My kids have all gone to very expensive schools where a huge percentage of the students were full pay. Many of these students have fancy cars, trendy designer clothes, and endless pocket money. Many look prep school cookie cutter and that can be a little intimidating, especially when you’re attending as a highly aided student.
D1, in particular, was very overweight in college and she had colored hair (many different colors), lots of black clothes, and wore Converse sneakers every day. She looked and felt VERY “weird” at her school. While she didn’t find many others “like her” she still got involved and made an impact on the school and made wonderful lifelong friends along the way.
D2 was afraid to commit to the school she’s currently at because she “heard” that everyone is preppy and wears nothing but Vineyard Vines (gag). So, one sunny day before she committed, we went and visited. We sat on a bench and watched people. Guess what, everyone looked like regular people. Some were dressed up, some wore athletic wear, some looked like slobs. It helped her realize that even if she’s not in the majority, it doesn’t mean she’ll be expected to be someone she’s not.
S1 was very pragmatic about being one of the poorer students on campus, from a low performing school, technically classified as an impoverished community. Because the school was need blind and guaranteed to meet 100% need, he got a world class education for very little cost. He now designates his annual donation to the school to financial aid. He also had a roommate who always shared his gourmet care packages from home. (Yum, fancy cheese!)