<p>I think in the past it was only minorities and that this is a change, but I’m not sure.</p>
<p>The university bills the program as a Multicultural Recruitment Weekend. Honestly, at first I was surprised as you are that I, a caucasian student, was invited. My first reaction was in fact “I’m not multicultural” and that maybe they misinterpreted something on my application (after further investigation: not possible). After more reflection though, I don’t think that inviting some white students is undermining its credibility. I think the idea of the weekend is not only to encourage minority students to attend Vanderbilt, but also to emphasize the diversity of Vanderbilt and promote understanding across all ethnic/religious/racial/cultural lines. Viewing the program through that lens, I think it only makes sense to invite some white students-obviously not a majority, but a few. You cannot ignore an entire ethnic/racial group when emphasizing the diversity of a school because all groups contribute to a multicultural campus. I would be disappointed if I learned that the only reason I wasn’t invited to what seems like such an awesome event was my race. </p>
<p>I’m excited to attend, learn more about the school and meet people, regardless of their culture, from all over the country just as interested in Vanderbilt as I am.</p>
<p>Did anyone apply to the Curb Leadership Scholarship/know anything about it? I’m really hoping for that, but I don’t even know how much money they give you.</p>
<p>I received one, which comes as a bit of a surprise to me. I thought I might be accepted to Vanderbilt, but I didn’t realize they did this, and I certainly did not think I’d be a top prospect, even for a minority.</p>
<p>As a current student, and a MOSAIC host last/this year, I will say that it’s surprising to have a fully Caucasian student invited to the program. Vandy is historically a very white-oriented campus, so the point of the program is to make non-white students feel more comfortable with the multicultural offerings of the campus. That being said, acesloaded’s points do make sense so maybe it’s a new initiative, or perhaps just a mistake. Who knows.</p>
<p>I just noticed on the admissions blog that a parent had commented on this very subject. The admissions counselor said that the screening was comprehensive and only non-white applicants were invited to MOSAIC. She implied that someone claiming otherwise was likely posting inflammatory drivel.</p>
<p>I lost the “checklist” part of the packet. Does anyone have it on hand? If so, please copy it onto this board. Although I can assume many of the things I need for the weekend, I would like to double check. Thanks</p>
<p>I just looked at that comment on the Admissions blog. I have nothing to gain by lying about this issue, so why I would I have no idea.</p>
<p>I am 100% white and I was invited. I did however participate in a foreign exchange program and that’s what my essay was about. My essay was a lot about experiencing a new culture and making a few missteps along the way. My other white friend who was invited has been extensively involved in church mission trips to Mexico, Dominican Republic, etc. Maybe that was what she was referring to as “work with multicultural groups”. I’m not ethnically multicultural, but you could view some of my activities as multicultural, I suppose.</p>
<p>I actually just joined CC after lurking for many months just to reply to this. </p>
<p>I too am a 100% white student and I was invited to mosaic. I also wrote about my study abroad experiences for one of my essays and how much I love the Spanish language. I think it’s cool that they are trying to represent everyone, especially students that may be extensively involved in multicultural studies when they arrive on campus. I’m a bit conflicted on whether I should go or not though. I think we’re all excited about getting in to Vandy regardless!</p>
<p>acesloaded and Mr. Sparky, you should go if your schedules permit. Vanderbilt is very very diverse culturally, racially, regionally, religiously now. Go check the Vandy community out. You will have other fine offers from other good schools soon enough in April and you might enjoy getting an inside view of Vanderbilt on Mosaic Weekend. I am sure your invitations were intentional and legit and perhaps the adcom who made that remark on the blog wasn’t thinking. My “not a minority” son is a Chancellor’s Scholar which at one time was reserved for minority recruiting but as the student body has diversified, so has the definition of change and community at Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt’s definition of multi cultural community has broadened. Students from many races and backgrounds are merit scholars or scholars that are considered to be desirable additions to the student body in unique ways. If you have any doubts about an error, give the office a phone call, but I encourage you to enjoy the fact that you are invited! Many current students look forward to hosting you and you may be glad to have already been to Vandy when April first rolls around and you have some decisions to make. Congratulations on your opportunity and best wishes in the coming months as you sort things out for yourselves.</p>
<p>Asians and Asian Americans are very much a part of life at Vanderbilt. The student body has changed a great deal in the four years apart that my sons applied to Vandy and other fine colleges. The student body of the undergraduate school is even more drastically altered since our days there in grad school in the 80s when Vandy was more of a regional lead university.
Current son has many friends who are Asian…some from China, Malaysia and others are second generation US citizens. I get photos and weekly updates and have taken two Chinese Americans to dinner on visits so far in circles of his friends when we are in town. He lives with students who are first or second generation from Pakistan and China among other distant places of origin.<br>
Eldest son graduated from Duke in 09 and Duke is still more international but we are really pleased at the education our Vandy son is receiving and in the way his horizons are expanding from knowing his classmates. He has some really amazing friends and is buying tickets to go meet their families as soon as the semester ends. Don’t have the exact numbers but you can find them on the Vandy website if you look</p>
<p>I got the letter a couple of weeks ago… I know I’m not going to be able to afford Vanderbilt but it’s pretty exciting.</p>
<p>Quick overview: Female from Alabama, 4.1 GPA, 33 ACT, 2250/1480 SAT (took each test once), 10 APs, solid ECs, not great service record… National Merit and Achievement also. My essay was a somewhat humorous defense of narcissism… so basically, it was about how I’m in love with myself.</p>
<p>I’m not entirely sure how I got in. I mean, Vandy’s practically an Ivy and my grades are not stellar. But I’m still happy about the acceptance!</p>