Hi, I’m an international applicant planning on applying to Pomona this fall
I have a 3.89 WEIGHTED GPA (out of 4.2) so far, and I think I could get it up to a 3.95 by the end of my senior 1st semester. I am one of those students in my class who is taking the hard HL courses (History HL, English Lit HL, …). Honestly, I think I was not really motivated during my junior year because I was too involved with my EC’s, plus I had a relative passing away who was an inspiration to me for many years.
My SAT is 2250.
A college consultant told me that my EC’s are unique and could tell a unique story to the admissions officers. She just told me to get my GPA up.
What do you honestly think? If I do really well on my senior year, do you think I would have a shot at Pomona (i know that they emphasize GPA A LOT)?
So I went and visited Pomona and in their info session, they basically gave like a list of things they consider. And I honestly don’t think they’re only looking at GPA. They said the first thing they look at is your essay so I feel like Pomona’s one of those colleges that are ok with a lower GPA if you’re really involved in EC’s and your essay is great. They’re really looking for a well-rounded, holistic student so I feel like you’ll definitely have a chance!
@ravenclaws thank you! i’m trying to stay really optimistic right now…phew!
Pomona does tend to take kids with really high grades, but they are also looking for the “unique” kid. Of course, you could say that about many top colleges. Just apply and see what happens. They only accept 9% of the applicants, so be realistic and apply to some “more likely to get admitted” schools as well.
@akiddoc yeah, i figured after looking at the decision threads on CC 
But yeah, i’ll see what happens!
When I took my son to Pomona for the tour in April they specifically said that they look at GPA, rigor, and test scores before everything else. Then they said that essay, ECs, LoR etc were weighted the same and looked at after test scores and GPA. You can interpret that as you wish but it seems that Pomona, more than most, is more stats oriented than other similar colleges. I think their website stated that this year’s accepted were about 32% valedictorian.
Make sure you have plenty of back up options.
If your GPA isn’t top notch make sure to show off your personality at every turn. Get an interview and put a lot of thought into your application essays. Get recommendation letters from professors you have really connected with, no matter what the subject. Also consider taking some SAT II subject tests in areas other than your concentration to show you have some breadth. Pomona is trying to re-emphasize its liberal arts roots and wants students with broad interests. I went for economics but took subject tests in physics and chemistry (and math, but thats econ related) and expressed interests in public policy and education in both my essays and interview. I really think the diversity of interests helped me out, especially since my GPA wasn’t perfect either.
Pomona may use stats to winnow thousands of applications down to the 400 or so they accept each year, but they also look at every essay and recommendation letter (and highly weight the interview!) so you’ve still got a chance even if you’re not ahead on the numbers game.