<p>I have to decide between Pomona and Vassar for applying edII. Initially I was a die hard Pomona lover, I'm from NYC and hate the cold so I was looking forward to the possibility of living in Cali. Also Pomona has a beautiful campus and a seemingly involved and intellectual student body. Vassar on the other hand seems like it might be a little more artsy than Pomona. My two main interests are film and mandarin. Both schools have a film program but I think Vassar's might be better (does anyone actually know anything about Pomona's film dept? They're website's pretty bad). At Pomona though I could also intern in LA.</p>
<p>What do you think? Even besides the film programs, how are the two schools different?</p>
<p>I don’t think you should be applying ED to either if you aren’t completely set on one school.
With that said, I think one of the main differences between the two is obviously the location and Pomona being in a consortium.
I don’t know what kind of job/career you are planning after undergrad, but each school’s resources will be strongest in their regional area. That in itself should be another deciding factor. Do you plan or want to stay in LA after graduation or be in NY?</p>
<p>I would say that after college I want to go to film grad school, but obviously that might change in the next four years. I really loved LA when I visited and would love to leave cold NY. I want to apply ED somewhere, my biggest concern is whether the arts (particularly film) is something that is supported by Pomona’s faculty, resources and student body. I’m not very science-y, so.</p>
<p>If you’re depending on financial aid, don’t apply ED to either school. Comparing financial aid packages will benefit you the most.
Unless you’ll have a car during the school year, interning in LA during the school year will be unrealistic.
Pomona is a well rounded school. It is not a CMC, nor a Harvey Mudd, in the sense that each is most well known for their specialty and only attract students because of their popular majors.
One thing to consider is the possibility that you might discover a new major while in college that will interest you more than Film. Is your interest in Vassar primarily because of the Film? Do you think if your interest were to change you’d still consider Vassar?</p>
<p>Lastly, maybe if you really do hate the cold, that is the deciding factor?
I think the difference between Vassar and Pomona is negligible(I really don’t know about either program’s strength but I know neither are their city counterparts of NYU or USC for Film). I would think that if Pomona has any weakness in a department, the ability to cross enroll into either of the 4 other Claremont schools could make up for it.</p>
<p>Thanks, liek. I know I would be happy at both schools but Pomona has location over Vassar and it’s more selective so I feel like I might as well apply early there to boost my chances. I have a strong shot at Vassar because of legacy so if Pomona doesn’t work out hopefully I’ll have the opportunity to go there.</p>
<p>Pomona seems to me to be a step up in selectivity from Vassar (which is already quite selective). Do they often take many people from your NYC school?; they may be less familiar with it. It’s probably a decently big reach, for most people.</p>
<p>I know my alma mater claims that legacy status gives an applicant a bump, but only if you apply there ED. Don’t know what Vasssar does. A Vassar adcom told us ED admissions are somewhat easier, frankly. RD admissions at Vassar, with no bump, would be no picnic either. Easier than Pomona, and no doubt your school is much more familiar to them.</p>
<p>Hopefully your guidance counselor can give you a feel of what your realistic chances at Pomona are, to help you determine whether it is worth “squandering” an EDII application there that could otherwise be quite valuable to you at vassar.
But still no guarantee, for most people.</p>
<p>Whether Pomona is familiar with your school or not is not a factor (coming from a Pomona Sophomore who is the first to apply and get accepted to Pomona from a NYC Public High School)</p>