How is the minority experience on college campuses?

[Anonymous]

I think it's very reasonable to want to be in a diverse environment. I teach in a Ph.D. program that has only a few African American students, which we consider to be a significant problem because they often struggle to succeed. As faculty, we work very hard to give them adequate resources (as we do for all our students), but I do think that the "sticking out" factor has negative repercussions for some of them. Some, of course, do really well in the program.

So, I wouldn't encourage you to make your decision based entirely on the demographics of the program/university, but I think it's a very reasonable consideration to factor in with everything else--fit of the program, reputation, financial package, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it's very reasonable to want to be in a diverse environment. I teach in a Ph.D. program that has only a few African American students, which we consider to be a significant problem because they often struggle to succeed. As faculty, we work very hard to give them adequate resources (as we do for all our students), but I do think that the "sticking out" factor has negative repercussions for some of them. Some, of course, do really well in the program.

So, I wouldn't encourage you to make your decision based entirely on the demographics of the program/university, but I think it's a very reasonable consideration to factor in with everything else--fit of the program, reputation, financial package, etc.

I'm sure there are non-whites in your or any PhD program that struggle to succeed. The fact that anyone has made it into a PhD program says volumes about the hard work they did to get there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's very reasonable to want to be in a diverse environment. I teach in a Ph.D. program that has only a few African American students, which we consider to be a significant problem because they often struggle to succeed. As faculty, we work very hard to give them adequate resources (as we do for all our students), but I do think that the "sticking out" factor has negative repercussions for some of them. Some, of course, do really well in the program.

So, I wouldn't encourage you to make your decision based entirely on the demographics of the program/university, but I think it's a very reasonable consideration to factor in with everything else--fit of the program, reputation, financial package, etc.

I'm sure there are non-whites in your or any PhD program that struggle to succeed. The fact that anyone has made it into a PhD program says volumes about the hard work they did to get there.

PP again. I meant "WHITES in your or any PhD program that struggle to succeed."

[Anonymous]

To the OP:

I understand your concerns. I am white. When I came out of college I took a job at a place that was 90+% African American (in a big city). It was a huge government processing center (2,000 employees in the building). I can say unequivocally that it was not easy for me. My mentor was an African American woman who had not gone to college, but had worked her way up. But, I am happy to say that I learned so, so much from her and the other people around me. I think she learned a lot from me too. I became a much better person overall for having that job and working with not just people of another race and culture, but people from different generations. I don't know how many of the white people on this thread would take a job like that (even though some are no doubt on here telling you that it is "racist" to think about the racial makeup of your professional environment).

All of this being said, I had it much easier than you because I went home every day to a culturally familiar environment. That is important for anyone because the feelings of loneliness can overwhelm you if you don't have people who understand you. I've also been in the situation overseas where I was the only "white" person in a more 24/7 environment. That was REALLY hard as a young person. I did feel lonely a lot and I had to reach deep into myself for strength. I would not recommend putting yourself into a situation like that while you are studying hard and trying to focus on academics. We all need someone who understands us for support in getting through hard times in life. Your studies may stress you enough.

I believe you are thinking the right way with this decision. Look at some other schools if possible. Your happiness is very important. If you were married or had family in the area of Vanderbilt (as a support system), I could see Vandy as a realistic option. Emotional support cannot be underestimated.

Good luck to you. I can see why Vandy would want you since you sound very thoughtful. But you need to consider what is best for you.

[Anonymous]

PP - good post.

OP - it's really up to you. It's what you feel comfortable with. FWIW, my son is about to go college and did not want to be in an environment with few minorities.

I also went to an HBCU where I got such a good foundation. I went to majority schools for grad and law school, but made sure they had healthy black populations. It just makes it a little easier. You may be fine, but it may suck and be lonely. It's also the south.

[Anonymous]

What's your field?

I have a friend who left a tenure-track position at a good college because her students couldn't grasp the fundamentals of race relations as a starting point to the broader subject she was teaching. (I don't want to say which courses.) She started looking for a new job after her first month on campus.

How much are basic understandings of social justice, political history, the dynamics of oppression to your field?

Have you looked up the publications of your professors, those teaching the required courses for your major? Do.

I was one of eight AA students at my high school. In undergrad, you could fit all of the black students into a small sitting room. Luckily, in each of these circumstance, there was a lot of emphasis on expanding perceptions and challenging assumptions. I had a hardy liberal arts education in an environment where it was safe to talk about race, class, and gender.

