Connecticut College vs Pomona College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the key differences in location and campus environment between Connecticut College and Pomona College?

  Connecticut College is located in New London, Connecticut, a small city on the coast, offering a traditional New England college town experience. The campus is a designated arboretum, providing a beautiful natural setting. Pomona College, on the other hand, is situated in Claremont, California, a suburban city east of Los Angeles. Claremont is known for its consortium of five undergraduate colleges (the Claremont Colleges), creating a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment with a distinctly Southern California vibe.

• How do the academic programs and strengths compare between the two colleges?

  Both Connecticut College and Pomona College offer strong liberal arts educations. Connecticut College is known for its interdisciplinary centers and its Connections program, which emphasizes integrative learning and career development. Popular majors include economics, psychology, and government. Pomona College, as part of the Claremont Colleges, provides access to a wider range of courses and resources. It excels in fields like economics, mathematics, and the natural sciences, and offers unique opportunities for cross-registration and collaboration with the other Claremont Colleges.

• What is the difference in student body size and overall campus culture?

  Connecticut College has a smaller student body, fostering a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on student-faculty interaction. The campus culture is known for being supportive and collaborative. Pomona College has a slightly larger student body, but still maintains a small college feel. The Claremont Colleges consortium creates a more diverse and dynamic social scene, with students from all five colleges interacting and participating in shared activities. Pomona's culture is often described as intellectually curious and socially engaged.

• How do the costs of attendance and financial aid opportunities compare?

  Both Connecticut College and Pomona College are highly selective and expensive institutions. However, both are committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of their admitted students. The actual cost of attendance will vary significantly depending on individual family circumstances and the financial aid package offered. It's crucial to use the net price calculators on each college's website to get an estimate of your potential out-of-pocket expenses. Pomona, with its larger endowment, may have slightly more resources available for financial aid, but both schools are generous.

• What are the main differences in the social scene and extracurricular activities?

  Connecticut College's social scene is centered around campus events, student organizations, and the surrounding New London area. Students often participate in activities like a cappella groups, theater productions, and community service projects. Pomona College benefits from the Claremont Colleges consortium, offering a much wider range of social and extracurricular options. Students can join clubs and organizations at any of the five colleges, attend concerts and performances, and participate in intramural sports across the consortium. The proximity to Los Angeles also provides access to a vibrant cultural scene.

• How do the career services and alumni networks compare?

  Both Connecticut College and Pomona College have dedicated career services offices that provide students with resources and support for internships, job searches, and graduate school applications. Connecticut College's Connections program integrates career exploration into the academic curriculum. Pomona College's location in Southern California provides access to a wide range of internship and job opportunities, particularly in fields like technology, entertainment, and finance. Both colleges have strong and active alumni networks that can provide valuable connections and mentorship opportunities.

• What are the key factors to consider when deciding between Connecticut College and Pomona College?

  When choosing between Connecticut College and Pomona College, consider your preferred location (New England vs. Southern California), campus environment (small, intimate vs. larger consortium), academic focus (interdisciplinary vs. broader range of options), and social scene (close-knit vs. more diverse). Think about whether you prefer a traditional college town experience or access to a major metropolitan area. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs, interests, and learning style. Visiting both campuses, if possible, is highly recommended.

• How do the athletic programs differ between Connecticut College and Pomona College?

  Connecticut College competes in NCAA Division III athletics, primarily within the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC). This conference is known for its strong academic focus and competitive athletic programs. Pomona College, along with Pitzer College, forms a combined athletic program known as Pomona-Pitzer. They also compete in NCAA Division III, but within the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). While both offer a range of varsity sports, the specific sports offered and the competitive landscape differ due to their respective conferences and geographic locations. Pomona-Pitzer benefits from the combined resources of two colleges.

• What are some unique aspects of each college that might appeal to different students?

  Connecticut College's arboretum campus and emphasis on sustainability might appeal to students interested in environmental studies and outdoor activities. The Connections program is a unique feature that integrates academic learning with career exploration. Pomona College's membership in the Claremont Colleges consortium provides unparalleled access to courses, resources, and social opportunities. Its location in Southern California offers access to a diverse cultural scene and a wide range of internship and job opportunities. The emphasis on undergraduate education at Pomona, without graduate programs, ensures that all resources are focused on the undergraduate experience.