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[quote=Anonymous]You're right to raise an eyebrow—Pomona used to be relatively under the radar, especially outside the West Coast.
But it's made huge gains in academic selectivity, student quality, and national reputation.
Its Claremont Consortium affiliation gives it the depth of a research university while retaining small college intimacy.
🔹 Claremont McKenna College (CMC)
Once seen as the "finance bro" or policy/pre-law school, CMC has massively upgraded its academic image while still catering to ambitious students.
Their new institutes, professional pipelines, and internships have drawn high-caliber applicants who might've gone to Ivies.
🔹 Davidson College
Stronger national pull in the last decade, thanks to increased academic rigor and exposure through athletics (e.g. Steph Curry era).
Its Southern charm + strong academics has made it a desirable alternative to places like Duke or Vanderbilt.
🔹 Macalester College
Punching above its weight in terms of internationalism and political activism.
Gets attention from students who want urban access, global focus, and a tight-knit liberal arts feel.
🔹 Colorado College
Its Block Plan (one course at a time) is drawing a niche set of students tired of conventional academics.
Rising among adventurous, experiential learners and those avoiding large institutions.
🔹 Bates / Bowdoin / Colby ("The Maine Three")
Bowdoin is already elite, but Colby and Bates are climbing rapidly due to aggressive investment in facilities, faculty, and national recruiting.
Colby especially has poured money into prestige plays—new centers, scholarships, and job placement programs.
🔹 Occidental College (Oxy)
Still not top-tier, but gaining attention post-Obama and for those looking for progressive, urban, West Coast LAC vibes.
🧠 Why Are These Schools Rising?
Focus on Student Experience: Career centers, mental health, advising, research access—all are being prioritized.
National Branding: Many rising LACs are investing in outreach beyond their region, pulling in top students from across the country.
Strategic Donor Investment: Schools like Colby and Pomona have received massive donations to fund scholarships and prestige-enhancing programs.
Stability Compared to R1s: Without the reliance on government research funding or massive D1 athletics, LACs can stay focused on their core mission.[/quote]

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