Columbia or Pomona

mommyrocks
Mon, 04 Apr 2016 14:39:26 +0000

Every American has heard of Columbia, but I hate to inform you that most Americans do not even know about Pomona (that might offend some people on College Confidential, but it’s the truth). I could understand if you were debating between UChicago and Columbia, because they have some similarities, but there is just no comparison between Columbia and Pomona. If those are your final choices, then go with Columbia.

Because Columbia is an Ivy, you will also be able to network your entire life within the numerous Ivy-only networking groups that exist in various places in person and online such as on Facebook and LinkedIn. (Maybe you can’t access these while in China, but you will understand when you get over here and can see the many Ivy networking groups.) These Ivy-only groups are filled with some of the most powerful, wealthy and successful people in the country, and you could be connected to them just by choosing Columbia.

Being in NYC also puts you in the largest city in the USA, and in a position to make connections and have internships that you could not have anywhere else. In NYC there is the public transportation you would expect in a city, coming from Shanghai, but if you go to Pomona you will be lost without a car. Not only is it not directly in LA, but LA is very spread out, and you really need to drive (in a lot of traffic, taking up a lot of time) to get where you want to go in metro LA. You will feel isolated there. I’ve hosted many exchange students, including one from China, and I can tell you that in a place like Pomona you will not be able to do the kinds of things you take for granted – like stepping outside your door and being able to go places and see and do things just by walking or hopping on public transportation for a short ride. By all means choose Columbia! You will love it there.