<p>So, I am confused as to which one I should apply to. Other than the ranking, could I get some more insights into these colleges?</p>
<p>Interesting comparison, for what its worth, here are a few points, either are really really fine schools and you would likely do very well from attending either, both really strong schools offering a fine liberal arts education:-</p>
<p>Pomona:
- California vs Mass
- Huge endowment per student, same as Amherst
- Lovely campus, just as Amherst
- Claremont consort, same/similar to 5 colleges
- Great Community engagement opportunties</p>
<p>Amherst:
- Clearly longtime No1 or 2 in LACs
- Great connections/alums with placement into financial/consulting
- Well defined links to top east coast law/business programs</p>
<p>Both equally difficult to gain admissions, not sure you could say there is much between them, fit would likely be your best differentiator, good luck getting admitted.</p>
<p>In the past perhaps Swarthmore might have been equally attractive, but in the last few years both Amherst and Pomona have somewhat eclipsed Swarthmore in terms of attractiveness to top students and the number of applications and I think that may continue.</p>
<p>Englishman what is this chip you’ve got on your shoulder about Swarthmore enough to bring it up unasked? (Though why this thread is here to begin with is beyond me)</p>
<p>Confusing why this is in the Swat forum as well… can you visit both Amherst & Pomona? If you are looking to apply ED to one next year, I would advise that. This would give you a flavor for each college. While both have very bright students, I would say Pomona is a bit more laid back than Amherst. If you are not applying ED, then you should probably apply to both if you have the stats.</p>
<p>@donnaleighg I guess if you have an opinion, one shares it, if you want to add something for the OP do so, but dont critise those that do try to give help, again not sure why its here in Swarthmore though, input?</p>
<p>For whatever it’s worth, my D’s 3 favorite schools were Amherst, Pomona and Swat (we visited 17 schools). She went with Amherst but would have been happy with any of them. They are very similar - strong liberal arts, beautiful campus, part of a larger consortium. Apply to all three, then decide. </p>
<p>All three schools (if you are including Swarthmore) have beautiful campuses, prestige, excellent academics, and diverse and engaging student bodies. Your best bet would be to visit the schools, get a feel of the student body and the local area because there isn’t really much of a way to distinguish them on paper.</p>
<p>I’m thinking of applying ED2 to one of those actually. That’s why I’m quite confused as to which one I should go for. Since there is really not that big a difference, I’m going to have to decide for myself. But thanks for the inputs! It is in the Swat forum because Swat was actually my ED1 and I got deferred from it. So, in comparison to Swat I wanted to know Pomona and Amherst.</p>