What is Pomona looking for?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just put down you are black. Race is self reported. No one can deny your self expression. She will get in

You must be so ashamed of belonging to a race that enslaved many fellow human beings for generations and prospered on their blood, sweat, and toil. I pity you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pomona has a very small class, and they want to make it as diverse as humanly possibly. Get all states represented, a significant number of foreign students, a significant URM representation, significant first gen representation. Lots of different talents, extracurriculars, and enough varsity athletes to fill out their teams. They are 12% international, and almost 30% AA or Hispanic. 32% White. Over 20% first gen. The 75% SAT was 1510.

https://www.pomona.edu/sites/default/files/pomona-college-admissions-profile.pdf

So here is who you don’t want to be: a white or Asian female from the DMV with SAT scores below the 1510– unless you are first Gen.

If about 1/3 of the class is white, that’s maybe 130 kids. 65 admittees will be white women. Some number of these will be first Gen. Some will be athletes. What’s left is 40-50 spots for white women based on merit. They may take 1 or 2 from the DMV.

Go into it with your eyes open. Apply ahead for the best shot. But white and Asian high performers from the DMV have a statistically better shot at an Ivy or Stanford than Pomona. For these kids it’s a lottery school. And honestly, the SAT score will hurt her.

And I am saying this with zero snark. I have a white male in the DMV, I would love to sent to Pomona. Very high performer at TJ with mid 1500 SATs. And he knows getting in is unlikely.

Has she considered one of the other Claremont Colleges? Pitzer or Scripps (all women) or even CMcKenna might give her a better shot. Same campus. Same facilities, can still take classes at Pomona. I know DS is looking at CMKenna or Pitzer as plan B (probably Pitzer given his area of interest).

Thanks for your detailed response! The thing is, based in Naviance, Pomona's admission process seems completely unpredictable. There are a bunch of students with near perfectvscires who've gotten in but more who didn't, and there are some still strong students with lower stats who got in. So we're guessing stats don't matter much and likely won't retake the SAT. You mentioned diversity and how they're looking to build a distinct class- do you think there are certain traits they look for that she should emphasize in the required supplement?

I would be very happy to have her at Pomona, even if she got into Princeton. I'll share what you wrote so she can understand their process a bit more. She has looked into Scripps but isn't willing to go out west unless its Stanford or Pomona, and she has a friend at Scripps who said that Pomona is far richer and has much more in the way of resources than the other colleges do specifically for their students.

PP back. I am not an expert, so I don’t want any kid blindly taking my advice. Your DD can’t help her demographics. She can’t make herself a URM (legitimately) or first gen or from ND. She has to work with what she can control. Getting her SATs above 1500 to the 75% mark May help. Pomona says they do not consider demonstrated interest, but do consider interviews. So have your kid fly in and interview in person, or of that doesn’t work, make sure they do a remote/alum interview. And try to emphasize something that makes her unique in her essay— some experience in her background, an unusual instrument, sport or hobby, etc. anything that might back her seem diverse.

My kid is doing their essay on how attending TJ made them realize the importance of liberal arts for success in science. Not exactly diverse, but answers the question as to why a TJ kid would apply to SLACs.

And always consult someone who knows what they are doing. I have done quite a bit of research about Paloma, and have never seen a college use every single slot to get someone with some type of diversity like they do. They really maximize a limited number of slots. But that is not substitute for hands on experience. So don’t just trust my take.

Our kids will end up where they are meant to be, right?

[Anonymous]

My kid got into an Ivy and Pomona this last college cycle. DC loved Pomona but choose the Ivy instead. If the decision is between Princeton and Pomona I agree with a previous poster. It's Princeton hands-down. The resources at Princeton and what it offers can't compare. From our experience if you need financial aid, the Ivies are tops - Princeton especially. Not to diss Pomona though it has alot to offer as well just not quite on the same level. However my kid met Pomona students that choose Pomona over Ivies.

