<p>Yes, I think of Pomona and Swat as being very similar, as do many Pomona students. But since Swat (and William and Amherst, etc.) are older and on the east coast, there is kind of a sense that we are just copycatting them. Even Pomona's administration sometimes seems like they're trying too hard to be "just like" an east coast LAC. Like, "SEE? We Californians can grow Ivy too!"</p>
<p>Pitzer was actually founded in the early 60s, I believe. A couple years back they celebrated their 40th "birthday." The front page of the 5 college newspaper queried: "Pitzer: a noble experiment or a 40 year hangover?" or something along those lines.</p>