Pomona Student

The stereotypes I've heard associated with Pomona fall into two categories: those which tend to be associated with most top-notch small liberal arts schools, and those which are more Pomona-specific. Stereotypes in the former category claim that Pomona is very white, extremely liberal, upper-class, and elitist. Stereotypes in the latter category claim that students only think about work and are all extremely happy.

I've found that most of the aforementioned stereotypes misrepresent Pomona and its student body.

The majority of students are white, but I've actually been remarkably impressed with the level of diversity here--it sets us apart from many of our peer small liberal arts institutions. On my hall alone freshman year there were people from New Jersey, Jamaica, Maine, Kentucky, Singapore, New York, England, California, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, Boston, and Kansas. Even more surprisingly, we got along really well. Pomona does an amazing job of grouping freshmen into Sponsor groups based on their housing form information. The result is that even with the real range of races, hometowns, and lifestyles I encountered in my Sponsor group, there is this underlying thread that connects everyone, even if you can’t articulate what makes you compatible. Sponsor groups are one of the many ways Pomona does an excellent job of helping students acclimate to life at Pomona. They unite diverse people into what is really like a little family.

Pomona students do tend to lean towards the left politically, especially on social issues, but not radically. Though many students are passionate about specific issues such as worker’s rights and environmental sustainability, they are not particularly partisan. Most of my friends are moderate particularly, and I feel perfectly comfortable as a Republican.

The idea that everyone at Pomona is rich is simply untrue. Admission to Pomona is need-blind, and Pomona offers some of the best financial aid in the country. Furthermore, it’s really hard to tell how much money a student here has from just meeting them. Some of my friends have very little money, and some of them have a lot, and I can't tell the difference between them. Even more importantly, if someone’s financial status is known, no one judges them for it. There are schools in the world where you ARE what you wear—you need to have the latest expensive shoes and sunglasses. This couldn’t be further from the reality here at Pomona, where my boyfriend goes to class in pajama pants, and I’ve never once felt pressure to look a certain way. Pomona is one of the most accepting, tolerant environments I know. People are so genuinely interested in getting to know you—who you actually are. There isn’t any of that superficial bullshit keeping some people on pedestals above the rest.

It isn't fair to call Pomona elitist either. When I tell people where I go to school, half of them gasp and are impressed, and half of them say "Where's Ponoma?" Pomona has the advantage of being a school that people don't go to just for the name. It isn't full of snotty people who were obsessed with rankings during the application process. Pomona students come here because they love Pomona. Pomona also has the advantage of being a name that the important people--the ones who accept us to the grad school or hire us for their jobs--do know (check out our grad school acceptance rate, which literally rivals the Ivies'). That's why Pomona is such a pleasant place to be for college, and such an exceptional stepping stone for future education or employment.

As far as the claim about us all focusing on work too much, there is some truth to that, but we all know how to have a good time. The beauty of Pomona is that people are very intelligent, but not in the brainy, book-smart, stereotypical sense. It’s considered cool to be passionate about your studies here, but it’s more important to be well-rounded, and explore other opportunities as well. You’ll find kids here with interests that cross the board—both academic and non-academic. There’s a really good balance of people who spend most of their time studying, and people who get trashed every night (and everything in between). If you come here, you will find people just like you—no matter what your habits are. Sometimes I need to stay in on a weekend to do some work, and though some of my friends will t

The best thing about Pomona is the people...and the milkshakes.

Claremont is not your typical college town. It doesn't have lots of bars, stores aren't open late, and things are pretty expensive (though there is plenty of cheap food/clothing to be found). Claremont has three really important things going for it, though: it's beautiful, convenient, and safe. There is no need for a really exciting college town near Pomona because a. The train station is two blocks away. With a few dollars you can be in Santa Monica or L.A. in no time. b. there is plenty going on right here on campus, or on the other campuses. Claremont and the rest of California are just added bonuses.

FACULTY/ADMNISTRATION KNOW YOUR NAME
1. I ran into Bruce Poch (Dean of Admissions) once this fall and introduced myself and he interrupted me with "I know." It was a little shocking, but also comforting. The Admissions Officers here really read your applications thoroughly and thoughtfully.
2. The syllabus for my English class reads: "I want to encourage everyone to visit me during office hours early and often during the semester. I am also quite happy to have lunch with you, individually or in groups, whenever possible, and regardless of whether you have a specific topic that you wish to discuss." There is some insane percentage of professors who have meals with students, whether on campus or in the professor's home nearby in Claremont.
3. A few other students and I won a "game night" with two of the best politics professors at Pomona through an auction for charity. I ran into one of the two professors the other day and he remembered my name. I told him that I was worried that I wouldn't make it into his class next semester, and he told me he didn't think it would be a problem. It ended up actually coming quite close--there were three spots left after I signed up. The next day, out of nowhere, I got an email from that professor saying he was glad I'd made it into the course, apologizing for his cavalier attitude with regard to how hard it would be, and wishing me luck with finals and a great summer. I love Pomona.
4. My econ professors has literally interrupted her phone conversation on the sidewalk to answer my questions.
5. My personal favorite: I took an intro English/Religious Studies course called the Bible as Literature, and it was the biggest class you'll find here at Pomona (about 50 students). On the first day my Professor asked us all to say our names once. She then proceeded to go around the room and repeat each of our names. She only got 2 or 3 wrong. I can't guarantee that all professors here have the ridiculous memory she has, but those who teach larger classes do make an effort to keep the small feel that is so valued at Pomona.

The best thing about Pomona is the people. I'm from Manhattan, and when I got here I was actually freaked out by how nice the people were. People here are friendly, outgoing, kind, interesting, and trustworthy..and it isn't fake. Unlike schools with strict honor codes, the good nature of the people here is all natural. And not in an annoying or creepy way. Guys here actually treat you with respect. Professors actually care about who you are. And people will actually greet you on your way to class. I think admissions officers really consider your personality when they read your application. They want people who will contribute to the community in a unique, interesting, and positive way. One of the most important things I've learned during my time at Pomona is not to judge people based on appearances. There have been several instances where I saw a person and figured I wouldn't like them, and then I realized just how cool they were.

It takes me about half an hour to actually make it to my door from the end of my hall sometimes because I spend so much time stopping in other peoples' room. People tend to leave their doors open.

In high school I spent at least 5 hours every day online talking to friends. During my entire frist year at Pomona I have IMed one person once. There is so much more actual human interaction here at Pomona, because the people are so cool, and they're right there in your hall or down the street.

Guest speakers are really popular.

If I'm awake at 2 AM I'm either finishing food from the Coop after a party, doing homework, or talking to a friend.

Greek life is practically non-existent, which is awesome.

There is a group called That Saturday Group specifically designed to come up with fun, sober activities for Saturday nights. My favorites have been laser tag in the SCC, tie dye, and a performance by a "psychic" who was once featured on Oprah.