<p>So my list is pretty much narrowed down and OSU is very near the top. I’ve complained about this before but I would really like to know how “accepted” or(for use of a better word) integrated minorities are at OSU. I’m from a D.C area which is incredibly diverse and I know I’m probably not going to get that same experience if I go to OSU, but I still want to feel “welcome” and “accepted”. Sorry if I come across as ignorant. </p>
<p>P.S: I’m black if that gives a better perspective.</p>
<p>What are you expecting, to be spat on? I don’t run into many black students on campus, I have very few black classmates, but I’ve never heard anybody say anything.</p>
<p>Is Columbus as diverse as DC? No. But there is some diversity. I think only a black student could answer your question. I am not black. My impression is that OSU is as welcoming and diverse as any other large Midwestern state universities. Hopefully some one else will answer. Good luck.</p>
<p>The people who say Columbus isn’t diverse obviously don’t live in/haven’t spent much time in Columbus. I’ve lived here my entire life. The diversity is huge. There are tons of black and Asian people living in Columbus. </p>
<p>And TomServo, I seem to recall that you’re an engineering major. I may be wrong though. Maybe you have very few black classmates because they are vastly underrepresented in the field. I don’t know, just a thought.</p>
<p>And OP: don’t worry about how accepted you’ll be. Columbus is pretty liberal/open-minded and accepting. So I really don’t think you should worry at all about that.</p>
<p>Efeens, I am from columbus. As far as diversity goes, it’s not DC. Not even close.</p>
<p>Columbus as a city is pretty diverse, but the student population at Ohio State is less so. My roommate is black, and has never complained of any negative experiences regarding racism from other students or professors, but I believe she wishes there were more black students. </p>
<p>In my classes, in the business college, I will frequently have 50 person classes with 0-2 black students (and 8-10 Asian international students from China or South Korea). OSU, on their website, says that ‘students of color’ make up 17% of the student body, but only 4.3% of the student body is black. </p>
<p>OSU is a great school, and I have been very happy here for the past four years, and I think you would feel welcomed here, but there may not be the kind of diversity you’re looking for. If it makes a difference, there are tons of black student organizations (everything from dance groups to groups for pre-law or engineering students), one of which is probably going to match an interest of yours.</p>
<p>lorelaigirl, Columbus is the 15th largest city in the U.S. and has a metro population of 1.85 million people, both of which rank higher than D.C. </p>
<p>Columbus:
“As of the census of 2010, there were 787,033 people, 331,602 households, and 176,037 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,624.0 inhabitants per square mile (1,399.2 /km2). There were 370,965 housing units at an average density of 1,708.2 per square mile (659.5 /km2). The racial makeup of the city was 61.5% White, 28.0% African American, 0.3% Native American, 4.1% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.9% from other races, and 3.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.6% of the population.”</p>
<p>Washington D.C.'s metro population is roughly 50% black and 30% white. Aside from that the numbers are almost identical. D.C. may be more diverse (if you mean in terms of just African Americans), but Columbus is hardly lacking in diversity.</p>
<p>Edit: data is from wikipedia which is from the 2010 census.</p>
<p>@TomServo I’m not really scared of people being racist i’m more worried of fitting in. Thanks for all the thoughtful posts.</p>
<p>coola426: Have you visited the campus on a school day, sat down in the lunch area or study area? That would give you some experience. </p>
<p>Our family is a racially diverse family and I think “fitting in” is 80% or more your own actions, being respectful of others, and simply being friendly and including yourself in what everyone else is doing. </p>
<p>I attended a all white girls high school and I am the ONLY minority and have a large group of friends (girls and guys) that do not see me or treat me any different. I actually do not have a single friend that is not white. I guess that is mostly because where we live it is all white. I play several different sports, a member of several clubs, and volunteered that has also kept me on the same page as everyone else. We have things in common.</p>
<p>If I spoke to others in a different language, did not socialize with my priors, or dressed differently I may have had a difficult time fitting in. </p>
<p>I haven’t visited campus yet, but I am sure you will do fine. I think there are advantages to being one of the few “non-whites”. People see you for you because they are not grouping you, they are interested in knowing you because you are different from them. </p>
<p>It is all good. :)</p>
<p>Coola426-
My DS is a 3rd year at OSU and we are Latino. From the perspective of the school’s administration-Ohio State is very welcoming and does a lot to support URMs. When my DS was a freshmen the support system was through the Office of Minority Affairs which is now called The Office of Diversity and Inclusion. [OSU</a> Office of Diversity and Inclusion | Homepage](<a href=“http://odi.osu.edu/]OSU”>http://odi.osu.edu/) I strongly urge you to contact them to get their input for your question. ODI has a vested interest in supporting you because they want to see you graduate. When my son was a freshmen I remember ODI having special meetings; dinners; presentations; tutoring etc for him. During his orientation ODI had a special presentation on the support their office provides freshmen. Since my DS had a scholarship through ODI they gave him an additional counselor who really was hands on in supporting my son. I grew up on college campuses because my dad was a college professor and I must say that Ohio State blew me away in their support of my son. </p>
<p>In terms of “acceptance” Ohio State just looks upon my son as a “normal” student and just part of the student body. He is in a fraternity and there are 3 brothers who are minorities out of about 40 brothers. Again they are treated like any other brother. I think there are special fraternities for AA students. </p>
<p>The other thing you will find is that many administrators are AA. Dr. J is the vice-president of student life and she is an integral part of the student’s experience at OSU. [Leadership</a> Team : Student Life](<a href=“http://studentlife.osu.edu/leadership/1/]Leadership”>http://studentlife.osu.edu/leadership/1/) I have found her very personable and I look forward to her weekly newsletters that she sends parents. Look up her credentials- she is from the DC area and I bet you could call her to ask her your question. </p>
<p>As far as Columbus-I find the city diverse and pretty liberal. All kinds of people live in the city and I have found it very welcoming. </p>
<p>Just as an FYI-we are from the West Coast and so we lived in very Latino communities. I had certain beliefs about Ohio State and the midwest before my DS started at Ohio State. I must say that my pre-enrollment beliefs were all wrong. Ohio State has been a great experience for my son and I have come to really like Columbus. </p>
<p>I encourage you to contact the offices I mentioned. Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>D.C as a city isn’t too diverse. except for maybe Northwest D.C but the metro area is very diverse.</p>