What Pomona looks for
- Intellectual curiosity for its own sake, not just career utility.
- Genuine reflection and self-awareness, especially in the choose-one prompt.
- A sense of how you'd contribute to a close, collaborative community.
- An authentic voice — Pomona values warmth and individuality over polish.
Pomona supplemental prompts (2026-27)
Academic Interest
150 wordsRequired“What draws you to the subject(s) you selected as potential major(s)? If undecided, share more about one of your academic passions or interests.”
How to approach it. Lead with the specific spark — a question, text, or moment that pulled you toward the subject — rather than a broad statement of interest. In a small word count, one vivid example of your curiosity in action does more than a list of topics. It's fine to be undecided; show genuine intellectual appetite, not a career plan.
Community, Experience, or Identity
250 wordsRequired“Choose one: (A) Reflecting on a community that you are a part of, what values or perspectives from that community would you bring to Pomona? (B) Describe an experience you had outside the classroom that changed the way you think and/or how you engage with your peers. (C) Choose any person or group of people in your life and share how they would describe you.”
How to approach it. Pick the option that unlocks the most honest, specific story for you — there's no 'right' choice, only the most genuine one. Whichever you choose, ground it in concrete detail and real reflection, and make the connection to how you'd show up at Pomona clear. Option C in particular only works if you write in a true outside voice, not a flattering self-portrait.
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Pomona essay FAQ
- How many supplemental essays does Pomona require?
- Two required supplemental essays: one up to 150 words and one (choose-one) up to 250 words.
- How long are the Pomona supplemental essays?
- The academic-interest essay is up to 150 words; the choose-one essay is up to 250 words.
- How can I tell if my Pomona essay is strong?
- Strong Pomona essays show real curiosity and self-aware reflection in an authentic voice, with a clear sense of what you'd bring to a tight-knit community. Halo scores your drafts against a Pomona-specific rubric so you can see whether your curiosity and character come through before you submit.
Sources & official links
- Pomona official website
- Pomona on College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
- Prompts and requirements are published by Pomona on its official application and admissions pages.
Prompts shown are from the 2026-27 cycle and reflect each school’s officially published questions. Schools release new supplements each year; we update these guides each cycle.