Amherst College vs Pomona College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the key differences between Amherst College and Pomona College?

  Amherst College and Pomona College are both highly selective liberal arts colleges, but they differ in several key aspects. Amherst is located in a small town in western Massachusetts, offering a more traditional New England college experience. Pomona, on the other hand, is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium in Southern California, providing access to a larger academic and social environment. Amherst has an open curriculum, allowing students to design their own course of study with minimal requirements. Pomona has a more structured curriculum with distribution requirements across different academic areas. Finally, Pomona benefits from the resources and social opportunities of the Claremont Colleges consortium, while Amherst offers a more intimate and focused campus environment.

• How do the locations of Amherst and Pomona affect the student experience?

  Location significantly impacts the student experience. Amherst's setting in western Massachusetts provides a classic, immersive college town atmosphere. Students often find themselves deeply involved in campus life and the surrounding community. Pomona's location in Claremont, California, offers a different experience. The proximity to Los Angeles provides access to a wider range of cultural, internship, and recreational opportunities. The Southern California climate also allows for year-round outdoor activities. Furthermore, being part of the Claremont Colleges consortium expands the social and academic landscape for Pomona students.

• What are the academic strengths of each college?

  Both Amherst and Pomona are known for their strong academics across the liberal arts. Amherst is particularly renowned for its open curriculum, allowing students to explore diverse fields without rigid requirements. It also boasts exceptional programs in English, history, and political science. Pomona excels in fields like economics, science (particularly biology and chemistry), and international relations. Its location in California also provides opportunities for research and internships in technology and other cutting-edge industries. Both colleges emphasize close interaction between students and faculty.

• How do the social scenes at Amherst and Pomona compare?

  Amherst's social scene is centered around its campus and the town of Amherst. Students often participate in clubs, organizations, and campus events. The smaller size of Amherst fosters a close-knit community. Pomona's social scene is influenced by its membership in the Claremont Colleges consortium. Students can cross-register for courses and participate in activities at any of the five undergraduate colleges, creating a more diverse and vibrant social environment. The proximity to Los Angeles also provides opportunities for off-campus activities and entertainment.

• What is the cost of attendance and financial aid like at Amherst and Pomona?

  Both Amherst and Pomona have similar costs of attendance, and both are committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. They offer generous financial aid packages, including grants and scholarships, to make college affordable for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. It's best to visit their respective financial aid websites and use their net price calculators to get a personalized estimate of the cost of attendance based on your family's financial situation.

• How does the open curriculum at Amherst differ from Pomona's curriculum?

  Amherst's open curriculum is a defining feature. It allows students to design their own course of study with very few required courses. Students must complete a major and demonstrate proficiency in writing, but otherwise have significant freedom to explore their interests. Pomona, while still offering flexibility, has a more structured curriculum. Students are required to take courses in various distribution areas, ensuring a broad foundation in the liberal arts. This provides a more guided academic experience compared to Amherst's open approach.

• What are the advantages of attending a consortium like the Claremont Colleges (Pomona) versus a standalone college (Amherst)?

  The Claremont Colleges consortium offers several advantages. Students at Pomona can take courses and participate in activities at the other four undergraduate colleges (Scripps, Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer), expanding their academic and social options. The consortium also provides access to shared resources, such as libraries and athletic facilities. Amherst, as a standalone college, offers a more focused and intimate campus environment. Students benefit from a strong sense of community and close relationships with faculty and peers. The smaller size allows for greater opportunities for leadership and involvement in campus life.

• Which college is better for students interested in STEM fields?

  Both Amherst and Pomona offer excellent STEM programs. Pomona, however, may have a slight edge due to its strong science departments and its proximity to research opportunities in Southern California. Harvey Mudd College, another member of the Claremont Colleges consortium, is renowned for its engineering and science programs, and Pomona students can cross-register for courses there. Amherst also has strong STEM programs and offers research opportunities, but its location may limit access to certain industry-specific internships and collaborations.

• How do the career services at Amherst and Pomona compare?

  Both Amherst and Pomona have dedicated career services offices that provide students with resources and support for internships, job searches, and graduate school applications. They offer career counseling, resume workshops, and networking events. Pomona's location in Southern California may provide access to a wider range of internship and job opportunities, particularly in fields like technology and entertainment. Amherst's strong alumni network can be a valuable resource for students seeking career advice and connections.

• What type of student thrives at Amherst versus Pomona?

  A student who thrives at Amherst is typically independent, self-motivated, and enjoys a close-knit community. They appreciate the freedom of the open curriculum and are comfortable taking initiative in their academic pursuits. A student who thrives at Pomona is often collaborative, intellectually curious, and enjoys a diverse and vibrant social environment. They appreciate the structure of the curriculum and the opportunities provided by the Claremont Colleges consortium. Both colleges seek students who are academically strong, engaged in their communities, and passionate about learning.