<p>Freudian slip?</p>
<p>My “word” mistake. If you are implying I meant anything RACIAL, please—I am NOT. We have friends, colleagues and neighbors of every race and nationality on the map. That will NEVER be an issue. My daughter is color blind. I am referring to another type of diversity…more about the politics or attitude. Again, this is what I am “gathering” from her regarding one reason she’s interested in IU. That, and just the fact that it’s far from the beach and moderate weather. Oh, and the beautiful, large campus with an even larger student population. So, maybe in its own way it IS diverse… :)</p>
<p>rigaudon wrote:</p>
<p>2leashes, I actually was referring to the following statement from your first post. </p>
<p>“So, I’m assuming that the midwest was a good compromise. I know she’s looking for a little less ethnic diversity than most CA schools.” </p>
<p>Now I see that in a later post, you used the term less “ethically diverse” in a comparison to UC schools, but in your first post, you actually said less ETHNIC diversity. Are you saying that the first one was a typing error</p>
<p>The business school.</p>
<p>I disagree totally about whether the question of ethnic diversity at a school is a fair question on college confidential.</p>
<p>For example, if someone is not comortable with gay marriage, does it make sense for them to attend a school that has a high percentage of gays and lesbians and where they can expect protests in favor of this on a regular basis (think UC Berkeley, San Francisco State or UC Santa Cruz)? Conversely, if they are totally in favor of gay marriage, should they attend a school where most of the student body and the administration are opposed–such as Brigham Young or Texas A&M? </p>
<p>Is it wrong to decide that one may not want to attend a totally black college if one is a caucasian or Asian? My son is not racially bigoted, but that doesn’t mean he necessarily wants to go to Morehouse College in Atlanta or to Howard University in Washington, DC.</p>
<p>What about questioning the ethnical makeup because one may know that the university is going to offer more scholarships to certain groups as a result. For example, at Indiana University at Bloomington, the college is specifically trying to recruit more minorities–especially in some of its “premium” programs such as business and music. For this reason, more minority scholarships are being given in an effort to attract more of these students. In this case, knowing the ethnic makeup would help one locate which colleges might offer these scholarships–or even give a better chance of acceptance based upon ethnic background.</p>
<p>P.S. I’m not saying this is what 2Leashes was asking–but if it was, it may still have been a very valid consideration for his/her student–and is not one that I think we should criticize. Students and their parents should be allowed to find the school that works well for them–and only they know what that criteria may be.</p>
<p>Your post made perfect sense, Calcruzer. My daughter wouldn’t apply to a college with a strong religious component, for example. That doesn’t mean she’s biased against people whose faith plays a large part of their education or life, in general. Not at all. </p>
<p>However, she has no problem attending a university which encompasses a moderate level of “a little of everything”. In other words, a moderately diverse campus and community. She embraces folks from every walk of life. She just would prefer a nice balance. As you said, if a student isn’t particularly into extreme liberal politics, ie; protesting and picketing, then why choose a school like Berkeley or UCSC? Granted, not every student there is participating in that. But, a school like IU and plenty of others have a more moderate philosophy. Again, that doesn’t mean there won’t be students who don’t have more of an extreme agenda for whatever they believe in. And, that’s why clubs and organizations are so important on campuses. </p>
<p>As Calcruzer said, every student has a right to choose a school that they feel best fits his or her philosophy or values. It doesn’t mean he or she is prejudiced or narrow-minded. If anything, my daughter has opened her heart and mind even more so just by living and being raised in a very liberal community. But, at the same time, she might be looking for something a bit more “traditional” for her college experience.</p>
<p>At least this is where her thoughts are right now. If you had asked this several months ago, it would have been all about going to Boston University and experiencing the city of Boston, ie; all the diversity and so forth. LOL I think maybe having a new boyfriend who is more “small town” and sports-oriented has something to do with it. Also, he’s big influence in her choice of country music as “her most listened to” these days. 
</p>
<hr>
<p>Calcruzer wrote:
I disagree totally about whether the question of ethnic diversity at a school is a fair question on college confidential.</p>
<p>For example, if someone is not comortable with gay marriage, does it make sense for them to attend a school that has a high percentage of gays and lesbians and where they can expect protests in favor of this on a regular basis (think UC Berkeley, San Francisco State or UC Santa Cruz)? Conversely, if they are totally in favor of gay marriage, should they attend a school where most of the student body and the administration are opposed–such as Brigham Young or Texas A&M? </p>
<p>Is it wrong to decide that one may not want to attend a totally black college if one is a caucasian or Asian? My son is not racially bigoted, but that doesn’t mean he necessarily wants to go to Morehouse College in Atlanta or to Howard University in Washington, DC.</p>
<p>What about questioning the ethnical makeup because one may know that the university is going to offer more scholarships to certain groups as a result. For example, at Indiana University at Bloomington, the college is specifically trying to recruit more minorities–especially in some of its “premium” programs such as business and music. For this reason, more minority scholarships are being given in an effort to attract more of these students. In this case, knowing the ethnic makeup would help one locate which colleges might offer these scholarships–or even give a better chance of acceptance based upon ethnic background.</p>
<p>P.S. I’m not saying this is what 2Leashes was asking–but if it was, it may still have been a very valid consideration for his/her student–and is not one that I think we should criticize. Students and their parents should be allowed to find the school that works well for them–and only they know what that criteria may be.</p>
<p>2Leashes, you give good examples of why a school like IU-B might work for your daughter, but not for others attending the same high school or having the same ethnic/racial background.</p>
