Heads up – This is a cross-post (similar version also on the Pomona forum). Feel free to comment on one or the other…
I’m guessing I’m not the only parent of a kid trying to decide between Swarthmore and Pomona!? (Or maybe you’re that kid!) I’ve searched and read through all the CC material on this subject but it doesn’t feel very recent. So: How are you making the choice?
Details for my specific D17:
- We live in Philadelphia
- She was born in Claremont (my spouse taught at Pomona for many years when D17 was little)
- She will probably be PPE or similar major, probably headed to law school, but also loves Classics and Physics. Maybe an environmental studies minor.
- She’s a perfect fit (I think) with the Swat ethos (intense academic focus, can be a grind), but for that reason thinks Pomona might be better for her.
- Is really enjoying the 2021 Admitted Student Facebook pages - learning a lot there. Also feels maybe a slight edge for Pomona on culture, quirkyness, sense of humor exhibited on those pages…
- She has some mental health issues for which it might be nice to be closer to home.
- Cost is the same at both places except for travel to West Coast.
What other crucial elements of the decision are we missing? She will definitely be re-visiting both, though probably not during the official revisits dates.