by Lorraine Wu Harry

On about two dozen different days this fall, school buses arrived at Sumner Hall from different locations in Southern California, depositing high school juniors and seniors onto Pomona College’s campus to learn about the college admissions process.

Now in its fourth year, Exit 47 is part of the school’s office of admissions’ outreach efforts to local schools. The program brings top students from high schools within a 50-mile radius to campus to learn broadly about college admissions and financial aid, even if they don’t apply to Pomona.

“We’re planting seeds — helping first-generation and low-income students see that college is possible, that they belong,” said Michelle Gonzalez, associate dean of admissions, who leads the program.

This year’s 744 participants learned about the MyinTuition calculator, an online tool which estimates the cost of attending different colleges once financial aid is factored in. 

“The calculator debunks the myths around the cost of private institutions and highlights that they may be more affordable than other institutions, including some of our local public universities,” Gonzalez said.

That aim is students will walk away from Exit 47 with a sense of the pros and cons of public schools and private colleges, as well as what a liberal arts education provides.

Vista del Lago High School in Riverside County was one of 22 high schools to participate in Exit 47. Nearly three dozen students attended an information session with Pomona admissions staff before taking a student-led tour of campus.

“I really like the school. It has so many resources, and I love the community too,” said Vista del Lago student Dylan Vargas.

Vista del Lago counselor David Estes said he appreciated the chance for students to be exposed to a liberal arts college. 

“Being able to come to a smaller, more intimate campus is amazing,” he said. “All these students really wanted to be here, and they’re asking questions and participating.”

As part of the program, Pomona pays for transportation and lunch.

“Pomona College attracts students from around the world, yet we remain deeply committed to our local community,” said Jonathan Williams, vice president and dean of admissions and financial aid. “Exit 47 is a powerful expression of that commitment — supporting high-achieving students and counselors in our region who are working to expand college access.”