Student Profile
Alison
- Class:
- Major:
- Gender: F
- High School: Hunter College High School
- Transfer Student: N
Big Picture
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.
Academic Life
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.
Student Body
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.
The Best Things
the people
The Worst Things
It's honestly hard to pick a significant thing. I'd probably add paper towels to the bathrooms and air conditioning to the dorms that don't have it. If you ask anyone else on campus, though, they'll say something different. There is no single glaring flaw about Pomona. The administration and faculty do a great job of getting input and feedback from students, and they truly take it into consideration in order to make Pomona the best it can be.
