Pomona / Interview
The Pomona interview
Optional interview, and it carries minor weight in the decision. Here is how it works and how to prepare.
Optional interview
Optional alumni interview, ~30-45 min, conducted virtually or in your local area by an AAVP volunteer
How to prepare for Pomona
- Pomona's alumni interviewers are not trained evaluators , they relay impressions, not scores, so treat it as a genuine conversation rather than a high-stakes performance.
- The interview is informational and two-way: come with real questions about Pomona's distinctive features (the 5-C consortium, Claremont community, small seminar culture) to show you've done your homework.
- Not all applicants receive an interview invite , if you don't get one, it does not hurt your chances; the review is holistic and essay-driven.
- Be specific about why Pomona over other selective liberal arts colleges; vague 'great community' answers are a common pitfall given how similar the NESCAC/LAC field looks on the surface.
Practice before the real thing
Rehearse real admissions-interview questions and get an honest read on your answers, what an interviewer hears, where you sound generic, and what to sharpen. We coach you; we never script you.
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