<p>What are the strengths and weaknesses of the two schools in comparison of their economics programs?</p>
<p>Pomona is better in every aspect.</p>
<p>Sistokid’s assertion is a common misconception, and rather silly thing to say unless you’ve had experience with both. Both schools are fantastic and offer incredible experiences, but they are significantly different, despite their proximity. </p>
<p>I recommend you look at previous threads (just google the title of this thread). There is a substantial difference in culture and attitude. If you’re dead set on economics, CMC may be better. Pomona’s economics department is excellent, and is the most popular major here (still a very small percentage of the student body, though). CMC is specialized in economics and has more courses and different courses. Pomona doesn’t offer finance courses, for example. If you’re interested in anything else besides politics, Pomona has better programs in most areas (particularly science), and the student body is much more diverse in its interests.</p>
<p>Santeria is right about the numerous threads having rehashed this topic many times. I would suggest one way to learn about the respective programs is to go to the list of economic courses offered for the Fall Semester for both schools. The info is on either of their websites. Also go to their catalogue of courses and that will give you a good idea what each dept offers their students. You should also know that students from each school will take courses at the other school. Generally, you need the permission of the professor and there needs to be available spots for the course.</p>
<p>I guess I would disagree about the statement if you are interested in anything except politics you would do better at Pomona. However, you asked about economics, so I will let that go unanswered.</p>
<p>I’d tell you to ignore the strengths of the economics departments - both are very strong. But CMC is a very, very, very pre-professional place, clearly more conservative. Pomona more intellectual, varied and liberal. I’m not denigrating one or the other, just as it is. Think HS class presidents at CMC - now aspiring captains of industry, lawyers, bankers. At Pomona, former HS newpaper editors, Intel STS winners and philosophy club presidents now aspiring to become, well, almost anything. </p>
<p>Lots of socializing between campuses and in classroom x registration. I’d go where I’d feel more a part of the personality of the school.</p>
<p>I would ask the OP what he/she would like to do with his/her economics degree after graduation. At CMC, the economics dept has numerous finance and accounting courses; they even offer a major called economics-accounting. The financial economics institute at CMC offers a sequence in finance that prepares students for careers in investment banking, investment management and corporate finance. Many of the bulge and boutique investment banks, private wealth management firms, Big 4 accounting firms and Fortune 500 companies recruit on campus. We have many students who land summer internships and full-time offers with companies like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Credit Suisse, Lazard, PwC, E&Y, Google, etc. We also have the Kravis Institute on campus ( named after alumnus Henry Kravis) which offers a leadership sequence with a variety of management courses for those students who would like to run organizations or become entrepreneurs. Many consulting firms, such as Bain, Boston Consulting, Deloitte and Accenture also recruit on campus. Of course, the dept offers all the traditional economic courses for students who are interested in a career in economics. The great thing about CMC economics is that you will have a variety of options to choose from depending on where you see yourself heading after graduation.</p>
<p>^</p>
<p>Absolutely agree that CMC is more pre-professional and “applied” in their economics/business offerings.</p>
<p>But I’d be careful not to suggest that Pomona economics majors are at a disadvantage come recruitment time on campus. This is just not the case.</p>
<p>Both schools are outstanding academically and will prepare you for whatever career you want to pursue; both also have excellent economics departments. The better question is which school would be a better fit for you, as they have very different student bodies.</p>