<p>I understand that there is a clear cultural difference between Pomona & CMC, as well as difference in academic focus (CMC is more focused on government/public policy).</p>
<p>My question is why is it that Pomona is considered a “better” school - what are the structural differences in the university that cause this to be so?</p>
<p>Those who say it isn’t “better” - don’t get defensive. I base this off rankings (inherently flawed yes, I know), but also common person’s perception and admission to T14 law schools (legit metric).</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Since you are basing “better” off of rankings, then there are a few reasons Pomona ranks higher (is “better”) than CMC in the US News & Report Rankings. Pomona vs. CMC has a slightly better avg. freshman retention rate, a slightly better six year graduation rate, incoming freshman with a bit higher SAT scores, a terrific endowment for a high financial resources rank (although CMC’s is great too), etc. Those things add to Pomona’s prestige and many people would say make it a better school too.</p>
<p>For ultimate admission to T14 law schools though, it is you that makes the difference and not the rankings of either school. If you graduated from either school with great grades and had accomplished a lot, then that’s what gets you admitted or not. </p>
<p>I believe it would be most fruitful for you to find those cultural differences and see what fits you better. In the end you may find either school would work and you may hope for admittance to either. My son prefers CMC and his girlfriend prefers Pomona.</p>
<p>More things:
- Larger population of alums = more representation and more well known
- Longer history, longer establishment
- Attracts a more diverse student body. Schools like CMC which have specialization can’t attract all of the smartest students in the nation, whereas Pomona is more likely to.
- Better facilities and resources, especially in the sciences
- Far more representation in graduate schools
- More students receive competitive fellowships like Rhodes, Churchills, Fulbrights, and Goldwaters, which add to the reputation of the school
- Ranking like Forbes and US News Rankings perpetuate a cycle that Pomona is “better”
- Better financial aid policy + offerings = ability to attract the brightest minds from all over regardless of background. CMC has a great FA policy but it is not as strong as Pomona’s.</p>
<p>It is my firm belief however that CMC is the most up and coming school of the top 30 LACs and that it will very soon reach position 4 (tied with Pomona)-7 on the US News Rankings list. The practical liberal arts education that it champions is unique and highly sought- it was the most selective LAC by admission rate after all. And there are a few areas that CMC is stronger in than Pomona, such as:
- Rankings on PR
- International Student Representation
- Payscale rankings for alums who don’t earn anything besides a bachelor’s
- Overall alumni and student happiness.
- A much larger potential for growth than Pomona has right now- CMC just raised the most money of any LAC.
- Better athletics</p>