What Reviewers Look For in the Pomona: How Others Would Describe You

This rubric looks at whether your response is organized around an identifiable person or group’s view of you, rather than only your own self-description. It also looks for everyday habits, choices, or interactions that make that portrait believable, along with clear, complete, concise writing within Pomona’s 250-word maximum.

What We Check

Mistakes We Flag

Writing only a self-description

Listing your own traits does not answer the central question unless a person or group in your life provides the perspective.

Focusing on the other person’s biography

The observer can be briefly identified, but the response should stay focused on how they see you.

Using “everyone” as the observer

A broad claim such as “everyone says” does not identify a real relationship or group in your life. Names are not required, but the connection should be clear.

Listing traits without evidence

Labels such as kind, resilient, or creative are stronger when a routine, choice, or interaction shows what the observer recognizes in you.

Relying on promises or group accomplishments

Future claims do not replace a recognizable present or past description, and a group achievement needs to show your own role or action.

How this rubric reads your essay

• Built from published reader guidance — the sources are listed below.
• Scored per section against defined criteria, not general impressions.
• Calibrated for consistent scoring, so a better draft shows up in the score.

References

Frequently Asked Questions