Pomona College hosted more than 300 students and their families April 13 for Admitted Students Day, providing an opportunity to connect to the College community and gain insights into life on campus.
Jonathan Williams, vice president and dean of admissions and financial aid, started the day with a welcome message. The programming continued with students and their guests—over 600 people in total—departing for campus tours, panel discussions, and the academic departments and resources fair, where they met student affairs staff and faculty members who will shape their Sagehen experience.
While their loved ones met faculty and staff for lunch in Edmunds Ballroom, students enjoyed lunch at Frank and Frary Dining Halls. Throughout the day, panels of staff, alumni, current students and parents highlighted wellness, financial aid and mentorship resources at Pomona and The Claremont Colleges.
One of the most popular sessions was the alumni panel. While the three panelists work in different fields—animation, at the Federal Reserve and higher education access—they all expressed that Pomona’s liberal arts education gave them a solid foundation for their careers.
Happening concurrently with Admitted Students Day was the College’s spring fly-in program Perspectives on Pomona (POP). The invitation-only program allows students admitted via regular decision to explore campus during a two-day, overnight campus stay.
Rachel Burke, an admitted student from Chicago who took part in POP, spent much of her time on campus with fellow participants Iyona Adonri, from Frisco, Texas, and Daeshanell Jarrett, from New York City, who has committed to Pomona.
“All of the professors are so open to the students getting in on conversations,” said Burke. “Everyone is so eager to learn, and I love it here.”
President G. Gabrielle Starr capped the day by giving families of admitted students heartfelt advice about the college transition, while the activities and research fair afforded students the chance to mingle with current Sagehens over In-N-Out burgers and boba tea, learn about clubs and organizations, and peruse research posters created by Pomona students.
Jayden Najera, an admitted student from Moreno Valley, California, is still weighing his decision, but he and his parents noted the impact Admitted Students Day made on them.
Originally more familiar with large, public institutions, Najera said his family was thankful for the opportunity to learn about a liberal arts college. He also expressed that Pomona’s financial aid offer was making him lean toward enrolling.
Sorab Bedi, father of Krish Bedi, an admitted student from Chicago, said the experience made him feel secure in his son’s decision to attend Pomona. Having attended similar programs for his other children, he said, “I had a really good time. And my son told me last night that he loves the place.”
Adonri echoed these sentiments.
“You could tell that Pomona really cares about all of its students,” said Adonri. “The way everything was curated, the way the students were engaged, the faculty were engaged, you could tell they love us.”
Students admitted via regular decision have until May 1 to confirm their decision to enroll at Pomona College, while admitted transfer students have until June 1. Please visit the College’s Admissions page for more information about the admissions process.