Pomona is looking for the same thing Ivies are. Kids that are interesting and offer more than just stats. My kid was not the top #1-5 in the class ( was in the top 10% though) quite often these schools will bypass tippy top students for more interesting ones just below. Essay must have a unique voice. ECs must show a point-of-view or belief in something - it can be anything but it has to be authentic and personal. The admissions officers at Pomona do have a very personal style - and they will reach out to your kid if they want you.

I'll also say that they are looking for talented URM kids - but you can't be URM just for URM sake. They are looking fro URM kids whose perspective has been shaped by living and breathing as a URM in this country. Very different than just checking a box. I'd say broadly what Pomona is looking for is diversity - and diversity in the very broadest sense of the word.

Anyway good luck OP, just make sure your kid has a broad list of schools. It's fine to fall in love with one, but finding backups is critical.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pomona has a very small class, and they want to make it as diverse as humanly possibly. Get all states represented, a significant number of foreign students, a significant URM representation, significant first gen representation. Lots of different talents, extracurriculars, and enough varsity athletes to fill out their teams. They are 12% international, and almost 30% AA or Hispanic. 32% White. Over 20% first gen. The 75% SAT was 1510.

https://www.pomona.edu/sites/default/files/pomona-college-admissions-profile.pdf

So here is who you don’t want to be: a white or Asian female from the DMV with SAT scores below the 1510– unless you are first Gen.

If about 1/3 of the class is white, that’s maybe 130 kids. 65 admittees will be white women. Some number of these will be first Gen. Some will be athletes. What’s left is 40-50 spots for white women based on merit. They may take 1 or 2 from the DMV.

Go into it with your eyes open. Apply ahead for the best shot. But white and Asian high performers from the DMV have a statistically better shot at an Ivy or Stanford than Pomona. For these kids it’s a lottery school. And honestly, the SAT score will hurt her.

And I am saying this with zero snark. I have a white male in the DMV, I would love to sent to Pomona. Very high performer at TJ with mid 1500 SATs. And he knows getting in is unlikely.

Has she considered one of the other Claremont Colleges? Pitzer or Scripps (all women) or even CMcKenna might give her a better shot. Same campus. Same facilities, can still take classes at Pomona. I know DS is looking at CMKenna or Pitzer as plan B (probably Pitzer given his area of interest).

Thanks for your detailed response! The thing is, based in Naviance, Pomona's admission process seems completely unpredictable. There are a bunch of students with near perfectvscires who've gotten in but more who didn't, and there are some still strong students with lower stats who got in. So we're guessing stats don't matter much and likely won't retake the SAT. You mentioned diversity and how they're looking to build a distinct class- do you think there are certain traits they look for that she should emphasize in the required supplement?

I would be very happy to have her at Pomona, even if she got into Princeton. I'll share what you wrote so she can understand their process a bit more. She has looked into Scripps but isn't willing to go out west unless its Stanford or Pomona, and she has a friend at Scripps who said that Pomona is far richer and has much more in the way of resources than the other colleges do specifically for their students.

I am beginning to wonder if this is a Pomona troll or something to get a plug. Someone with a Princeton background wouldn't be using DCUM as college resources. He or she would have more knowledge - and pull than this.

Bad assumption. Different desiderata back then and lots of people who got in have a less-than-accurate understanding of why they were accepted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just put down you are black. Race is self reported. No one can deny your self expression. She will get in

I know you are being sarcastic, but it's true. My D's HS had a white girl who openly stated she's putting down as American Indian. She got into 5 ivies plus MIT. Official name for this is, Pocahontas effect. https://www.cnn.com/2015/04/07/living/feat-mindy-kaling-brother-affirmative-action/index.html

You and the two posts prior are unhelpful bitter racists.

You're also a liar, since you need a tribal registration for Native American to be considered.

