Transferring to Pomona College?

I'm interested in transferring to Pomona College and would love to know more about their transfer process. What are the competitive aspects, and how important are essays and recommendations?

Pomona College is indeed a popular choice for transfer students due to its rigorous liberal arts curriculum and vibrant campus life. They offer an exceptional interdisciplinary program that allows students to explore broadly across disciplines while delving deeply into their major fields.

Competitive Aspects:

Pomona College is one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the country and this applies to transfer applicants as well. Admissions officers at Pomona primarily focus on the academic preparation of the applicants. This includes your college grades and the rigor of your current course load. Additionally, they look at the progress you've made since high school. Therefore, maintaining a high GPA at your current institution is critical.

Essays:

As with many colleges, the application essays are a significant part of the transfer process in helping admissions understand your interest in transferring to Pomona and how you would contribute to their community. Pomona College emphasizes intellectual curiosity, creativity and engagement, so it's beneficial to reflect these qualities in your essays. Highlight why you're interested in Pomona specifically - mentioning specific professors, classes, clubs or programs can demonstrate genuine interest.

Recommendations:

Pomona requires two faculty recommendations - ideally, from professors who have taught you at your current college, as they can speak about your performance and engagement in a college setting. They're looking for students who will thrive in their academic environment, and a strong recommendation can go a long way.

Keep in mind, Pomona recommends that you complete at least a full year of college work prior to transferring, and you must have at least two years remaining in order to graduate from Pomona College.

Lastly, research more about Pomona's academic program, culture, and community to ensure it aligns with your personal and academic goals. This knowledge will not only help you make an informed decision about transferring, but also strengthen your application.