He should follow his heart. He'll do fine coming out of Pomona.

Thanks for all the insights. Some additional information.

Anonymous wrote:Okay, so if he goes to the more "prestigious" school, but isn't happy, will he get as much out of it?

He thinks that he will be able to adapt if need be to Dartmouth's culture/expectation if prestige is such an important factor it's worth picking the Ivy. Academically, the schools are equally rigorous. But it wouldn't be an ideal transition like going to Pomona, which he loves.

Anonymous wrote:Most likely major?

Loves pretty much everything. Intellectual, wants to explore as much as possible, and can tell just by talking to students/reading interests on the FB admit pages that Pomona seems to be more receptive of that. Probably leaning towards math, politics, and environmental science at the moment.

Does your child want an East coast life or a West Coast one?

He's an east coast kid who would love to venture out. Pomona's unbeatable weather and proximity to the city is very appealing. He's not concerned about the size difference because Pomona's social life consists of students from all 5 Claremont Colleges, which are next door. 5500 undergrads vs 4200 at Dartmouth so the sizes are relatively similar.

In an essence, I can tell he genuinely, deeply, passionately wants to go to Pomona. It's just that feeling you get when someone is completely in love with a college vs. just likes it. But now when he's faced with a decision, he feels the pressure and reality setting in from his circles of influence where it is unheard of. He wonders if going to Pomona is a risk that may not pay off in the future, whereas Dartmouth will be a safe option for just about everything.

Does your child want an East coast life or a West Coast one? I would lean to Dartmouth because it is a bigger school. The overall demographics are the same so no difference there.

Pomona has an excellent reputation. Probably every bit as good as Dartmouth. Pomona is less well known to the general population, but not to the graduate schools and companies that your DS will one day apply to/interview with.

My DH grew up in a small town in the Rocky Mountains and went to Williams. His high school guidance conselor actually tried to talk him out of it because she had never heard of the school! Luckily, he didn't pay any attention to her, just as your son should not worry about the family and friends who have never heard of Pomona. DS should choose the school that is the best fit. He can't go wrong either way.

My kid and her academically ambitious friends would be a lot more impressed by/envious of the Pomona admission than the Dartmouth one. Pomona is a lot harder to get into than Dartmouth for unhooked kids at our school. Having the 4 other Claremont consortium schools to draw from is a huge benefit to Pomona as well.

Okay, so if he goes to the more "prestigious" school, but isn't happy, will he get as much out of it?

Isn't it better to be active and doing well at a "lesser" school then to be unhappy and maybe not taking advantage of being at an Ivy?

Both great. Both prestigious. I'd say the decision should be on what feels best to the student, weather preferences (can't get much different than New Hampshire and LA!), preferences about distance from home/travel time/costs.

Most likely major?

Yep. Pomona is a great school. I wouldn't second guess it.

I went to Dartmouth and loved it but I can't say I made any useful "connections." Pomona is excellent and I wouldn't hesitate to send my kid there over Dartmouth if he preferred it.