I'm thinking about applying to Pomona College through Early Decision II. I'd appreciate any insights on how competitive it is and what the admission stats look like. Is it worth applying ED II if I'm really interested?
In terms of Early Decision II for Pomona College, you're making a good move by considering it.
As a part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, Pomona creates a liberal arts environment that's kind of akin to attending a small, close-knit college while still having access to the resources of a larger university system. So if you find that environment appealing, then ED II could be for you.
However, keep in mind that Early Decision is binding, so only pursue this route if you're truly sure about attending Pomona College and if you have assessed affordability by using the school's Net Price Calculator. Also, remember to have all your materials polished and ready by the ED II deadline, which typically falls in early to mid-January.
As for considerations on the admission side, Pomona will look at your overall academic performance, your involvement in extracurriculars, and how much impact and leadership you’ve shown. They're more interested in students with a "spike" or a highly-defined specialty that makes them stand out, rather than the traditional "well-rounded" applicant. In the application, you should make sure to convey why you believe Pomona is a good fit for you specifically and how you plan to contribute to the community.
That being said, if Pomona College is your top choice and you are sure you want to attend if admitted, applying ED II can be a strategic decision. It shows the admissions committee your demonstrated interest in the school and your commitment to attend if accepted. Practically, it also provides you a bit more time to enhance your application than you would have for early decision I.
So, in a nutshell, yes, if you’re really committed to Pomona and have evaluated the financial aspect, it could be worth applying ED II.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.