If we at Ivy Coach told you that many of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges today are far more challenging to get into than most Ivy League schools a mere ten years ago, would you believe us? If you answered yes, you might already be a loyal reader of our college admissions blog. For those staunch nonbelievers, we would like to introduce you to the highly exclusive Pomona College. This renowned liberal arts school, located deep within the desert sands of Southern California, has always been highly selective. But, in keeping with trends seen across the higher education landscape, Pomona has upped the ante in recent years with an acceptance rate that just keeps shooting downward.

Pomona College Acceptance Rate Over 15 Years

The proof is in the pudding: here is Pomona’s acceptance rate over the last 15 years:

Pomona College Class Year	Overall Acceptance Rate
Class of 2029	Not Yet Released
Class of 2028	6.76%
Class of 2027	7.02%
Class of 2026	7.00%
Class of 2025	8.62%
Class of 2024	7.40%
Class of 2023	7.61%
Class of 2022	8.36%
Class of 2021	9.44%
Class of 2020	10.30%
Class of 2019	12.19%
Class of 2018	13.92%
Class of 2017	12.96%
Class of 2016	14.03%
Class of 2015	14.74%
Class of 2014	16.13%
Class of 2013	15.59%

Oy vey! What is this nonsense? A 6.76% acceptance rate for a non-Ivy League school? Believe it or not, single-digit acceptance rates are becoming increasingly common for top schools nationwide. And the Ivy League school? Let’s just say they’re heading towards the tangent line of 0%. But this is not to say that Pomona doesn’t deserve this impressive acceptance rate. This school boasts some of the world’s most renowned faculty, a reputation for teaching some of the brightest minds with a rigorous curriculum, and a beautiful campus that combines the charms of a cozy small-town vibe with the scenic beauty of a desert music festival. Who wouldn’t want to get into such a place?

Why Pomona’s Acceptance Rate Keeps Dropping

Back in the late aughts and early twenty-teens, Pomona rejected roughly 85% of applicants. Over time, this rejection rate would increase, paralleling the increasing competitiveness of elite college admission during this same period. By the time the 2020s rolled around, Pomona’s acceptance rate had weaned to a measly 7.4% — roughly on par with institutions like Dartmouth College and Johns Hopkins University.

Admittedly, some of the more recent dips in acceptance rate are partially attributable to Pomona’s decision to go test-optional during the pandemic, which caused an influx of “squeakers” (Ivy Coach’s term for under-qualified students who try to get into schools out of their reach by withholding test scores). However, with that policy “here to stay” at Pomona, Pomona’s acceptance rate is only heading downward from here.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance In Navigating Pomona College Acceptance

Parents, it’s time to face the music: the well-rounded approach to elite college admissions no longer works, and we wouldn’t blame you for feeling at a loss for helping your child achieve their dreams of sporting Pomona’s signature blue and white. But all hope is not yet lost!

Our famously accurate Ivy Coach crystal ball predicts it’s not getting any easier to get into Pomona. This also means there has never been a better time to seek the help of our team of former elite college admissions officers to optimize your child’s odds of admission. 

Our team of former elite college admissions officers will work with you and your child to develop a strategy to make it into Pomona. At the heart of this competitive strategy is your child’s singular hook, a unique aspect of your child’s application that sets them apart. This personalized approach will provide their application reader with a roadmap for all they will accomplish at Pomona by taking advantage of every last resource and opportunity.

To get started, fill out our complimentary consultation form, and we’ll be in touch with an outline of our services.