It matters. Look into how much it may matter to you specifically. Check out your professors and their work for clues. Talk to someone on staff if possible. I would hope there'd be a POC on faculty.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I intend on pursuing a Healthcare MBA(with interests in medical devices or pharmaceuticals), so there may be some race, cultural and socioeconomic issues involved. I am looking at other programs, but I like the laid back vibe and friendliness of the south.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not sure if this would be the correct forum, but I am applying to grad school this upcoming fall. I grew up and went to college in this area, (local MoCo school/Bowie State). That being said, I've never really encountered any racial issues in an educational setting. I'm concerned because I recently toured Vanderbilt and I felt slightly awkward because of the lack of diversity on campus. The school is perfect for what my goals are and it seems like they are really interested in having me as a student compared to other programs. I'm used to being around various races and I'm definitely apprehensive about applying. Is the lack of diversity a good reason to cross a school off my list?

I met a black guy who was working on his MBA, after getting his medical degree, all from Vanderbilt. Said he felt it was more segregated in Baltimore, where he grew up, and that Vanderbilt, and TN in general, has been a breath of fresh air.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not sure if this would be the correct forum, but I am applying to grad school this upcoming fall. I grew up and went to college in this area, (local MoCo school/Bowie State). That being said, I've never really encountered any racial issues in an educational setting. I'm concerned because I recently toured Vanderbilt and I felt slightly awkward because of the lack of diversity on campus. The school is perfect for what my goals are and it seems like they are really interested in having me as a student compared to other programs. I'm used to being around various races and I'm definitely apprehensive about applying. Is the lack of diversity a good reason to cross a school off my list?

I met a black guy who was working on his MBA, after getting his medical degree, all from Vanderbilt. Said he felt it was more segregated in Baltimore, where he grew up, and that Vanderbilt, and TN in general, has been a breath of fresh air.

I think guys and girls are different. It may sound silly, but just dating makes it different. In high school, I was one of very few black students. The black guys dated the white girls, but the white guys didn't date the black girls. I went to an HBCU so this was not an issue, but boy was it an issue for my girl friends who went to majority colleges.

I think that black women sometimes have a harder time socially. We aren't accepted in the same way. That's not to say that you won't have white friends, but you may have a hard time dating and having a wider circle.

[Anonymous]

^^^^thanks, I pretty much date non AA guys. I did a brief stint in Atlanta. I found it difficult to find friends outside of my race and to date someone seriously who wasn't African American. But otherwise, it's a great city(minus the sprawl)

[Anonymous]

Emory

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I intend on pursuing a Healthcare MBA(with interests in medical devices or pharmaceuticals), so there may be some race, cultural and socioeconomic issues involved. I am looking at other programs, but I like the laid back vibe and friendliness of the south.

I think the "friendliness of the south"might not be there for you day in and day out though. I am white, from DC and I have been in some small towns in the south visiting friends and have cringed at the racism both overt and implied.

[Anonymous]

Vandy alum (and also native Washingtonian) and I can tell you that going to Vandy for undergrad was a huge adjustment, for so many reasons, but mostly because the student body was fairly conservative/moderate. I had black friends go to undergrad and grad school and love it, but they were all from the south originally, so it might have just been me. My advice is to visit the school again after you get accepted but not during an admitted students day/weekend. You need to see what it's normally like on an average day when they're not focusing on wooing potential admits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I intend on pursuing a Healthcare MBA(with interests in medical devices or pharmaceuticals), so there may be some race, cultural and socioeconomic issues involved. I am looking at other programs, but I like the laid back vibe and friendliness of the south.

I think the "friendliness of the south"might not be there for you day in and day out though. I am white, from DC and I have been in some small towns in the south visiting friends and have cringed at the racism both overt and implied.

OP here,

I've had some interesting situations occur while I lived in Atlanta. So I know what you are referring first hand unfortunately. I consider myself to be pretty progressive, so the narrow and ignorant perspectives are definitely shocking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I intend on pursuing a Healthcare MBA(with interests in medical devices or pharmaceuticals), so there may be some race, cultural and socioeconomic issues involved. I am looking at other programs, but I like the laid back vibe and friendliness of the south.

I think the "friendliness of the south"might not be there for you day in and day out though. I am white, from DC and I have been in some small towns in the south visiting friends and have cringed at the racism both overt and implied.

OP here,

I've had some interesting situations occur while I lived in Atlanta. So I know what you are referring first hand unfortunately. I consider myself to be pretty progressive, so the narrow and ignorant perspectives are definitely shocking.

OP, if you head to Vandy with this attitude, I can promise you're going to hate it. Yes, we know how much more "progressive" (read: smart, enlightened, etc.) you are than people in the south, and that you find the universal "narrow and ignorant perspectives" there SHOCKING!!! So why don't you do yourself and some other deserving potential Vandy student a favor and stay away.