Pomona College

The Pomona math department is amazing--the professors are kind and approachable, and great teachers to boot. The work is challenging, but with an emphasis on problem solving, rather than drilling or memorization. Homework can be brutal in upper division classes. Other departments have few if any of these attributes (e.g. psychology, sociology), so try not to take my comments as representative of the school as a whole.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2009

Education Quality: A+, Surrounding City: C+

Hard to believe first year is almost finished.
Overall a positive experience so far. I've had 8 classes so far: 2 very good, 2 were duds (avoid Arase) and the others were simply limited by their subjects but solid. The required courseload is light--only 4 courses per semester, which at times makes me feel as though I'm not getting as much as I could out of my education. At the same time, my lazy side (which completely dominates my character) appreciates it. Nevertheless, I think I'll take 5 classes next semester. You can graduate taking only 4 every semester, but doing so would really be cheating yourself out of what you're paying for.

On that note, Pomona has generous financial aid (they offered the best package of all the schools which accepted me) so you might not even need to pay that much! If money's an issue, Pomona is a great school. Of course it's still a great school even if you're a millionaire.

The weather is amazing. I can't even count how many times this year I've thought about what it would be like if I had gone to Georgetown instead and shuddered. Smog can be gross but it's not always a problem.

Yes, Claremont is lame! But if you have a car (or a friend with one as I do) you can go to more exciting places if you feel the need.

Cliché, yes, but the social life really is what you make of it. Personally, I'm not much of a partier/drinker, but I've never had trouble finding something when in the mood. There are certainly enough sub-free kids to feel comfortable if that is your thing. You don't need to worry about being completely abondoned or left out on weekends because you don't drink. You also won't be on your own if you want to get drunk every night of the week!

The sponsor groups are a huge help at the beginning of the year and do make freshmen more comfortable in adjusting to college.

1st Year Male -- Class 2010

Collaboration/Competitive: A+, Surrounding City: C-

Pomona has a very friendly environment that fosters emotional and intellectual growth. As a senior, I feel like I have improved in areas that have been weaknesses. The people are awesome as well. If you're the type that is looking for intellectual exploration in a cooperative stimulating environment, then a strongly encourage you to look at this school. Research opportunities abound here, and professors really encourage you to do the best you can. In fact, some say they are disappointed when they do badly on an exam mainly because they are afraid the professor would be disappointed.

The problem with Pomona is its small size. THere were times when I felt claustrophic, and the small, unexciting town surrounding Pomona doesn't help at all. LA is an hour away by Metro, but people go out there far less than they'd like to. But it does provide an outlet if you need it. Overall, I had a really good experience here, and would not choose another school if I had to do it all over again.

4th Year Female -- Class 2007

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Surrounding City: B-