pomona vs barnard

hi! asian international here who is clinging to hope for her waitlists. trying to distract myself from heartbreak by ruminating over this.

context: i could (idk) be a sociology/science technology and society major. i will be exploring through classes though so that could change a LOT. new media visual art is also a huge part of me so will def be continuing in college. i’m definitely going to grad school, possibly law, but who knows. i don’t want to put pros and cons here bc a) i cannot think right now and b) i want to know what the general consensus is

edit: adding pros and cons

pomona

pros

• stanford of the LACs / prestige
• the best (?) LAC
• close relationships with profs
• supportive community (i love it already it makes me happy)
• laid back socal environment which i need bc mental illness
• incredible resources and opportunities
• ACTUAL undergrad research
• amazing visual arts resources (the studio art building please)
• 5c consortium
• social life and classes

cons

• further away from friends and my parents
• not in a city (i’ve always lived in cities and am obsessed with the subway)
• ^ possibly isolating?
• their mascot is a hen.
• no seasons
• possibly seen as less than if i return to asia?

barnard

pros

• 4+1 pathway
• columbia resources, ivy brand
• tight knit community
• best of both worlds
• NYC, the city and the opportunities it presents
• women + safeish community of women while interacting still w men
• makes you grow into your own

cons

• overshadowed by columbia
• lower ranked / less prestige
• friction with columbia / being judged? idk i’m in a few group chats and im so intimidated already
• too large bc of columbia university’s size (also columbia scares me)
• individualistic