For anyone very familiar with Pomona or able to give any insight, I have a question. So I’m an international student from Kenya that applied EDII… My stats are from perfect (1400 SAT) and pretty good transcripts and strong finishing exams (I work under a British system called A-Level and so don’t have a GPA). However, I was told my essays were strong and compelling. Most significantly, however, I’m not applying for financial aid. Because Pomona is need-aware for international students and virtually all international applicants apply for some sort of aid, do you think it gives me a significant advantage that I’m not applying for aid? Considering all the aspects like stats and EDII, what do you think my chances are like? Thanks!
Pomona is need-blind so not applying for aid will not be a boost. Note that international applicants who don’t apply for aid as an incoming freshmen will no longer be eligible for aid in the future, despite any changes in circumstances. You will likely find out your chances tomorrow evening if ED2 decisions are released the same time as last year.
Pomona is need-aware for international students. Do you think that makes a difference? Yeah, I’m super nervous for the next few days. Thanks for your feedback!
I saw you on Reddit!
Honestly, I think applying for aid would somehow hurt the chances almost as a rule for any international applicant to any college. But for applicants from my school (public school in southern China), most applicants don’t apply for aid. So who truly knows… I hope the results would be out today, waiting is painful 
Haha really? That’s crazy! Oh from my region (the whole of Africa really), the vast majority apply for aid so I hope I stand out in that regard… I know, the wait is excruciatingly painful, really hope it’s out tonight or tomorrow morning! Hope you get in, best of luck! Let me know the outcome