Chances of Getting Into Pomona College
Claremont, California • Private University • #3 National • Founded 1887
Pomona Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Pomona SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Pomona College
Pomona College is the flagship of the Claremont Colleges consortium in sunny Southern California. Students enjoy intimate liberal arts education with access to the resources of five colleges. Pomona is known for its collaborative culture, stunning campus, and excellent career outcomes.
Top Programs
What Makes Pomona Unique
- Part of the Claremont Colleges — 5 colleges sharing resources like a small university
- Southern California location with year-round sunshine
- Extraordinarily generous financial aid (no merit scholarships — all need-based)
- Strong STEM programs uncommon for a liberal arts school
- Ski Beach program, outdoor education, and proximity to mountains and ocean
Pomona Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Pomona Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Pomona: Admission Tips
Pomona cares about fit — show you understand the Claremont consortium model
The 'Why Pomona' supplement matters a lot; be specific about courses and professors
Collaborative rather than competitive culture — demonstrate teamwork
ED gives a meaningful boost if Pomona is genuinely your top choice
Interviews available and recommended — do them
The Brutal Truth About Pomona Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 7% acceptance rate, Pomona rejected over 11,625 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Pomona, having a 3.93 GPA and 1510 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Pomona doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Pomona genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 7%-acceptance-rate basket.
Pomona Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Pomona College?
Pomona College has an acceptance rate of 7% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 12,500+ applicants, approximately 430 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Pomona?
The average GPA of admitted students at Pomona College is 3.93. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.78, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Pomona?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Pomona students is 1450-1550. The average SAT score is 1510. For ACT, the range is 33-35 with an average of 34.
Is Pomona hard to get into?
Yes, Pomona College is highly selective with an acceptance rate of just 7%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Pomona cost?
Tuition at Pomona College is $61,550 per year, with total cost of attendance at $83,900. However, 55% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $60,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Pomona?
Your chances of getting into Pomona College depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 7% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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