<p>Every student is different–and they all have a feel for what makes them comfortable–and what will allow them to be successful at a college. For some, it is related to the academic programs and major, for others it is the school spirit, cultural activities, and sports programs, for others it is the ability to be around a group of like-minded friends–while others want a greater diversity of opinions. Some want fancy dorms and facilities; others a more traditional campus; others want to be near a big city like Boston or New York; while others prefer the “caring community” of a small-town campus.</p>
<p>As you pointed out in one of your other posts, your daughter decided she definitely wants to go OOS for college–something about 80% of California students absolutely don’t want to do. So, in our case, our children are definitely different than most–and definitely independent and strong-willed compared to most of their counterparts. At first, my son’s independence in this way was a bit of a shock to me, but now I’ve realized that this “independent” streak isn’t about me (and him getting away from my control), but rather about him building his own character–and is something I should encourage. His independence (and your daughter’s) will serve them well in this difficult economic and political environment. They are learning (or maybe showing us they have already learned) how to survive and thrive in tough times and difficult situations–and that they can make the tough decisions necessary in today’s world to live meaningful lives and build strong careers and lasting friendships.</p>
<p>It’s funny you should bring this up, Calcruzer. Just last night I was thinking to myself how I have this maternal urge to keep my daughter closer to us as she ventures off to college. How can she POSSIBLY go off to another school clear across the U.S. and SURVIVE on her own??! For a minute I felt maybe I could keep everything the way it was when she was a child. HA! WHAT was I thinking?? Of course I can’t. And, I should be happy that she has the confidence to go 2,000 miles away to school for most of the year. </p>
<p>You know, when one of my 33 year old twins spent a semester in New Zealand and Australia back in the '90s and later volunteered in Costa Rica, Florida and Hawaii, I wasn’t half as concerned as I am with my younger child’s desire to go OOS to college. Heck, my younger one even spent a couple weeks volunteering in Guatemala summer before last and that’s definitely more “dangerous”. Something about being gone for most of the year x 4 years is daunting. But, I’ll get over it! </p>
<p>Frankly, I believe it’s my own fear of FLYING that’s interfering with my ability to be 100% enthused. Just the very thought of boarding a plane causes me to shudder. Then to have to stop along the way and CHANGE planes? Yikes. That means another landing and take-off! 
BUT, I can’t project that on HER. She’s fine with it. But, somehow it makes me feel like I’m even more disconnected because flying out there for events like Parents Weekend or just to go and visit won’t be something we can readily do. And, I think that has more to do with the expense. But, the thought of getting on a plane more than I have to is definitely a factor!</p>
<p>But, yeah…everything you said makes perfect sense. We can rejoice that our kids don’t necessarily want to “follow the pack” and attend the schools that 80% of their classmates have chosen. I have to give my daughter credit for not even considering UC Santa Barbara partly because it’s right on the beach and they say it can be difficult to separate one’s self from the “beach party scene” at times. Not to say that IU doesn’t have their own party image! But something about the warmer weather and sandy beaches make it harder to concentrate on one’s studies.</p>
<hr>
<p>Calcruzer remarked:</p>
<p>As you pointed out in one of your other posts, your daughter decided she definitely wants to go OOS for college–something about 80% of California students absolutely don’t want to do. So, in our case, our children are definitely different than most–and definitely independent and strong-willed compared to most of their counterparts. At first, my son’s independence in this way was a bit of a shock to me, but now I’ve realized that this “independent” streak isn’t about me (and him getting away from my control), but rather about him building his own character–and is something I should encourage. His independence (and your daughter’s) will serve them well in this difficult economic and political environment. They are learning (or maybe showing us they have already learned) how to survive and thrive in tough times and difficult situations–and that they can make the tough decisions necessary in today’s world to live meaningful lives and build strong careers and lasting friendships.</p>
<p>I am from CT, and I have always wanted to attend a Big 10 university. Everyone from my hs either goes to UCONN, CCSU or a variety of small liberal arts schools on the East Coast. I want a big change, and I absolutely fell in love with IU when we visited. It has an awesome academic reputation and a great social life as well. I can’t wait to go! :)</p>
<p>Our S received an acceptance to IU. We are in the Pittsburgh area, and he is exploring a mix of school both in-state and out-of-state. IU offes a good music school, a good theater program and some Finnish studies, all of which are important to him. Not sure if IU is a high choice for him, but is is a good back-up. We visited Bllomington this summer and he liked it. In the application packet, IU offered a $5k per year scholarship (GPA around 3.7). What are options for receiving more scholarships through IU?</p>
<p>^^^^^^How close is he to a 3.8 or a 1330 SAT (30 ACT)? Last year IU accepted increased test scores in January, but also didn’t cut off the automatic scholarships as early. I don’t know the cut off date this year for increasing scores and scholarships. Did his school report his weighted GPA? IU will look at the weighted GPA. Those are the best options for increasing scholarship money. </p>
<p>The selective scholarships have a higher GPA cutoff point–not that 3.7 is bad at all! </p>
<p>It looks like the Pittsburgh chapter of the Alumni Assc. offers scholarships. Here is the link to the chapter info. [Indiana</a> University Alumni Association: Pittsburgh Chapter: Board of Directors](<a href=“http://alumni.indiana.edu/chapters/pittsburgh/officers.shtml]Indiana”>http://alumni.indiana.edu/chapters/pittsburgh/officers.shtml)</p>
<p>If you look around on the main page, etc. it does mention scholarships. </p>
<p>Most of the scholarships given by the IU Foundation are for IN residents and/or need based, but it doesn’t hurt to look around.</p>