In addition, the article you link, which I doubt you read, points out he wasn't very successful with that method.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
The social scene is really great. It's definitely 5C in nature. Most clubs are open to students across the colleges, so if you do a cappella, join theater, perform in an orchestra, play certain 5C club sports, or whatnot, you'll naturally meet people from the colleges. I wouldn't say it's your typical party school, but there is a bit of a drinking culture and major parties most weeks. The campuses have enough to keep you entertained, but sometimes you want a change and that's when you hop onto the train to Downtown LA, which is close to Pomona's campus. Claremont is nice, but boring compared to the 5Cs. There are a lot of great restaurants and cafes if you want a change of pace, but it's more the place you take your parents to get a nice meal when they're visiting.

I loved my time at Pomona! Feel free to ask me anything. I'm currently on break from graduate school (about to head out soon), so I have some time.

Thanks. This is great. It sounds as if there's just the right amount of parties.

The truth is that my son is going to figure out all of this out for himself on his own and let me know what he's doing; I come here mainly for the fantasy college student aspect. *I* want to go to all of these schools (without actually having to study a lot or care about grades).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pomona has a very small class, and they want to make it as diverse as humanly possibly. Get all states represented, a significant number of foreign students, a significant URM representation, significant first gen representation. Lots of different talents, extracurriculars, and enough varsity athletes to fill out their teams. They are 12% international, and almost 30% AA or Hispanic. 32% White. Over 20% first gen. The 75% SAT was 1510.

https://www.pomona.edu/sites/default/files/pomona-college-admissions-profile.pdf

So here is who you don’t want to be: a white or Asian female from the DMV with SAT scores below the 1510– unless you are first Gen.

If about 1/3 of the class is white, that’s maybe 130 kids. 65 admittees will be white women. Some number of these will be first Gen. Some will be athletes. What’s left is 40-50 spots for white women based on merit. They may take 1 or 2 from the DMV.

Go into it with your eyes open. Apply ahead for the best shot. But white and Asian high performers from the DMV have a statistically better shot at an Ivy or Stanford than Pomona. For these kids it’s a lottery school. And honestly, the SAT score will hurt her.

And I am saying this with zero snark. I have a white male in the DMV, I would love to sent to Pomona. Very high performer at TJ with mid 1500 SATs. And he knows getting in is unlikely.

Has she considered one of the other Claremont Colleges? Pitzer or Scripps (all women) or even CMcKenna might give her a better shot. Same campus. Same facilities, can still take classes at Pomona. I know DS is looking at CMKenna or Pitzer as plan B (probably Pitzer given his area of interest).

Thanks for your detailed response! The thing is, based in Naviance, Pomona's admission process seems completely unpredictable. There are a bunch of students with near perfectvscires who've gotten in but more who didn't, and there are some still strong students with lower stats who got in. So we're guessing stats don't matter much and likely won't retake the SAT. You mentioned diversity and how they're looking to build a distinct class- do you think there are certain traits they look for that she should emphasize in the required supplement?

I would be very happy to have her at Pomona, even if she got into Princeton. I'll share what you wrote so she can understand their process a bit more. She has looked into Scripps but isn't willing to go out west unless its Stanford or Pomona, and she has a friend at Scripps who said that Pomona is far richer and has much more in the way of resources than the other colleges do specifically for their students.

I am beginning to wonder if this is a Pomona troll or something to get a plug. Someone with a Princeton background wouldn't be using DCUM as college resources. He or she would have more knowledge - and pull than this.

Bad assumption. Different desiderata back then and lots of people who got in have a less-than-accurate understanding of why they were accepted.

Agree that someone with a Princeton would use DCUM. Certainly not as the only resource—high school counselors, Navianxe, college confidential, and so many other resources are much more useful. But once in a while, maybe while you’re bored at work and seeking a fifth or sixth opinion, sure, why not.

Also, pp doesn’t understand “pull.” A parental BA from an ivy is worth spit in their children's admissions, unless it comes with a bigger package of money or knowing somebody besides that friendly prof 25 years ago.

