting Williams on admitted students days since they will be paying for my travel expenses. So hopefully by then it will be pretty clear which one is a better fit for me.</p>
<p>Pomona offered to pay for my travel expenses too, all of a sudden. So I will actually be visiting both colleges this week and the week after.</p>