bornonthecusp

Over the past few weeks I've done a lot of campus visits and have been able to get a good feel for each school over a pretty short amount of time - except for Pomona. Every other (smaller) school I've visited seems to have a pretty specific feel to it, as well as a at least few commonalities among the student body, or even some distinct types of people that would typically attend each school. At Pomona I really didn't get this impression because everyone I met was totally different, except for the fact that they all seemed really intelligent. It seems like the Admissions Office works hard to recruit an extremely diverse student body in every sense of the word. Even though I think this is a good thing, it's also making it difficult to determine if Pomona is really a good "fit" for me. Is anyone else having the same problem, or does anyone have any words of advice? Thanks!

catsushi

In your case, instead of focusing on what each student is like, focus on how they interact. Do they say 'good morning' to each other? Do they do home work together? Or do they hide each other's books in the library so another student won't write a better paper than them?

When I visited Pomona, I felt the same way, but I noticed that all the students were cheerful, friendly, and outgoing with each other. I think Pomona has a strong sense of community within itself because it's such a small school. A diverse student body can also point to the fact that students at Pomona have to be open minded.

brassmonkey

Did you feel like you could fit into the student body? Your answer suggests that almost anyone can (assuming they are really intelligent).

catsushi

That and if they're open minded.

But I wouldn't really know. I just researched the college well enough so I know from my opinion as a senior in hs.

A.S.A.P.

I'm trying to think of some adjectives that might describe students I've met at Pomona.
(son is a soph)

Grounded. Engaging. Wide-ranging interests. Friendly. Supportive. Witty.
Adventuresome. Thoughtful. Intellectually curious. Broad-minded. Respectful.
Fun-loving. Hard-working. Optimistic. Humble. Confident.

Even within a diverse group, some traits are dominant and seem to be part of the culture.

At my daughter's ivy, I wouldn't have used these same adjectives. A few I would use would be these, perhaps: High Energy. Creative. Flamboyant. Brilliant. Driven. Outgoing. Intense. Multi-talented. Experimental. Vocal.
Did I say high energy?

Good luck with your decision!

arizonamom

Great description A.S.A.P. I would add easygoing,down to earth, intellectual, social, warm and friendly, accepting and inclusive, open, liberal, creative, extremely talented yet humble and unassuming ( students are still discovering amazing accomplishments of their peers years after they have known them)

brassmonkey

(students are still discovering amazing accomplishments of their peers years after they have known them)

This is spot on.

chopsticks3092

Agreed.

I would also add cooperative, balanced and involved to the list.

odan

We are perfect in every way.

arizonamom

And of course, good sense of humor!!

lmcg29

i just went there to see my cousin's graduation, and I immediately got a sense of the closeness of the class. They were obviously intelligent, and seemed VERY open minded and just outgoing and relaxed.

I never thought I would apply to a school in california (i'm from the east coast) and now I think i'm going to apply here in the fall!! It was seriously amazing, i loved how accepting the students seemed to be of one another, and at how diverse their interests/the student body was...the speeches that kids gave were witty, and funny, and the whole class seemed to respond (which i think says something)

sorry for gushing