Diversity @ UGA

<p>Right now I'm trying to decide between UGA & GT and am making a pro con list of sorts for each school. One thing I definitely want in college is a diverse student body-economically, racially, geographically, etc.-and I know that is something Tech can provide. However, I can't really say the same thing about Georgia; I just haven't really been enough to know. I'm signed up for a few incoming freshmen events, and I've read what the school site has to say on the matter, I just wondered if there are any current students here who could give an unbiased opinion.</p>

<p>Also, in a somewhat different vein, what is, if you're a current student, your opinion of Greek life @ UGA? I know I definitely want to rush if I go to Tech, but I see UGA as a more of a traditional party Greek system. Is this true or just a bad stereotype; i.e. are there some Greek organizations (sororities particularly, as I'm a girl) that aren't American Pie-ish/totally shallow/all about partying? I'm sure there are, but any opinions would be welcome.</p>

<p>Why do you want “diversity” of the kinds you list? </p>

<p>UGA is remarkable in that there’s a full spectrum of political groups on campus for pretty much every viewpoint. Republicans and Democrats have large and well-organized clubs, but there are also a number of issue groups across the spectrum and often a good bit of interaction between the two. </p>

<p>Economically, UGA and Tech have the same or a very similar percentage of Pell Grant recipients, about 13-14%. While you’ll see plenty of expensive cars, I also knew a good number of students who worked their way through college. </p>

<p>Not all the UGA Greeks are the same either; there’s a fairly wide range of approaches to Greek Life, from some of the more “traditional” and intense to a good number of more laid-back ones. Try asking people currently in them or contacting the Greek Life people for more advice about specific aspects.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p><em>Shrug</em> I just meant diversity in general; those are just the first things that come to my mind when I think of “diverse.” I’ve gone to a small religious school for my entire life-I’m ready for something where not everyone is pretty much the same.</p>

<p>I also came to UGA after going to a Catholic high school and graduating with 86 people. I’m not sure how unbiased I am…I’m Asian and mingle with a lot of other Asians (I’m in an Asian sorority…). Anyways…</p>

<p>There are a lot of white people at UGA no doubt about it. We are in the South…there will be lots of white people. But coming from a school where there were 4/86 asians in my graduating class, and maybe 10ish/86 blacks, and absolutely no indians…there are a lot of people of these ethnicities at UGA! But there is an overwhelming about of whites…haha</p>

<p>There is some economic diversity, though I feel like I notice richer people a little more. But it’s there. I know quite a few people that work their way through college.</p>

<p>Geographically…not sure if we’re really diverse there. This statistic is by no means scientific, but I’d say 8/10 people you meet are from the Atlanta area (maybe not Atlanta Atlanta, but you know…the surrounding area). </p>

<p>Greek life at UGA…I’d say if you’re outside of the system, it probably looks SUPER stereotypical (at least in terms of the Panhellenic sororities). However, I know a couple people in Panhellenic sororities who are very intelligent, well brought up girls who know how to have fun, but know when they need to settle down. There are stereotypes for each house. I’m not sure what all of them are, but I know a few. Now, if you’re interested in venturing out of the Panhellenic, there are a bunch of Greek organizations that cater to certain groups. We have cultural sororities/coed frats, career-oriented coed frats, service sororities/coed frats…lots. So you’re not just limited to Panhellenic in terms of Greek organizations. </p>

<p>I will say though…a lot of times, people tend to mingle with people they’re alike. Indians will usually stick with indians, black with blacks, asians with asians, certain white people with certain white people, etc etc. If you really want a mix, I would try finding a larger organization that may have what you’re looking for and make friends.</p>