<p>It seems like GWU has an ethnically diverse study body of thoughtful, intelligent people, most of whom have an interest in politics and world affairs. The Princeton Review's 361 College Guide says that it's makeup is 10% Asian / 6% African American/ 66% Caucasian / and 5 % Hispanic. I thought that sounded pretty diverse, and diversity is important to me because I come from Houston and I wouldn't feel comfortable in a college that's like 85% white or even worse, where the people self-segegrate by race.</p>
<p>But I tried to do some research on what the college was actually like by going to an LJ community, and I found out, according to some people, that the school has a sizeable percentage of snobs who are rude and inconsiderate. Like, Ugg-wearing, popped collar "A-holes" from those Saturday Night Live sketches. (And the PR book definitely mentions when a school has a high quotient of those, but they didn't say anything about that at GWU. They specifically quoted a girl who said the SB was like "one big happy family".)</p>
<p>Now, don't get me wrong, I dress in the preppy style myself, so going to a school with preps is certainly not a problem. But I wouldn't be used to going to a school where, paraphrased, people never open doors or say thank you, or eat snacks and talk loudly in the library, etc. I also heard it was less racially diverse than I first thought so.</p>
<p>So, I guess what I'm getting at is: While there are rude people at every college, is a sizeable portion of GWU's student body self-absorbed to the point of coldness? Do they appear rude based on first impressions? Is it difficult for incoming freshmen to make friends if they're a little on the shy side? And is the environment so unfriendly that it's not worth the high tuition? (Although I'm planning on FA and I hear it's an amazing Pol Sci / Intl Relations school)</p>
<p>Thanks in advance! I realize this is all quite silly because I'm sure I'd be able to make friends at GWU, and it's actually one of my top prospective colleges, I just want to make sure that a senstive person wouldn't be overwhelmed or anything like that. ;)</p>
<p>I wouldn't worry too much about the guides and stuff like that. Let me put it this way -- I know for a fact that a lot of schools send their admissions work study students to answer those PR surveys, and on the flip side, the livejournal folks (or anyone who feels the need to vent) tend to be those are those who are EXTREMELY disgruntled with life in general.</p>
<p>In my opinion, you're in luck -- there most certainly is a lot of religious diversity, and a moderate amount of racial diversity, at GW. In addition, there is virtually <em>no</em> segregation at GW, unlike many other schools across the country, so you don't have to worry about that. I personally think it is very diverse -- especially in terms of thought and personality. For example, we have an insane list of extracurriculars (<a href="http://studentorgs.gwu.edu/DirectoryofStudentOrganizations/)%5B/url%5D">http://studentorgs.gwu.edu/DirectoryofStudentOrganizations/)</a>, and people are extremely passionate about their (very different) interests. Some may disagree with me on this, but I personally think that we have a lot of political diversity as well.</p>
<p>In regards to the student body -- I would have to warn you that we are NOT a small liberal arts college, and that is something you should probably understand before coming here. The campus is unique (but we like it), the layout is different, and it is a medium sized school, so you will probably not know every single person in your grade. </p>
<p>I do feel that students are friendly, and GW is a school that loves individuality and different personalities. I'm not the sorority type myself so I didn't have like 50 friends the first semester of my freshman year, but I've made good friends in the most random places (computer labs, music hall, hall lounges, etc.). GW is awesome for that. You'd be amazed by how open people are at 2 am in the computer lab!</p>
<p>My S attends, and I asked him about your question, and he any school has its share of not-so-nice, but GW has a large student body, most of whom are just like any other student body. There is a slightly higher group of politically aware students. (It also has its share of politically apathetic.) Every time I've visited, the kids could not have been nicer. There are 10,000 undergrads - I'm sure you could find a few friends !</p>