<p>I've heard that Lehigh was a "white" school and that some would not recommend URMs to apply here since it would be hard to fit in. Being an Asian American who is fairly interested in the school, I would like to know if this was true. Can anyone comment?</p>
<p>I don’t know if this is true either. Where did you get this information?</p>
<p>Lehigh has a reputation for being fairly homogenous (white, well-off, Northeastern kids), but its diversity is increasing thanks to efforts by the administration to attract Asians (both American and international), African-Americans, and Latinos. I doubt that the student body is racist – except for perhaps a few individuals, and you’d find that anywhere. If you walk across the campus when classes are in session (as you should), then you’ll see groups of different ethnic backgrounds walking together. You’ll also see that most faces are white.</p>
<p>If your current social environment is mostly Asian American, then you might find it difficult since you’ll be a definite minority; however, if your friends are a mixed group, then I think you’ll find Lehigh just like anyplace else. My guess is that minorities may experience less racism than a feeling of cultural isolation, particularly if they come from a school where they aren’t a minority. Still, once you become a Lehigh student, you become part of the Lehigh family. </p>
<p>I suggest that you visit the campus when classes are in session, go on a tour, maybe even arrange to sit in on a class. Your own observations, even though they will be cursory, will help you decide whether you think you’ll fit in.</p>
<p>As an international student I found Lehigh’s student body to be quite diverse. Some 7% of the students admitted this year are Asian Americans and this does not include the 6% of international students who are predominantly from Asian countries. </p>
<p>There are several organizations that promote diversity on campus: ACS (Asian Culture Society), Chinese Club, SALSA (Latin Students), ISA (Indian Student Association), AIS (Association of International Students), and the Global Union to name a few.</p>
<p>I was surprised to meet so many different people from so many different countries and cultural backgrounds. Lehigh has definitely enhanced my global experience.</p>
<p>I am hispanic and I felt the same way you did about Lehigh. However, now that I am a student here, I don’t see that at all. I think you should give it a chance. Lehigh is a great place to be.</p>
<p>Yeah, the student body is more diverse than you think. Of course it’s mostly white, that’s just how it is. You can’t change that over the course of a single year.</p>
<p>I think, imo as a first year,if you want to find diversity you’ll find it. But in general i would say at least 70% are white and at least of 30% of the 70% are from NJ or somewhere nearby. The asians usually stick together (maybe that’s your thing) but all the other people are pretty spread out throughout campus. It’s all in perspective: there are such things as asian club indian club etc and definitely a lot of other ethinically diverse people here but i would say diversity is not a main theme at this school. Overall its nothing to worry over…Are you an international or grew up in the US?</p>