My Daughter has been accepted at a half-dozen competitive LACs in the Pacific Northwest, Colorado and Minnesota; now it’s decision time. After two visits, she’s fallen in love with the University of Puget Sound, in Tacoma. The academics are well-reknowned, the campus and location seem terrific, and the vibe is right. Only one feature she wanted is missing: a diverse student body. The international student presence there is only one percent! I’m not sure why it’s so low, lower than any other college she’s considered. But the bigger question is what she’d be missing, socially and intellectually. UPS is known for a good UG program in International Political Economy, and has good study-abroad participation rates. But what would she miss in the classroom discussions, having only American peers and perspectives?
We also just visited Lewis and Clark College in Portland, where she’s also admitted. Many, many internationals were seen there, but she disliked the “chill” vibe she got from the campus and students. It just doesn’t pass the “feel test” for her-- so far, but personal impressions can change, while objective stats do not. We’re also slated to visit Macalester, where she would probably find a great campus and a friendly Minnesota-nice vibe, among 20% International Students. Great, but she’s an outdoorsy kid, grown up in Colorado, and she doesn’t want to spend all term in the frozen flatlands.
So – Is it essential to learn and live among a diverse, multinational student body? I welcome your perspectives, students and parents alike!