Lower middle class Asian at UVA?

muckdogs07
Fri, 16 Aug 2013 12:08:14 +0000

My son is a rising sophomore at UVA (from NOVA). He loves UVA and is not accustomed to the ways of the South either (nor are many of his friends).

UVA is a large campus with a fairly diverse student body, including plenty of kids receiving pell grants and work study. There are also plenty of international students (probably over 10%), and in particular UVA is well known in China and recruits heavily there. Also, unlike some schools in the deeper South, most UVA students dress down for class and so you do not need J Crew or Ralph Lauren clothes to fit in. Frats play a big role in campus social life, but they are pretty inclusive (including at least one non-alcohol frat) and there is plenty for students to do if they choose not to join a frat (like my son, who did rush and received two bids).

Now, I am not saying that UVA is the most diverse campus in America (or even close to it). The predominant make-up of the student body is upper middle to rich white, with many of the students hailing from NOVA. But I also do not think most of the students at UVA let class define them or operate in an “eating club” environment. The bottom line is UVA is a campus where almost everyone can find a niche.