How to know a college is safe for POC

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Kids apply and go to colleges they wish to attend. There are multiple efforts to reach out to various communities to entice them to apply and attend. Nevertheless, as your son illustrates, people generally want to be with people who look and act like themselves.

Has your son considered HBCUs? If that's his primary focus, there might be a good fit there. Otherwise, he may need to expand his search and look at data to decide whether there is enough of a critical mass of people like him to make him wish to attend. You only mention one school--I'm quite sure there are others with data more to your liking.

I wish him the best in his search.

No he hasn’t considered hbcus, because he is a top student. He has a 1580 and great course rigor. Hbcus are great, but it’s annoying that it’s assumed black students will just walk to one.

You want more black people for him but then put HBCU’s down because he is too good for them academically.

Glad I wasn't the only one who noticed that.

There’s more than a handful of talented black students. The assumption that all the black talent is at HBCUs is just lazy, blatant racism.

"No he hasn’t considered hbcus, because he is a top student. He has a 1580 and great course rigor."

Um, who are you calling racist, exactly? OP wants a college where her child won't stick out racially, but won't consider Ft. Valley State with its 92% black student body because her 1580 child is too good for it. Sounds like she's the one with preconceived notions.

…Because he is a pretty good student. I’m confused on what’s being argued. It’s just factual that the average 1500 student isn’t an academic match at Ft Valley state.

Or really, any HBCU.

Well, again, what does OP want? An academic match or tons of black students (who graduate)?

https://www.diverseeducation.com/opinion/article/15093198/30-best-us-non-hbcu-schools-for-minorities

No one said tons of black students. The fact that more than 22 is being spun to be an egregious sum is ridiculous.

This data is a few years old, but only 10.4% of bachelors degrees awarded in 2021-22 were awarded to black students so the vast majority of schools don;t have huge black populations as they are underrepresented in college compared to the total population. Even a big southern public like UGA is 7.6% black.


https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/15/1243063.page#28913879

10% of 430 is about 43 per class. That would be nearly double the current students represented at Pomona and only 2/3 of its population prior to AA. That will shift your experience. Currently Pomona is sitting at a 5% black student population. That’s pretty abysmal across all top colleges.

Come on, people. The 5% (22 black students) is just for Pomona's class of 2028. Pomona's class of 2027 had 14% black students, the class of 2026 had 15.5% black students, and the class of 2025 had 12%. Pomona's current overall black population is much more than 10%.

As long as we're talking numbers, most people here seem to be assuming that the 5% for Pomona's class of 2028 will remain constant for the next few cycles. I am skeptical that schools that showed a fairly strong commitment to attracting black students previously won't find a way to rebound in future cycles. This was just the first cycle of post-SFFA results. I'd wager that Pomona's class of 2029 will be close to 10%.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Didn’t know DCUM thought so little of test scores. Maybe they’ll start advocating for the 1200 students at ivies since they mean nothing now!

I mean...

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1243126.page

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:With the way parents are defending hbcus, you’d think there’d be more white kids at these schools! I didn’t know they were so elite

No one's defending them. A few people pointed out they exist, and when OP said her child is too good for them, people took issue.

Why?
Howard:
Average SAT Composite 1184
Average ACT Composite 24
Their 4 year graduation rate is 52%, which is the best amongst coed hbcus in the entire nation. The students had to sleep and protest in tents because their dorms had mold. They’ve had many financial aid scandals. What about any of this screams to everyone that this is where OP’s son has to go and him being clearly above the standards here is offensive? Mind you, this is at the best HBCU.

Then she has to decide what her priories are, WHICH IS WHAT EVERYONE HAS BEEN SAYING.

You don't see any nuance between a school with 22 total Black students and an HBCU?

Then she can look at other SLACs instead of whining about this particular one. Why is this so complicated for her?

You could also stop taking everyone’s oxygen and go somewhere else. She literally asked for opinions on an LAC environment and expressed concerns. She didn’t even condemn the college her dc is interested in.

But she did?

Literally where? I’ve never seen such a sensitive crowd. She just asked if this would be a bad environment to put her child in. Didn’t say anything directly about Pomona other than the number of black students in its recent class. We really need to bring back standardized testing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kids apply and go to colleges they wish to attend. There are multiple efforts to reach out to various communities to entice them to apply and attend. Nevertheless, as your son illustrates, people generally want to be with people who look and act like themselves.

Has your son considered HBCUs? If that's his primary focus, there might be a good fit there. Otherwise, he may need to expand his search and look at data to decide whether there is enough of a critical mass of people like him to make him wish to attend. You only mention one school--I'm quite sure there are others with data more to your liking.

I wish him the best in his search.

No he hasn’t considered hbcus, because he is a top student. He has a 1580 and great course rigor. Hbcus are great, but it’s annoying that it’s assumed black students will just walk to one.

