<p>There have probably been threads about this before, but I guess starting a new one couldn't hurt.</p>
<p>I'm currently deciding between these 2 schools and would like some feedback. I'll post this on both colleges' forums.</p>
<p>I'm looking into Pre-med for both schools and was wondering how each program was different and great in their own way. I'm looking into neuroscience or environmental science also. I would also like to be involved with music (orchestra). </p>
<p>Also, what are the differences socially and academically? How are the dorms, food, off campus activities, on campus activities? Quality of pre-med programs? Other academic differences?</p>
<p>I haven’t taken a lot of pre-med classes, but there are a lot of pre-meds and neuroscience is a very popular major. I can testify that environmental science at Pomona is excellent. We have some really great professors. Check out the Environmental Analysis program- [Environmental</a> Analysis ? EA at the Claremont Colleges: a 5C academic program](<a href=“5C Environmental Analysis Program”>http://ea.pomona.edu/) . You can combine the environmental science/biology interest into one tract. </p>
<p>I’m not very familiar with Amherst academics, but I know for certain that the food at Pomona is much better. The consortium at Pomona is more realistic, as the schools are in walking distance. The Amherst consortium is spread out enough that the schools don’t really integrate. The weather in Claremont is much better. LA is reasonably close. Both schools are very comparable in academic quality, endowment, grad school placement, etc. If you can, visit both schools to see where you imagine yourself. And congrats on those acceptances!</p>
<p>What waitlist?
Thank you! I was pretty excited for the acceptances. I’ve seen Pomona and will probably visit Amherst this month also.
If I may ask, what made you choose Pomona?</p>
<p>I was in your shoes two years ago (Pomona vs Amherst vs Northwestern). I chose Pomona, you should search some threads on the subject but basically its where you want to spend the next four years. Both schools are top tier. You’re going to get equal respect from employers and grad school at either institution. I chose Pomona over Amherst due to these reasons:
Student body- Kids at Amherst seemed less friendlier and much more preppy- just not my style. Pomona students are in general laid back and very friendly. I am not saying Amherst students are not, just that when I visited the students gave off different vibes.
Campus/ Location- Claremont isn’t the best college town, but I like that its quiet, and it does have the village which is nice to walk through. Having a car here is a real plus if you can afford one. It makes going to the beach or mountains pretty simple.
The consortium- much better than Amherst’s consortium because Amherst is pretty much the standout, while we have 4 other fantastic schools around us (and its walking distance- no buses).
The food- Plethora of options and its just plain 'ole delicious (IMO). I really did not enjoy Amherst’s dining, and I am not picky whatsoever.
Weather. Cannot be overstated. We can party year round outdoors
5)</p>
<p>I was talking to as248 about the waitlist, since he made an account to tell you to go to Pomona.</p>
<p>Anonymous covered some reasons I would personally choose Pomona over Amherst. I think the biggest differences between them are location, weather, and the Claremont consortium. You can decide for yourself what your preferences are. To me, Pomona has the advantage in those areas, but I can see why someone would want to be in the NE. Oh, and I disagree with Anonymous’ opinion about the other Amherst consortium schools. They’re all very good schools. Even UMass is a top public, and it gives the advantage of having essentially an unlimited number of courses. I do agree with him that the other four schools in Claremont are fantastic. The physical distance between the Claremont schools is what makes our consortium better. </p>
<p>As for my own decision, I was looking for small classes. The only real academic downside to a smaller school is that there are less course offerings, but the Consortium gets rid of that problem here. I was also looking for a warmer climate and access to a city. I have a car, so LA is really manageable. The administration and faculty really go out of their way for students. The student body is friendly, laid-back, intelligent, and interesting. It fit exactly what I wanted, so it was the best college in the country for me.</p>
