Does Pomona college require SAT scores?

Hello everyone! I've got Pomona College on my shortlist. I know some colleges have gone test-optional, so do I need to submit SAT scores when I apply to Pomona? What are the average SAT scores for admitted students? Please help!

Certainly, for the 2024-2025 application cycle, Pomona College is a test-optional school, which means that SAT or ACT scores are not a required part of your application, so you can decide if you want to include them or not.

Please note that being test-optional does not mean that Pomona College disregards standardized test scores entirely. If submitted, these scores will still play a role in their comprehensive, holistic review process. Additionally, Pomona is a highly selective school, and at such institutions you generally want to showcase your strengths in as many ways as possible.

Therefore, for many Pomona applicants, submitting a test score is still a good idea, even if doing so is not required. You can learn more about how to navigate test-optional policies on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/

Regarding the average SAT score, the middle 50% of students who are accepted to Pomona fall between 1480 and 1550. So, 25% of admitted students score below a 1480, 25% score above a 1550, and the remaining 50% fall within this range.

Of course, Pomona will evaluate applicants based upon a number of other important factors including your coursework, grades, essays, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation. At such a selective school, no single credential will get you in on its own, so even if you're within or above the average range, make sure to still invest time and energy into these other key elements, while if you're slightly below it, don' panic - just focus on showcasing notable strengths in other areas.

Pomona values students who can demonstrate a dedication to their studies, but also those who have diverse interests, unique experiences, and undeniable passion in their chosen field(s). As they read applications, they're not just considering your academic achievements, but also your personal qualities and potential to contribute to the Pomona community.

If you want tips on how to strengthen the more intangible aspects of your application, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle Pomona's school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-pomona-college-essays/. Especially at highly selective schools, the essays can be a great way of setting yourself apart by showing what you have to offer beyond the numbers.

Good luck with your college apps!