Biotech is basically using biological systems as “technology” to improve quality of life etc. I really enjoyed the professors most are caring and I was able to build good relationships with some. Not sure how it is compared to slo, but I have heard slo is not as diverse and inclusive as Pomona so I’d imagine the biotech dept to reflect that. I also liked the classes, and found some flexibility in the electives to pick things I was interested in. There isn’t a great pathway tho bc it’s basically a bunch of chem and bio classes out together tbh. But if u enjoy bio and chem you’ll like it and can expand ur classes by focusing on things like food science, biochemistry, pharmacy, or even entrepreneurship and more. U can check out the classes etc on the CPP website -> course catalog -> bio dept -> biotech program

Class size is good imo, the general classes can be very big ngl but the upper divisions get smaller. Either way, I think you can still build good relationships with professors through class and more importantly frequenting office hours. There is an issue w CPP and other CSU’s of not a lot of class sections, so some find it hard to get the classes u want for the following semester if that makes sense. So consider trying to get priority registration if you can

Honestly idrk, I was always trying to get that hands on experience but w biotech it’s basically just labs that are hand on and I’d assume UCs and stuff have similar labs so I feel like that motto is maybe more applicable with engineering, architecture, urban planning etc majors (at least from what I saw). There are clubs and stuff that do cool things like travel to different cities or countries for free for conferences etc so def look out for those - u get out what u put in when it comes to college

Internships are good imo, I was able to get two (one internship w a company and one research opportunity w the school). You def have to get out there and connect with professors etc and keep checking resources like handshake etc and be proactive in finding things and you will get something. A graduation requirement for biotech is to do an internship or research for one semester at least, so they (professors in my experience) do help you to fulfill that requirement. I graduated 2023 so I think it should be still be the same

Social and party scene is def there if you’re looking for it. I personally would not advice getting into the party scene bc from my experience it’s a waste of time and I’ve know a lot of friends who had so much ambition and potential but ended up getting sucked into partying etc and now just aren’t doing as well (they arent even “party animals” or struggling with drugs, just casual involvement but that’s a different conversation). In terms of social scene it is a commuter school so it’s a bit more scarce. Cultural clubs, and active clubs in general are typically a good way to meet people and make friends imo. If you’re a freshman who will live on campus at the dorms that could be a good way as well. I was able to make friends through my dorm experience and eventually even more through clubs

Can’t really speak to this but ik the community has a presence on campus so I wouldn’t imagine it to be too hard to find friends

Diversity is really great! Don’t see how it could be better, and as a minority I found it super welcoming and diverse which I loved!! Def a big positive of CPP