Pitzer vs Pomona: How Do Their Social Sciences Programs Differ?

Hey guys, I've been accepted into both Pitzer and Pomona College and I'm really interested in social sciences. Can anyone tell me how their social sciences programs compare with each other in terms of resources, faculty, internships, and overall student experience?

Congratulations on your acceptances to Pitzer and Pomona! Both institutions are part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, which allows you to benefit from cross-registration and shared resources. However, their social sciences programs do have some distinctions that you might find helpful when making your decision.

Pitzer College:

1. Focus: Pitzer is known for its strong emphasis on social justice, environmental sustainability, and interdisciplinary studies. This focus can be seen in its social sciences programs, where you'll often find courses and research opportunities that address issues of inequality and social responsibility.

2. Faculty: Pitzer has a more intimate atmosphere with a low student-to-faculty ratio, giving you the chance to build closer relationships with your professors.

3. Collaboration: Pitzer offers various community engagement and collaborative research opportunities, encouraging students to work together with faculty and local communities on projects related to social sciences.

4. Fieldwork: Pitzer encourages off-campus learning through its study abroad programs and internships. You can gain valuable real-world experience in the social sciences through opportunities in both local and international settings.

Pomona College:

1. Breadth: Pomona has a slightly broader range of social sciences offerings than Pitzer. You can explore various disciplines such as economics, political science, psychology, and sociology more deeply at Pomona.

2. Resources: As a larger school within the Claremont Colleges consortium, Pomona often has greater access to resources, including funding, research centers, and collaborations.

3. Research: Research, especially undergraduate research, is highly emphasized at Pomona. You can participate in projects working directly with faculty members, and there may be more opportunities for independent research in the social sciences.

4. Reputation: Pomona College has a strong overall reputation and carries a bit more prestige than Pitzer. Although this should not be the sole factor in your decision, for some students, the recognition that comes with a Pomona degree is an important consideration.

Both Pitzer and Pomona have strong social sciences programs and offer unique opportunities for students, so it really depends on your priorities and interests. If you want a program centered on social justice and an intimate environment, Pitzer could be the better fit.

However, if you're seeking a broader range of disciplines, more resources, and a relatively higher reputation, Pomona might be your ideal choice. Good luck with your decision!