Wesleyan vs. Pomona, Again

santeria
Sat, 29 Jan 2011 16:11:31 +0000

You got most of the main differences. Weather was a big issue for me. When I visited Wesleyan, it was 35 degrees and rainy. It was 80 and sunny in Claremont.

I think the largest difference, which you didn’t note, is the Consortium. Both schools have excellent academics, and the difference between them, I think, is the ability to take courses at the four other schools if you go to Pomona. Both schools do not have many requirements (in Wesleyan’s case, none). Both Pomona and Wesleyan are exceptional in science.

As for endowment, I know Wesleyan has recently had some financial problems, so I think you would get a better FA package at Pomona, if that’s an issue. Wesleyan and Pomona housing are both great though, so don’t worry about that. I think Wesleyan’s facilities equal Pomona’s. I would say Pomona’s campus is nicer, though. Pomona definitely has better food options (8 dining halls available plus LA).

The consortium also applies to social life (with LA as the other difference). Wesleyan social life is pretty much isolated the campus, because Main St doesn’t offer much. I think the student bodies are different too. My Wes friends describe the study body there as artsy. Pomona students are very laid-back and nice, but in different way. I think a lot of students at each school would be happy at the other though.

If you’re interested in both schools, I think you’ll do fine at either. Good luck.