Pomona College

Admission at Pomona College

Pomona College admits about 7% of applicants, which makes it most selective. Admission is holistic: four years of transcript and course rigor first, then essays and activities, then recommendations and test scores. At this admit rate a strong profile is a reach for everyone; the essays and the activities list are where the decision is made.

GCC applicants: international curricula (IB, American Diploma with APs, A-levels) are read in their own terms. English proficiency tests are usually waived for English-medium schools; check the university's waiver rule. Saudi students on a Ministry scholarship should confirm the programme is on the approved list before applying Early Decision.

Pomona College supplemental essays, 2026-27

1. Academic interest statement150 words

   What draws you to the subject(s) you selected as potential major(s)? If undecided, share more about one of your academic passions or interests.

2. Community values (choose one of three)250 words

   Reflecting on a community that you are a part of, what values or perspectives from that community would you bring to Pomona?

3. Outside-classroom experience (choose one of three)250 words

   Describe an experience you had outside the classroom that changed the way you think and/or how you engage with your peers. What was that experience and what did you learn from it?

4. How others describe you (choose one of three)250 words

   Choose any person or group of people in your life and share how they would describe you.

Every US applicant also writes the Common App personal statement: 650 words, seven prompts. Admitify's coach reads drafts line by line and never writes for the student.

Strong for

Liberal Arts · Economics · Physical Sciences