Pomona: Smog Days and Politics

Colleges and Universities A-Z Pomona College
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<p>Hi, </p>

<p>I am waiting to see if I get accepted as a transfer to Pomona (I just got accepted as a transfer to another very-selective school yesterday). I have a couple of questions though. Mainly, I think Pomona is my top choice, but I have a couple of concerns.</p>

<p>Number 1, I've heard that although the Consortium campuses are beautiful, there are some problems with smog b/c of LA. My immune system sucks (so I've learned) which is one reason I'm interested in being in a warmer climate, but now I'm worried about whether smog makes it difficult for some people to breath. Alternatively, I wear contacts, and I know sometimes when there's a lot of air pollution they irritate my eyes and I can't wear them. Does anyone have any ideas about this? How often do these "smog days" happen?</p>

<p>Number 2: I will be coming from a school which is very liberal, which is one of the things I like about the school I'm currently at. I do not mind political diversity, but I like to be able to make friends who are radically liberal when it comes to attitudes towards sexuality, economics, etc. (I guess you could say I'm a hippy at heart). Does anyone think I would have trouble meeting people I would connect with?
(I do know a bit about Swat, and I know the two schools have a lot of cross applicants, so do you think Pomona is less liberal than Swat, for instance?)</p>

<p>Number 3 (yeah, I added a question) where is the nearest place to hike? I HEART the outdoors.</p>

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<p>escape--</p>

<ol>
<li><p>The smog is generally closer to LA proper, and the air quality around the Claremonts has been quite good. When there are brush fires in the forests nearby, the smoke can be blown near campus, but overall, you shouldn't have to worry about smog. My D wears contacts and hasn't had any problems with the smog--but she does have allergies.</p></li>
<li><p>If you look at other posts, you'll read that some folks opine that Pomona is quite liberal. You shouldn't have any problems making friends with like-minded ppl.</p></li>
<li><p>The absolutely nearest places to hike are the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, across the street from the northernmost point of the Claremonts campus, and Mt. Baldy, a little farther north.</p></li>
</ol>

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<p>I believe the smog usually only appears during July and August anyway, so you most likely would never notice it.</p>

<p>And yes, it's very, very liberal there.</p>