<p>We have a relative who did her undergrad at Pomona and is now in the doctoral program at Princeton. When asked about her take on the two schools, she observed that there's not as much diversity on the campus at Princeton as she experienced at Pomona. Good luck with your choice!</p>
<p>First, I know many people who chose Pomona over Stanford and any and every of the Ivies. Pomona is an amazing place. True it may not have the "general" brand name recognition of Princeton, but those who need to know, know Pomona. </p>
<p>I have to admit that I have a real "issue" with the prestige factor. I truly believe it is sooooooooooooooo overrated as a consideration. Bottomline, IMO Pomona ranks with ANY school as to the quality of education you'll receive and the respect that degree will receive. Certainly, Princeton commands that same respect. (But hey, what does my opinion matter, which is the whole point that prestige is just about general opinion- LOL)</p>
<p>In any event, if you haven't and can, definitely visit both. I don't think they could be more dissimilar in terms of enviornment and the "vibe" you'll get. </p>
<p>To generalize, which admittedly may not be fair, you will find the most supportive atmosphere at Pomona, where collaboration and cooperation are a key. With no offense, Princeton is pretty well known to be a little more "self focused" shall we say and competitive. Of course that isn't bad, if that's you. With that, I think at Princeton you'll get more of a "need to impress" attitude. Can't imagine ever finding that at Pomona. </p>
<p>Princeton is sort of the ultimate prep school. So, If it is of interest to you, you have a little more traditional fare, such as "eating clubs", the "big football game", etc. Again, there is NOTHING wrong with that. That can all be a great experience if that is what YOU want.</p>
<p>While there is so much to consider, a factor that I think is to Pomona's great favor is that it is an LAC. There are no grad students and so no TAs, etc. There is no pool of grad students to be reasearch asst. The focus of Pomona is strictly the undergrad experience. Second, and I think this is huge, is the 5 college Claremont consortium. You have the 4 other schools right there. This brings their resources and the diversity of 4 other very different schools to your doorstep. Not Princeton, NOT any other school has this, at least to the extent that while there are other cooperative arrangements around the country, these 5 schools are physically connected to each other, so its all right there. No travel, etc. So from everything from dorm food to libraries to parties to classes, you have a choice of 5 top ranked schools (for one easy tuition payment- LOL)</p>
<p>Well if you didn't notice, I'd lean toward Pomona. Best of luck.</p>
<p>Thanks, I dont think prestige really matters to me. It's just my parents are two of the many ignorant ppl that don't believe LACs are good. Whatever happens, it's my choice and I think I like the Co-op environ. more than the 'Kill your best buddy in O-chm" environ.</p>
<p>"Whatever happens, it's my choice and I think I like the Co-op environ. more than the 'Kill your best buddy in O-chm" environ."</p>
<p>never fear: princeton actually employs a very innovative, cooperative learning approach to organic chemistry. see:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.princeton.edu/pr/pwb/02/1118/%5B/url%5D">http://www.princeton.edu/pr/pwb/02/1118/</a></p>
<p>it also offers a great new interdisciplinary science course for freshmen, with eight profs and just 35 students. remember, princeton has a 5:1 student-faculty ratio. good luck.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.princeton.edu/pr/pwb/04/1004/1b.shtml%5B/url%5D">http://www.princeton.edu/pr/pwb/04/1004/1b.shtml</a>
<a href="http://www.princeton.edu/pr/pwb/05/0418/1c.shtml%5B/url%5D">http://www.princeton.edu/pr/pwb/05/0418/1c.shtml</a></p>