The first-year applicants page of the Pomona College Office of Admissions shows that Early Decision I for the 2026-27 cycle closes November 8, 2026, with decisions released by December 15 and a reply due by January 1, 2027; Early Decision II and Regular Decision both close January 8, 2027. The supplement has two pieces: an academic interest statement of 150 words and a short-response essay of 250 words with three prompt options. Pomona College is in Claremont, Los Angeles County, close to Orange County, and Irvine seniors choosing it as their Early Decision school have four weeks to complete the file.
Who Is Affected by the Pomona College Early Decision I Deadline
Seniors applying to Pomona College for fall 2027 entry as their first choice. The page states that students admitted through Early Decision unconditionally agree to attend and withdraw all other applications, while remaining free to apply elsewhere at the same time through non-binding, unrestricted plans, including Early Action. The key points:
| Item | Pomona College policy |
|---|---|
| Early Decision I | Due November 8; decisions by December 15; reply by January 1 |
| Early Decision II | Due January 8; decisions by February 15; reply by March 1 |
| Regular Decision | Due January 8; decisions by April 1; reply by May 1 |
| Platforms | Common App or Apply Coalition on Scoir, with no preference; Pomona is also a QuestBridge partner |
| Application fee | $80; applicants planning to seek financial aid who face hardship complete the Pomona Access Pass form and the fee is waived |
| Supplement | Academic interest statement, 150 words maximum, on the intended major or one academic interest; short-response essay, 250 words maximum, choosing one of three prompts: the values and perspectives a community would bring to Pomona, an experience outside the classroom that changed the applicant’s thinking, or how a person or group would describe the applicant |
| Recommendations | Two letters from core academic teachers, with an optional third from an elective teacher, coach, or employer; a school report from the counselor and a mid-year report by February 15 |
| Standardized testing | Test optional; SAT or ACT not required; submitted scores are self-reported in the applicant portal; an ACT submission must include the Science section |
The admissions decisions FAQ states that 10 to 15 percent of early applicants are typically deferred to the Regular Decision round, that deferred applicants may send updated grades by March 1 and receive a final decision by April 1, and that all decisions are final with no appeals.
What to Do Now About the Pomona College Essays
Choose the 250-word prompt first. The three options point to community, an experience outside class, and another person’s view; pick the one backed by a specific example. The 150-word academic interest statement covers only the intended field and its origin and should not repeat the short essay. Prompt selection and revision support is available through the EDUBUS College Essay Bootcamp.
Decide whether to submit test scores. Pomona does not require them, and an ACT submission must include the Science section, so compare scores against each college’s published ranges before deciding; school selection and early strategy are covered by the University Admissions Planning service.
Confirm the binding terms of Early Decision. Pomona permits simultaneous Early Action applications elsewhere, but admitted students must withdraw them; the differences among early plans are explained in Early Decision vs. Early Action: Which Are Binding.
Sources
- Pomona College Admissions: First-Year Applicants (accessed October 11, 2026)
- Pomona College Admissions: Apply (accessed October 11, 2026)
- Pomona College Admissions: Admissions Decisions FAQ (accessed October 11, 2026)
- CSU Transfer Priority Filing Ends Nov. 30CSU priority filing for fall 2027 transfer applicants ends November 30, 2026; $70 per campus. ADT admission guarantee, upper-division requirements, and next steps.
- Notre Dame REA Nov. 1; Tests Required Fall 2028Notre Dame Restrictive Early Action closes November 1, 2026. Scores stay optional this cycle; SAT or ACT is required for fall 2028 entry. Dates, essays, and rules.
- Portola High Financial Aid Workshop Oct. 19Portola High School holds a mandatory financial aid workshop for all seniors on October 19, 2026, led by Irvine Valley College, with FSA ID creation. Parent steps first.
- Rice Three Essays, Early Decision Due Nov. 1Rice University Early Decision I closes November 1, 2026, decisions by mid-December. Three supplement prompts of 150, 150, and 500 words, plus testing policy.
