Northeastern University vs Pomona College

Northeastern University is the more selective of the two at 7%, versus 7% at Pomona College. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Northeastern University
Most selective
7%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1530
Private · Massachusetts
Pomona College
Most selective
7%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1540
Private · California

Northeastern University vs Pomona College: the differences that matter

How Northeastern University and Pomona College stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Northeastern University and Pomona College are almost equally selective (7% vs 7%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.

The two also read applications a little differently. Northeastern University leans more on alumni / legacy relation, volunteer work, level of applicant interest, while Pomona College puts more weight on application essay, recommendations, extracurricular activities. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Northeastern University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1530 and Pomona College's is around 1540. Admitted students at Pomona College post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorNortheastern UniversityPomona College
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Standardized test scoresimportantimportant
Application essayimportantvery important
Recommendationsimportantvery important
Extracurricular activitiesimportantvery important
Talent / abilityimportantvery important
Character / personal qualitiesimportantvery important
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Northeastern University or Pomona College harder to get into?

Northeastern University is harder to get into, with a 7% acceptance rate versus 7% at Pomona College.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Northeastern University and Pomona College?

Northeastern University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1530, and Pomona College's is around 1540.

What are my chances at Northeastern University and Pomona College?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.