Pomona vs. CMC vs. Macalester

[MNKeeper]

<p>I'm transferring next year and have been accepted to Pomona, Claremont McKenna, and Macalester colleges. The problem is I'm unsure which one would be the best for me. I'm a rising sophomore, considering a major in economics, environmental studies and/or political science. I know CMC excels in economics and poli sci, but is it really any better than Pomona? I know Pomona is ranked above CMC by USNWR. </p>

<p>This past year I went to school a few blocks from Macalester and I know I like the school. It would be nice to go to Mac because then I could stay in touch with friends from my old school, although this is not of huge importance. On the other hand, I've always dreamt of going to school in California. Macalester is a good school and is very active in political issues, which is a plus.</p>

<p>So if anyone can provide insight into any of the three schools or compare/contrast them it would be much appreciated!</p>

<p>Let me know if I should provide anymore information about myself. Thanks in advance!</p>

[world_changer]

<p>CMC ranks the best in the field you’re looking at. </p>

<p>Really, though, between CMC and Pomona there isn’t going to be too much of a difference in educational quality - especially since you can easily take classes at the other Claremont schools.</p>

<p>Which do you like best?</p>

[lgellar]

<p>CMC’s the best of the three I think.</p>

[kenf1234]

<p>I’d go to CMC with your interests, unless there is some other particular reason you want to choose Pomona. Live the California dream!</p>

[DSC]

<p>Mac is good but more in on the politics side than the econ/business side. If you intend on business, write that one off. If not, go more on fit. Visit the Claremonts and you should be able to see which one you favor between CMC and Pomona(educational differences should be minimal in Econ/Poly Sci, Pomona with an edge in Environment-ness).</p>

[MNKeeper]

<p>Thanks for the responses. I thought of a more specific question and that was simply the difference between students at Pomona and CMC. I’ve done some research and they seem to be somewhat different, but I was wondering if anyone familiar with the schools could speak to that.</p>

[kenf1234]

<p>As a general rule, student personalities are closely reflected in their major choices.</p>

[EliCash91]

<p>You mentioned political activity as a reason for your liking of Mac, but I also recall CMC being mentioned in Newsweek’s “How to Get Into College 2008” for having significant political awareness and activity–so politics should not deter you from Claremont McKenna.</p>

<p>In regards to the issue of the student bodies at CMC and Pomona, I’ll just copy and paste the Student Body descriptions from PrincetonReview (I don’t know how accurate these are considered to be on this site, so don’t flame me for it). </p>

<p>CMC:

Undergraduates are “very driven to succeed. We genuinely work hard and have large goals that we wish to achieve.” The result is a friendly but competitive atmosphere “in which most people seem to thrive.” Most here “are from middle- to upper-class families, which cause many to come to school with a sheltered perspective on the world, but through the Athenaeum and study abroad, undergrads develop informed views and diverse thoughts.” The school’s popular programs in political science, government, international relations, and economics mean that most undergrads are “very politically astute” and “willing to debate political issues frequently, but never to the point of anger. It is hardly a rarity to see a liberal and conservative sharing some beers over discussion, and it’s a beautiful thing.” Nearly everyone fits the CMC mold “because the Admissions Office does a good job of making sure that students are a good match for the college” and because the school is so small.

</p>

<p>Pomona:

“That Southern California vibe” is alive and well at Pomona College. Students proudly report that Pomona undergrads “are all really friendly, helpful, polite, and take a liking to making new friends.” But not everyone thinks Pomona students are as chill as they claim to be. “Don’t believe the BS about students being laid-back at Pomona,” writes a senior. “They are definitely intense and competitive.” Whether edgy or easygoing, almost every student at Pomona has one thing in common: politically liberal leanings. “Lots of liberal superheroes out to change the world” is how one sophomore describes her schoolmates. The widespread liberalism makes it tough for “those who differ in political views,” because they “can sometimes be made to feel uncomfortable.” Liberal, conservative, or somewhere in between, however, Pomona undergraduates rate themselves as among “the happiest students in the country”—mostly because they know how to strike a healthy balance between work and play. Among all the things they love about their school, undergrads agree that “the students are the single best thing about Pomona College.”

</p>

<p>Also keep in mind that the Claremont colleges essentially share a campus, so you will still be around the same types of students at either of the colleges outside the classroom.</p>

[we_tard_it]

<p>There are a few stereotypes at CMC and Pomona about their student bodies, though I wouldn’t recommend trusting them completely. However, stereotypes are sometimes quite accurate.</p>

<p>CMC students are said to be beer-chugging, money-loving jocks. Pomona students are said to be elitist.</p>

[world_changer]

<p>While stereotypes tend to have some basis of truth, they’re usually overblown. Really, whichever school you choose will have just as many people who don’t fit the stereotype as people who do. </p>

<p>Between CMC and Pomona…I don’t know. It’s a tough call, but it’s true that Pomona does have more overall prestige (which could be helpful if you decide to change your major).</p>