Academic Resources

Super Study Spots

Posted on September 1, 2022September 21, 2022 by Emma Grace Howlett

Emma and a friend on a rooftop with San Gabriel mountains backdrop

By Emma Grace Howlett ‘25 During my first semester at Pomona, I found myself swept away by a shower of fun social events and extracurricular opportunities. However, I found it hard to balance a heavy school workload with such a wealth of social resources. It took a few months to find an equilibrium, and, most importantly, good study spots. Thanks to the natural beauty and Ed...

Roller Skating After a Chemistry Midterm? My Experiences in Pomona Scholars of Science

Posted on July 8, 2022September 21, 2022 by Giuliano Richetta

students around long table in restaurant

By Giuliano Richetta ‘25 Taking a college class for the first time can seem daunting. I grew up hearing rumors about weed-out classes, huge lecture auditoriums, and professors who are not interested in getting to know you. A lot of times, the first response I got when I told people I wanted to major in STEM was “good luck!” Before being accepted to Pomona, I prepared myself ...

How To Ask for Help When You’re Drowning in a Scary College Class

Posted on June 8, 2022September 21, 2022 by Seohyeon Lee

illustration of ghost-like figure with question marks and anxiety around it

By Seohyeon Lee ‘25 I was clueless about everything when I started my first year at Pomona. As an international student from South Korea, I didn’t know what to expect from going to college in the United States. I was happy to get into a good liberal arts college, but I was terrified that I would face a steep learning curve with very little preparation. Looking back, I did...

The Claremont Colleges: The Unrivaled Consortium

Posted on February 15, 2022September 21, 2022 by Linda Phan

By Linda Phan ‘24 College consortiums—a cluster of academic institutions that share resources amongst their students, such as classes—are notable opportunities that attract students. Why not? Consortiums promote expanded educational specialization and exploration. Five Colleges (Amherst College, Smith College, U Mass Amherst, Hampshire College, and Mt. Holyoke College) and t...

Looking Back: Academic Advice from a Transfer Student

Posted on October 1, 2021September 21, 2022 by Isabel Callahan

By Isabel Callahan (Dec. ’21) “Let me know if anyone needs help with their schedule!” As I peered up at our sponsor from my spot on the hallway floor of Harwood’s basement, I had no idea just how generous his offer was. “How complicated could a schedule be?” I wondered. As my sponsor and I soon realized: for a transfer student, sometimes more complicated than expected! ...

Reconnecting With My Mother Tongue

Posted on September 21, 2021September 21, 2022 by Sonam Rikha

By Sonam Rikha’24 “You’re not Tibetan, you’re American.” If I could get a dollar for every time I’ve heard that phrase uttered to my face, I’d be a millionaire. It’s wild how it's often the people closest to you–relatives, community members, family–who constantly remind you that you don’t belong. I never felt as uncomfortable with my Tibetan-American identity as I did whe...

Q&A with a Geology Major

Posted on August 23, 2021September 21, 2022 by Siena Swift

Dede in puffer jacket, kissing a stuffed bison, with snowy mountains in background

By Siena Swift ’23 This week I interviewed Bert & Rocky’s-loving Dede Chapline ‘23, who is one half of the iconic snake mom, OKC superstars duo with last week’s interviewee Lilly Haave (see “Q&A with a Transfer Student” for further explanation). This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. Q: Can you please introduce yourself? A: My name i...

What Time Is It? DECISION TIME

Posted on April 15, 2021September 21, 2022 by Sonam Rikha

By Sonam Rikha ‘24 “AHHHHH I GOT IN!” We’ve all heard the screams, we’ve all watched the reaction videos, and some of us have even screamed those same words ourselves. The college application process is tough: which schools should I apply to? Who should I ask to write my letter of recommendation? Can I even afford to go to this school? Though for some, the decision proces...

Mentorship at Pomona

Posted on April 1, 2021September 21, 2022 by Nelia Perry

By Nelia Perry '24 Transitioning to college, navigating college, and transitioning out of college can be stressful, overwhelming, and confusing to manage. But you do not have to face these stages alone at Pomona! Whenever people talk about layers, they use an onion as a metaphor, so I guess I will do the same here: Pomona mentorship is like an onion; it has many layers. Thes...

A Disney Encounter

Posted on March 22, 2021September 21, 2022 by Sonam Rikha

By Sonam Rikha ‘24 “Hi, my name is Sonam, and you're watching Disney Channel!” I stared in the mirror, reciting the introduction again, but this time drawing out the Disney logo with my hair brush. Who knew that much of 8-year-old Sonam’s childhood would be in the hands of Pomona alum Jennilee Cummings ‘98. When I first saw the email that Pomona’s Career Development O...