Every place I’ve ever worked (top institutions that pay well) recruit at Howard University in DC

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With the way parents are defending hbcus, you’d think there’d be more white kids at these schools! I didn’t know they were so elite

No one's defending them. A few people pointed out they exist, and when OP said her child is too good for them, people took issue.

Why?
Howard:
Average SAT Composite 1184
Average ACT Composite 24
Their 4 year graduation rate is 52%, which is the best amongst coed hbcus in the entire nation. The students had to sleep and protest in tents because their dorms had mold. They’ve had many financial aid scandals. What about any of this screams to everyone that this is where OP’s son has to go and him being clearly above the standards here is offensive? Mind you, this is at the best HBCU.

There are very few Black families that can pay the full price at Howard as well as the high cost of living, most of the drop outs are from cost. It is difficult to get students when you are competing with ivies that meet 100% need and cheaper state schools. Low income students go where they get the most scholarship money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Troll.

But on the off chance you're not, you need to come to the fast realization that lack of diversity does not make a university "unsafe". Whatever that means.

Also, HBCUs are a thing.

Oh, screw it...you're definitely a troll.

Not a troll. Why can I not be concerned for my child to be an extreme minority in a majority white and Asian institution? It’d be incredibly naive to assume people will be ladidada inclusive.

Are you? Kids tend to not think about race in a way their parents do. They make close friendships and date and create businesses etc. It is the parents who push the need for being with x group. Have your child look at schools and some LAC offer weekend programs for applying students. Reach out to admissions and address your concerns. Maybe they will put you in touch with a current student.

This is also my child’s concerned. My DS wants to have a connection to black students at his school and feel that there’s a community. Thanks to the parents who have responded in good faith and helped. All I’ve asked is for schools that have higher black populations, not ones that are nearly fully black. I’m thankful for those who’ve tried to make this clear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Troll.

But on the off chance you're not, you need to come to the fast realization that lack of diversity does not make a university "unsafe". Whatever that means.

Also, HBCUs are a thing.

Oh, screw it...you're definitely a troll.

Not a troll. Why can I not be concerned for my child to be an extreme minority in a majority white and Asian institution? It’d be incredibly naive to assume people will be ladidada inclusive.

Are you? Kids tend to not think about race in a way their parents do. They make close friendships and date and create businesses etc. It is the parents who push the need for being with x group. Have your child look at schools and some LAC offer weekend programs for applying students. Reach out to admissions and address your concerns. Maybe they will put you in touch with a current student.

This is also my child’s concerned. My DS wants to have a connection to black students at his school and feel that there’s a community. Thanks to the parents who have responded in good faith and helped. All I’ve asked is for schools that have higher black populations, not ones that are nearly fully black. I’m thankful for those who’ve tried to make this clear.

There are lots of ways to find community.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Troll.

But on the off chance you're not, you need to come to the fast realization that lack of diversity does not make a university "unsafe". Whatever that means.

Also, HBCUs are a thing.

Oh, screw it...you're definitely a troll.

Not a troll. Why can I not be concerned for my child to be an extreme minority in a majority white and Asian institution? It’d be incredibly naive to assume people will be ladidada inclusive.

Are you? Kids tend to not think about race in a way their parents do. They make close friendships and date and create businesses etc. It is the parents who push the need for being with x group. Have your child look at schools and some LAC offer weekend programs for applying students. Reach out to admissions and address your concerns. Maybe they will put you in touch with a current student.

This is also my child’s concerned. My DS wants to have a connection to black students at his school and feel that there’s a community. Thanks to the parents who have responded in good faith and helped. All I’ve asked is for schools that have higher black populations, not ones that are nearly fully black. I’m thankful for those who’ve tried to make this clear.

There are lots of ways to find community.

And race is one of them. I personally adored the BSU at my school and found a different type of community in that sphere that no other on campus community replicated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Troll.

But on the off chance you're not, you need to come to the fast realization that lack of diversity does not make a university "unsafe". Whatever that means.

Also, HBCUs are a thing.

Oh, screw it...you're definitely a troll.

Not a troll. Why can I not be concerned for my child to be an extreme minority in a majority white and Asian institution? It’d be incredibly naive to assume people will be ladidada inclusive.

Are you? Kids tend to not think about race in a way their parents do. They make close friendships and date and create businesses etc. It is the parents who push the need for being with x group. Have your child look at schools and some LAC offer weekend programs for applying students. Reach out to admissions and address your concerns. Maybe they will put you in touch with a current student.

This is also my child’s concerned. My DS wants to have a connection to black students at his school and feel that there’s a community. Thanks to the parents who have responded in good faith and helped. All I’ve asked is for schools that have higher black populations, not ones that are nearly fully black. I’m thankful for those who’ve tried to make this clear.

There are lots of ways to find community.

And race is one of them. I personally adored the BSU at my school and found a different type of community in that sphere that no other on campus community replicated.