Signed, I went to a different ivy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went to Harvey Mudd. They're all one big campus. I took classes at McKenna and Pomona. Scripps and McKenna are probably less "prestigious" than Pomona, if that bothers you.

Frankly can't understand why OPs daughter would prefer Pomona to Princeton. If she got into both, Princeton would be a no-brainer choice.

Not really. I know people who've picked Pomona- culture and location.

And it's not all one big campus. Pomona has a beautiful campus. You know when you're stepping into CMC next door, which is uglier. Mudd/Scripps is easy to tell apart. And Pomona tends to be pretty insulated and self sufficient from the other 4Cs.

Um, I fscking went there for four years, I don't need you condescending to me about what the 5-college campus is, thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went to Harvey Mudd. They're all one big campus. I took classes at McKenna and Pomona. Scripps and McKenna are probably less "prestigious" than Pomona, if that bothers you.

Frankly can't understand why OPs daughter would prefer Pomona to Princeton. If she got into both, Princeton would be a no-brainer choice.

How did you like the classes? Were the classes well taught?

Did you have a reasonable amount of fun?

The classes at McKenna and Pomona were well taught, but that may be specific to the profs who were there at the time.

You don't go to Mudd to have fun. McKenna and Pomona are doubtless more fun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went to Harvey Mudd. They're all one big campus. I took classes at McKenna and Pomona. Scripps and McKenna are probably less "prestigious" than Pomona, if that bothers you.

Frankly can't understand why OPs daughter would prefer Pomona to Princeton. If she got into both, Princeton would be a no-brainer choice.

Wrong. From The Claremont Colleges—“Each academic institution has its own campus.” They may bleed into each other, but they are separate.

HELLO, I WENT THERE. Are you seriously telling me I'm wrong from something you read on the website? Get a clue, dumbass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just put down you are black. Race is self reported. No one can deny your self expression. She will get in

I know you are being sarcastic, but it's true. My D's HS had a white girl who openly stated she's putting down as American Indian. She got into 5 ivies plus MIT. Official name for this is, Pocahontas effect. https://www.cnn.com/2015/04/07/living/feat-mindy-kaling-brother-affirmative-action/index.html

You and the two posts prior are unhelpful bitter racists.

You're also a liar, since you need a tribal registration for Native American to be considered.

In addition, the article you link, which I doubt you read, points out he wasn't very successful with that method.

+1

[Anonymous]

OP— I think Pomona manages to fall into two categories that made admission tough. Their admission numbers make them a lottery school. And they are curating a class. Your kid might get in this year because she plays an unusual instrument that they need in the orchestra or is from Wisconsin. But would not get in the next year because they have Wisconsin kids and someone who plays the unusual instrument from the prior year.

Your DC sounds great. And I’m sure Pomona— or any schoool— would be lucky to have her. Have her apply ED if she badly wants it, and try to help her find a way to market a diverse interest, talent, EC that makes her add something unique to the class. I have seen things from similar schools like...

Did you know that the class of 2022 has kids from 49 states, 32 different countries, and includes someone who holds the Guinness Book of World Records title for continuous pogo stick jumping, a national championship winner in chicken farming and a student who has hiked the highest peak on all 7 continents? (I think this was Cal Tech that had something similar). But don’t let her get her heart set on Pomona. Help her see that for such a small, selective college it is less about merit, and more about happening to have what they need to fill out the class when they get to her application.

Yes. College admissions in 2018 sucks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went to Harvey Mudd. They're all one big campus. I took classes at McKenna and Pomona. Scripps and McKenna are probably less "prestigious" than Pomona, if that bothers you.

Frankly can't understand why OPs daughter would prefer Pomona to Princeton. If she got into both, Princeton would be a no-brainer choice.

Wrong. From The Claremont Colleges—“Each academic institution has its own campus.” They may bleed into each other, but they are separate.

HELLO, I WENT THERE. Are you seriously telling me I'm wrong from something you read on the website? Get a clue, dumbass.

