<p>I would highly recommend to double your chances and apply to both. </p>
<p>Here are a few of my thoughts. Please realize that the differences are subtle in most cases. </p>
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<p>Every item above is in CMC wheelhouse and where CMC is a better choice.</p>
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<p>A toss-up or slight advantage to Pomona. Pomona rewards higher SAT while CMC rewards leadership qualities. </p>
<p>QAS </p>
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<li>Is CMC more homogenous ethnically than Pomona? Not really</li>
<li>Is CMC extremely pragmatic in its focus? Although I would like to have sale-able skills after graduation, I don’t want a technical/pre-professional education (UPenn Wharton was too pre-professional for my taste). >>> CMC is more Wharton-like in its Econ and Finance programs, which are quite unique among LAC. This, however, does not come at the expense of intellectual pursuits.</li>
<li>Which of the two has a better social life? CMC is the most integrated and open school in the consortium. Pomona is at the antipode. </li>
<li>Where do the two schools fall on the political spectrum? I’m generally quite liberal on social issues and moderate (slightly leaning conservative) on economics. I expect that both Pomona and CMC are fairly balanced, but which is more so? >>> Easy again. CMC is balanced and your position is the most prevalent among students at CMC.<br></li>
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<p>Again, my recommendation is to apply to both and try to visit both schools. I think it takes just a few minutes to feel the correct vibe and find one more endearing than its neighbor. </p>
<p>For finer details, please download both CDS forms. You will find all the information about racial distribution, financial aid, and retention. Use the documents for final admission rates after the wait lists were added. </p>
<p>PS I would not be surprised if our friends from Pomona have different ideas. ;)</p>