The first of the Claremont Colleges founded in 1887 Pomona was modelled by its Massachusetts founders after east coast Ivy League liberal arts college. As the demand for colleges rose in early 1900’s its founder travelled to Oxford and elected to establish a framework for the creation of 10 colleges under the Claremont umbrella copying Oxford. Scripps was established in 1920’s focused primarily on humanities, though now boasts a strong biology program. Then came Claremont Mens College (now Claremont McKenna College) after World War II with an initial focus on economics and international relations–practical liberal arts education. Harvey Mudd in the 1950’s with the push to the moon is focused on science and engineering , and Pitzer College in 1960’s looking to ethnic diversity and other social causes. Obviously this is a gross simplification but it gives you an idea of the underlying philosophies behind each of the colleges which of course over the years have continued to expand and develop their programs of study to meet current needs.

Pomona is truly a residential liberal arts college. 95% of its students live on campus all four years (equal percentage graduates in four years). Unusual, 30% of freshman housing located on South campus are singles. Upperclassmen live four-five blocks away in what is termed North campus where students gather late nights for free Snacks which include everything from cookies to pizza. Dorms are nice and students report food is good.

Its a tight-knit community with 375 freshmen each year. Classes are small. Only one or two in four years will be as large as 50. Your first night on campus you will have a one-on-one social dinner with your advisor. Before classses begin as part of freshmen orientation students (groups of 12) select an adventure…canoeing at Hoover Dam, kayaking near Santa Barbara and more. With five colleges a lot is happening on or around campus to the point some students complain they don’t get off campus enough…but realize its their own fault. One Pomona tradition is the ski/ beach day when students ski at Big Bear in morning and go to Venice Beach in the afternoon…why do they do it? “Because we can.” In deference to east coast students (school has students from 48 states), the College sponsors a snow day and brings in artificial snow for students to play in until it melts (usually 2hrs max). Pomona tradition also dictates that students be thrown in fountains on their birthdays so the college makes a big effort to keep them clean even using chlorine.

Academics are “rigorous but not cut-throat”. True to its liberal arts roots the majority of a students classes will be outside their major. Pomona students are required to take five distribution classes which include foreign language requirement and PE. Students can take classes at any of the other Claremont colleges. For Pomona students that’s usually four or five over their four years. 50% of the students study abroad and for those particularly interested– either before or after there is a foreign language dorm with sections for French, Spanish, Chinese etc. The college provides a fluent speaker in each of the languages to facilitate activities and conversations. Students that do not live in this house may join a table at any meal and listen or speak their language of choice.
Besides being thrown in fountains or playing in the snow, Pomona students enjoy all the concerts, speakers, performing arts on campus, they can walk to Claremont village for a change of pace. Also big each year is the Pomona/Claremont football game…parking is not a problem.

The admissions officer at the information session bragged Pomona was recently voted the fifth “happiest college” in the country. I can’t guarantee that but if you are interested in a very personal, liberal arts education with only one snow day and lots of Palm trees consider Pomona College.
(PS He wouldn’t divulge the four that beat Pomona.)