I went to CMC. Each college has their own distinct campus. The campuses are all adjacent to one another creating a large campus feel though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pomona has a very small class, and they want to make it as diverse as humanly possibly. Get all states represented, a significant number of foreign students, a significant URM representation, significant first gen representation. Lots of different talents, extracurriculars, and enough varsity athletes to fill out their teams. They are 12% international, and almost 30% AA or Hispanic. 32% White. Over 20% first gen. The 75% SAT was 1510.

https://www.pomona.edu/sites/default/files/pomona-college-admissions-profile.pdf

So here is who you don’t want to be: a white or Asian female from the DMV with SAT scores below the 1510– unless you are first Gen.

If about 1/3 of the class is white, that’s maybe 130 kids. 65 admittees will be white women. Some number of these will be first Gen. Some will be athletes. What’s left is 40-50 spots for white women based on merit. They may take 1 or 2 from the DMV.

Go into it with your eyes open. Apply ahead for the best shot. But white and Asian high performers from the DMV have a statistically better shot at an Ivy or Stanford than Pomona. For these kids it’s a lottery school. And honestly, the SAT score will hurt her.

And I am saying this with zero snark. I have a white male in the DMV, I would love to sent to Pomona. Very high performer at TJ with mid 1500 SATs. And he knows getting in is unlikely.

Has she considered one of the other Claremont Colleges? Pitzer or Scripps (all women) or even CMcKenna might give her a better shot. Same campus. Same facilities, can still take classes at Pomona. I know DS is looking at CMKenna or Pitzer as plan B (probably Pitzer given his area of interest).

Thanks for your detailed response! The thing is, based in Naviance, Pomona's admission process seems completely unpredictable. There are a bunch of students with near perfectvscires who've gotten in but more who didn't, and there are some still strong students with lower stats who got in. So we're guessing stats don't matter much and likely won't retake the SAT. You mentioned diversity and how they're looking to build a distinct class- do you think there are certain traits they look for that she should emphasize in the required supplement?

I would be very happy to have her at Pomona, even if she got into Princeton. I'll share what you wrote so she can understand their process a bit more. She has looked into Scripps but isn't willing to go out west unless its Stanford or Pomona, and she has a friend at Scripps who said that Pomona is far richer and has much more in the way of resources than the other colleges do specifically for their students.

I am beginning to wonder if this is a Pomona troll or something to get a plug. Someone with a Princeton background wouldn't be using DCUM as college resources. He or she would have more knowledge - and pull than this.

Bad assumption. Different desiderata back then and lots of people who got in have a less-than-accurate understanding of why they were accepted.

Agree that someone with a Princeton would use DCUM. Certainly not as the only resource—high school counselors, Navianxe, college confidential, and so many other resources are much more useful. But once in a while, maybe while you’re bored at work and seeking a fifth or sixth opinion, sure, why not.

Also, pp doesn’t understand “pull.” A parental BA from an ivy is worth spit in their children's admissions, unless it comes with a bigger package of money or knowing somebody besides that friendly prof 25 years ago.

Signed, I went to a different ivy.

+1 DH went to Princeton and DC (rising junior in college) did not get into Princeton SCEA or regular decision -- with excellent stats for Princeton. Signed, I went to 2 different Ivies and use DCUM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just put down you are black. Race is self reported. No one can deny your self expression. She will get in

I know you are being sarcastic, but it's true. My D's HS had a white girl who openly stated she's putting down as American Indian. She got into 5 ivies plus MIT. Official name for this is, Pocahontas effect. https://www.cnn.com/2015/04/07/living/feat-mindy-kaling-brother-affirmative-action/index.html

You and the two posts prior are unhelpful bitter racists.

You're also a liar, since you need a tribal registration for Native American to be considered.

In addition, the article you link, which I doubt you read, points out he wasn't very successful with that method.

What tribal registration has Elizabeth Warren produced?

You need to stop with your name calling. That's always a desperation sign.