So, my girlfriend got into Pomona College (7th nationally in Liberal Arts Colleges) and also UCLA..she's having a really tough time deciding
they are both very good schools but in different ways..
input please

what is she looking for in a school

if cost isn't an issue pomona, it is one of the best schools and most selective in the country and probably ranks high worldwide

she's not sure yet..she's kinda undecided as of yet
cost is not an issues cause she already got scholarship for both..
what school gets you into good graduate schools better?

Both, depends on program as well though.

Advice would be much easier for everyone if you could say what she is planning on studying, and what type of grad school she wants to study in.

Initial thoughts between UCLA and Pomona:

1. Class selection v. class size

UCLA will have far more classes to choose from and a greater diversity of options. Pomona will have far less people in the class, with far less of the undergraduate education being run by TAs.

2. Professor accessibility
UCLA will have top-notch research professors (although Pomona will have professors who are well published as well). But Pomona's professors will likely be more available for independent study, senior thesis advising, and good recommendation letters for grad schools.

3. Intangibles.
I went to a big research school and I liked the anonymity of it. And of course, it's nice being at a place with good college sports.



FWIW, I am in a top-ranked public research school right now. And from what I see about how undergrad education is valued, I would recommend going the Pomona route, ESPECIALLY if cost is not an issue.

thanks pokerdemic for the advice..
She's thinking..hmm a small school with nice ppl sounds good, but also a big school with lots of ppl sounds good also..that's why she's struggling
she has 2 weeks to decide and as time goes by I think she's leaning towards Pomona..

Does she know what she wants to study?

Small school - better relationships with professors are a big help for graduate school. More chances to stand out in the program.

She's going to get railed at either school she goes to and your relationship won't last, so I don't see why you're asking this.

Otoh, big schools with more famous research professors who can put you on publications, have labs with cool studies, grant money, etc.

I lol'ed and thought "what an ass" at the same time

I place the probability of what Noze said of happening at 90% fwiw

You may very well be right. I was an undergrad at a small school and am now at a large public university. From talking to my classmates I don't think many that were undergrads in large research universities worked closely with professors as they already had ample students in Master's and PhD programs.

Just my take.

I also got my undergrad degree at a small school and went to UIUC for my PhD. However, i worked in a lab at UCF for 2 years, since it was just down the road. That is what really prepared me for research in grad school. What prepared me for all the writing was the small school emphasis on writing. So there are benefits to both.

This depends on the professor. A lot of us will take on any undergrad who shows interest. I may not get to spend tons of 1-on-1 time with them, but i will place them with my grad students who can also teach them a lot. Plus, they get to work in a high-tech lab funded by millions in grant money, not to mention that i publish 8-10 times a year and put students on all my papers if they participate. You can't find this at a small school very often.

lol..
i just wanna help her make the right decision that's all.
it's not about me at all.
she doesn't really know what she wants to follow.
i think she put down her major as economics..but yeah right, i know that's gonna change.
she just doesn't know how the classes are gonna be like..
but one thing, she does want to go to graduate school for sure..so Pomona sounds better right now

UCLA ftw

Places like Pomona (see: Amherst, Williams, etc.) sound great in HS but end up sucking.

Riverman, I would like a little bit of reasoning behind your thought..
I think you are the first to advocate UCLA..

pomona easy.

Pomona sounds awesome when you are in HS and have no concept of networking/career building. But you won't learn things that will help you in the real world and you will meet relatively few people who will be able to help you when the day comes to actually make a living. Plus hot/rich UCLA sloots >>>> hippie dont shave my armpits Pomona girls (although this may be a + for Pomona in your case).

UCLA is dominated by Asians, so at least when you guys meet up over break and bone you'll probably still feel somewhat large to her, so for your sake hope she goes there. Just hope she doesn't fall in with the football team.

LMAO