<p>Disregarding the money issue.
Math major interested in photography, graphics and art (NOT digital animation, however, which USC is big on. Not into that or gaming at all)
I LOVED Pomona when I visited, but also liked USC. Is the lack of recognition of the Pomona name an issue? Is the Trojan Family/ alumni network of superb value?
Any insight would be much appreciated!</p>
<p>The environments are quite different. USC is a big, traditional research university with a “rah, rah” intense school spirit. Pomona is one of the most selective and best liberal arts colleges in the country. It will provide you much more care and feeding…it’s also a more intellectual environment, while USC seems more pre-professional. Just go where you think you’ll fit in and like best…but IMO, it’s hard to just disregard the money issue.</p>
<p>USC alumni network is strong in Southern California. I will not deny that you have some pretty solid connections to the Socal business and entertainment communities with a degree from USC. However, recruiters and academics “in the know” will respect Pomona.</p>
<p>My sister ended up going to Pomona over Columbia, Wash U, Duke, and others. I think she is happy with her decision and wouldn’t go back on it. Even though your friends might have never heard of Pomona, most employers will have heard of it and respect it.</p>
<p>pomona is one of the few schools i would have chosen over USC.</p>
<p>then again if you’re interested in the entertainment industry then USC may be a better choice due to the connections you’ll make within the film and art school.</p>
<p>UCB hit the main points. The two schools are very different, and if you loved Pomona on your visit, then something like name recognition should not stop you from going. If you’re planning on staying in SoCal, it definitely is not an issue. </p>
<p>Art at Pomona is okay. Not a very big department, but the department head is very cool, though he does mostly sculpture stuff. I don’t know much about the graphics. Look at a course catalog online to see what courses are being offered. A plus would be that a photography/graphics class would probably be very small.</p>
<p>Its a usual Big Uni vs Small College debate. So go and read about them!
For me personally, I didn’t even applied to USC. When I visited it, I hated it. I got rejected by Pomona btw. I will choose Pomona over all the UCs, because I prefer small and I think its really better than big uni.</p>
<p>Pomona- anyone in the know is going to be aware that its one of the most selective schools in the country so that should not be a concern at all.</p>