<p>Hi, I'm in my senior year in New Delhi and was recently accepted at the University of Chicago and Pomona. </p>
<p>Two years ago my boyfriend told me about Chicago as it was his number one (he got rejected) and we both fell in love with the uni for its intellectual breadth. </p>
<p>However, as the decision day came nearer, we learnt more about chicago through personal and internet sources. The environment and atmosphere that we had initially perceived was the very reason we applied. A quote about Chicago was:</p>
<p>"Chicago is not the place where the valedictorian goes, but the place where the guy who the valedictorian was intimidated by goes" or something like that.</p>
<p>I'm certain that this is definately an incorrect description of the student body of chicago. Now, being an international student, I have never visited Chicago and will most probably be unable to do so. </p>
<p>Several others (accepted and rejected) have shared similar concerns as the decisions were suprising. The people who were supposed to be a typically Chicago Student were rejected and vice versa. </p>
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<p>Pomona on the other hand has emerged as a better option. Weather, etc. + my boyfriend will be at CMC.</p>
<p>However, My dream college was Chicago and Now I don't know where to go...</p>
<p>Academically, I believe that the two schools are comparable and you will get a great education at each. UChicago has the reputation for having a very intellectual atmosphere and is known to be a very rigorous school. I've heard that rather than following the trend of grade inflation at many top schools, they have grade deflation. Pomona also has a very intellectual atmosphere, but I think that it is in a more subdued, laid-back sort of way (probably due to being in California). You are definitely challenged at Pomona academically, but most students are able to have time for fun as well and are less stressed out about work. My friend who chose Pomona over UChicago once said that maybe she should have gone there, where the stress of all her peers would make her feel better (since she tends to be a more high-stressed person as well). As a Pomona student, I only know of my experience here and just have heard second-hand things about UChicago, so take my perspectives on UChicago with that in mind.</p>
<p>your perception of both the schools is very close to what I think of them as well..but do you think tat Pomona's laidback attitude willbe a deterrent in academics..one of the major factors in my decision is oppurtunities after graduation and I cant find information on which college would have better recruitment</p>
<p>Other factors to consider are that Chicago has more of an international reputation and less of a drinking culture. I'd recommend Chicago, but have to admit that with the bf at CMC it'll be a hard decision.</p>
<p>greenblue - Chicago does have a more international reputation. Pomona doesn't have a drinking culture, however. At least not compared to average American colleges and universities.</p>
<p>aanch - Pomona's workload is pretty rigorous and the students are serious. They do work hard - even with great weather.</p>
<p>They are both awesome schools. 'congratulations. No wrong choice.</p>
<p>What do you want to do after graduation? Go to grad school, profession school, or get a job right away? In the United States or back at home? If your primary concern is to get a good job after school back in India, graduating from UChicago would help much more because it is better known internationally. In terms of grad/professional schools, there isn't much of a difference, although I would assume that you would have more research opportunities and faculty contact at Pomona, which would help your applications for further education.</p>
<p>After all is said and done, I believe the most important thing is your family, friends, and significant other. I gave up Harvard Medical school and went to UCSF Medical School so that I could be with my girlfriend of 4 years 300 instead of 3000 miles away. We have been married now 22 years and our 17 year old son will be attending Harvey Mudd in the fall. Young people who place so much emphasis on school rankings, in which the schools are almost the same... are failing to see what really matters in life. Twenty years from now I hope you look back and ask yourself..."I can't believe that I was willing to sacrifice a relationship over which college to attend". Perhaps its a generation gap....but place the "us" above the "me" and you will be a happier person in the end. This is all assuming that the person is worthy of a long term permanent relationship.
Fatherly advice....</p>
<p>that story is moving but i dont want a relationship to be the deciding factor in my college decison..what is very important is job prospects straight after graduation.I will be looking for employment in the States and not back in India and i cant figure out which college is better for that. having researched both now I feel I am better fit at Pomona but unable to decide as Uchicago has a greater international reputation</p>
<p>Well if you're going to be looking for employment in the States, then international reputation is going to be less of a factor (the more time that passes after graduation, the less your school is going to be important). </p>
<p>Both are well-respected schools with what I imagine to be awesome career offices. If you're going to be staying in the US, then I'd say choose for fit. You can't lose.</p>
<ol>
<li>"chicago has less of drinking culture"...***? i'm an irish kid from the south side of chicago, just near uchicago...and trust me, there is no shortage of boozing there, on or off-campus.</li>
<li>my top two choices were uchicago and pomona. i chose pomona because uchicago is, frankly, the most socially awkward place on earth. i love the school to death, and some of my best friends go there...but it's painful sometimes. plus, pomona's much more nurturing and nice....but you don't get the wonderful chicago thing.</li>
</ol>