It is, but just one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Troll.

But on the off chance you're not, you need to come to the fast realization that lack of diversity does not make a university "unsafe". Whatever that means.

Also, HBCUs are a thing.

Oh, screw it...you're definitely a troll.

Not a troll. Why can I not be concerned for my child to be an extreme minority in a majority white and Asian institution? It’d be incredibly naive to assume people will be ladidada inclusive.

Are you? Kids tend to not think about race in a way their parents do. They make close friendships and date and create businesses etc. It is the parents who push the need for being with x group. Have your child look at schools and some LAC offer weekend programs for applying students. Reach out to admissions and address your concerns. Maybe they will put you in touch with a current student.

This is also my child’s concerned. My DS wants to have a connection to black students at his school and feel that there’s a community. Thanks to the parents who have responded in good faith and helped. All I’ve asked is for schools that have higher black populations, not ones that are nearly fully black. I’m thankful for those who’ve tried to make this clear.

There are lots of ways to find community.

And race is one of them. I personally adored the BSU at my school and found a different type of community in that sphere that no other on campus community replicated.

It is, but just one.

Okay?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DC is interested in a top LAC, but, after checking the CDS, there were only 22 black students in a class of 436 accepted this most recent cycle- 1/3 of past cycles.

DS currently goes to a boarding school that isn’t racist, but he also wouldn’t call tolerant. He was really hoping to be able to go to a college of his choice but also find community, so this has been very disappointing. Should we throw in the towel?

It's an interesting question. In fairness though, most straight white non-athlete males aren't finding their community in SLACs these days either. Nor are most Asian-Americans. Or Latinos. It's not just smart young black folks.

I'm sure these sweeping statements are based on objective, empirical evidence and not just the dramatically overbroad conclusion of someone who doesn't like SLACs.

Also, Pomona is currently about 25% white. Whereas, no Ivy League school has under 40% white students. It's also economically diverse. Among the most elite colleges, only Princeton and Amherst have a higher percentage of students on financial aid than Pomona. And, for the record, Swarthmore and Amherst are fairly similar to Pomona in these regard, so let's not pretend that all SLACs fit the old boarding school stereotype.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Troll.

But on the off chance you're not, you need to come to the fast realization that lack of diversity does not make a university "unsafe". Whatever that means.

Also, HBCUs are a thing.

Oh, screw it...you're definitely a troll.

Not a troll. Why can I not be concerned for my child to be an extreme minority in a majority white and Asian institution? It’d be incredibly naive to assume people will be ladidada inclusive.

Are you? Kids tend to not think about race in a way their parents do. They make close friendships and date and create businesses etc. It is the parents who push the need for being with x group. Have your child look at schools and some LAC offer weekend programs for applying students. Reach out to admissions and address your concerns. Maybe they will put you in touch with a current student.

This is also my child’s concerned. My DS wants to have a connection to black students at his school and feel that there’s a community. Thanks to the parents who have responded in good faith and helped. All I’ve asked is for schools that have higher black populations, not ones that are nearly fully black. I’m thankful for those who’ve tried to make this clear.

There are lots of ways to find community.

And race is one of them. I personally adored the BSU at my school and found a different type of community in that sphere that no other on campus community replicated.

I know exactly how you feel op! I was a young Korean student who wanted to feel like she had a voice after years of intolerance at mostly white schools. I went to Berkeley and will never forget making dishes from home with all my friends and being able to speak my language with people who understood and cared. My friends in the Korean student association got me through graduation, I can confidently say.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With the way parents are defending hbcus, you’d think there’d be more white kids at these schools! I didn’t know they were so elite

No one's defending them. A few people pointed out they exist, and when OP said her child is too good for them, people took issue.

Where did OP say her child is too good for HBCUs?

"No he hasn’t considered hbcus, because he is a top student."

Have you seen the stats of the average student at HBCU? One would have to be in deep denial and throw themselves into a pretzel to think a student of this caliber isn’t above those at an hbcu

You have to do the Big Fish, Small Pond thing at one of the higher end HBCUs and dominate over everyone. Remember, all of these HBCUs opened during segregation, they didn’t have to compete for the best Black students, who are now being sucked out by wealthier schools that can afford to toss scholarships out like candy. And I’m not hating, send your kid to whatever school you want, my own kid went to a state school, but there is a reason for the quality drop.

[Anonymous]

This is one of the few times when I wish that DCUM had CC-level moderation to stop the inane HBCU tangent that keeps metastasizing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since a minute number of Black SAT takers score 1580 or above (fewer than 100), your child should have the pick of any SLAC. Definitely don't settle for a highly ranked one where your child would not feel comfortable. My advice would be to visit the schools you are interested in, have your child hang around the student union, the dining halls, etc. If they are outgoing they can interact and see how the vibe is.

Agreed. Spend as much time as you can on the campus.