Pomona College: A Comprehensive Guide

When looking at colleges, it can be easy to get lost in the rankings and reputation of big-name schools. However, many amazing schools in higher education are just waiting to be discovered. One such gem is Pomona College, nestled in the picturesque town of Claremont, California. Pomona College is a private liberal arts college that consistently ranks as one of the best in the nation. But what makes Pomona so special? Let's look at Pomona College to see what makes it such a great school.

An Introduction to Pomona College

Pomona College is a private liberal arts college located in Claremont, California. Founded in 1887, Pomona is known for its small class sizes, rigorous academic curriculum, and beautiful campus. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, students are able to build meaningful relationships with their professors and receive personalized attention. The college offers over 600 courses across 48 majors and minors, providing students with a wide array of academic interests to pursue.

Pomona's student population is consistently ranked as one of the most diverse and inclusive of any liberal arts college in the country. The college is also home to a variety of student-run organizations, including a balloon-tossing club and an aerial arts group. With its stunning campus, rigorous academics, and fun extracurricular activities, Pomona College is definitely a place worth exploring.

Additionally, Pomona is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, allowing students to take classes and access resources across the seven-member colleges.

Admissions Requirements

With only a 7% acceptance rate, getting into Pomona College is tricky. The good news is that the Pomona College admissions committee takes a holistic approach to evaluate applicants, which means they take into account much more than just your grades and test scores. The admissions committee is evidence of intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and a commitment to making an impact in the world.

That doesn't mean your academic achievements don't matter; your academic career is still an important factor in the decision-making process. But the admissions committee wants to know that you're more than just a set of grades and scores; they want to get a sense of who you are as a person and what you can contribute to the Pomona community.

Even though Pomona College has implemented a test-option policy for students, many of the accepted applicants have a high GPA and SAT/ACT score.

Tips for Prospective Students

Showcase your interest

Pomona values students who are passionate about their interests, so make sure to showcase your unique talents and hobbies in your application.

1. Interview

Take advantage of the opportunity to have an interview with an admissions officer or alumni representative. This is a great chance to highlight your personality and demonstrate why you would be a good fit for Pomona.

2. Reach out to current students

Don't be afraid to ask current students or alumni about their experiences at Pomona. Take advantage of online resources or reach out to the Pomona community to better understand how you can improve your application to increase your chances of getting into Pomona College.

Claremont Colleges Consortium

The Claremont Colleges includes five undergraduate liberal arts colleges - Pomona College, Scripps College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College and Pitzer College - and two graduate institutions - Claremont Graduate University and Keck Graduate Institute. Located on contiguous campuses in the Southern California city of Claremont, each institution has its own student body, faculty, governance, curricular emphasis, culture, and mission. Across all the universities there are 9,000 students and 3,600 faculty and staff. 

The biggest benefit of the Claremont Colleges Consortium is cross-registration. This system allows students to register at any of the colleges within the consortium while only paying tuition fees at their home college.

These schools share several coordinated academic and service programs, including libraries, health services, museums, research facilities, and student residential housing. This allows Pomona College students access to various opportunities on each school's campus, ranging from unique seminars in fields such as cyborg studies or creative intelligence to extended hours in the library for late-night studying sessions.

The Claremont Colleges Consortium also organizes extracurricular activities like special lectures by distinguished speakers and concerts all five campuses are invited to attend. Students can also participate in volunteer activities through the CCSA, the collegiate Student Activities organization that sets up joint events across all five campuses.

Campus Life

Pomona College takes pride in offering our students an engaging and fulfilling campus life experience. With a wide range of housing options, student organizations, and recreational activities, there's never a dull moment at Pomona.

- Housing options

Pomona College housing options ensure that students have a comfortable and supportive home away from home. From traditional dorms to themed houses, the Pomona campus offers a variety of living arrangements to fit the needs and preferences of every student. Also, Pomona College provides Residential Life staff to always be available to provide assistance and support whenever needed.

- Student organizations

Whether you're interested in exploring a new hobby, starting a student-run club, or joining an academic organization, there are plenty of ways you can get involved at Pomona!

A handful of divisional organizations also focus on specific areas or disciplines. An example of one of these organizations includes the Pomona College Black Student Union, which is dedicated to creating a safe space and empowering black students.

- Recreational activities

Recreational activities at Pomona College are highly personal, whether looking for a low-key activity to relax and de-stress or joining an energetic team sport to challenge yourself.

The college has various facilities for those seeking exercise, including a fitness center, gymnasiums, and fields. Many sports clubs host regular intramural leagues or open courts for games like volleyball, basketball, and soccer. Other popular activities include rock climbing and boat trips on Lake Castaic.

- Sports Teams

Pomona College has many outstanding sports teams that excel in intramural and divisional competitions. The men's and women's soccer teams have had a long history of success, winning several SCIAC championships. The baseball team is also a strong contender in their division, with nine SCIAC championships over the past decade.

The men's basketball team is one of the college's most celebrated athletic programs, consistently ranking among the best basketball teams in Division III and having ranked 3rd in overall points scored throughout 2017-2018. Other standout programs include Men's Tennis, Women's Swimming & Diving, and Women's Water Polo.

- On-campus restaurants

At Pomona College, a variety of on-campus dining options offer something for everyone. From casual cafes to full-service restaurants, students have a range of choices.

Some of the most popular dining options include Frary Dining Hall, which offers a variety of classic and international dishes, and the Oldenborg Dining Hall, which serves up authentic international cuisine. The Coop Fountain is a beloved burgers, fries, and milkshakes spot. For those looking for a quick snack, the Honnold/Mudd Library has a 24-hour snack bar with plenty of options to keep you fueled during long study sessions.

What Makes Pomona College Unique

Sustainability

The college is committed to building a better future for all, from energy-efficient lighting and green technology investments to an on-campus organic garden and student-led composting program. The school cares about the environment and champions social justice issues through student-led organizations, faculty lectures, and the annual Sustainability and Social Responsibility Summit. This commitment sets Pomona College apart from other colleges regarding sustainability initiatives.

- Social responsibility

Social responsibility is at the core of Pomona College's mission. Pomona College annually holds a Sustainability and Social Responsibility Summit, presenting students with opportunities to explore how their education can help create a more just society.

- Collaborative research opportunities

Pomona College offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in independent research projects. From developing creative solutions to current global problems to exploring new technologies or advancing our knowledge of the sciences - the possibilities that Pomona College offers its students are nearly endless!

- Study possibilities

Pomona College provides 69 different programs in 39 countries. More than 50% of Pomona College students to choose to participate in an off-campus study program in one of the 39 countries before graduation.

- Strong alumni network

Pomona's alumni network is strong and far-reaching. Graduates stay connected with the college through local events, online networks, and various other activities. As of Spring 2023, around 25,000 alumni from Pomona College are still alive and making a big impact on the world. Alumni also have access to free career counseling from the Career Center and mentorship from former faculty members who are part of the Pomona College Alumni Association.

In addition, Pomona College boasts a long and impressive list of notable alumni including, director George C. Wolfe, senior executive Roy E. Disney, and country singer Kris Kristofferson.

Deciding if Pomona College is Right For You

Pomona is more than just a college; it's a community of curious and dedicated individuals who are passionate about their education and making a difference in the world. With a rigorous academic curriculum, countless opportunities for research and internships, and vibrant student life, Pomona provides a well-rounded college experience that will challenge and inspire you. If you are looking for a place to grow intellectually, socially, and personally, then Pomona College might just be the perfect fit for you.

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