<p>Current sophomore at UM. Yes, the shallow rich elite is inevitably part of the culture (even Coral Gables is an extremely affluent area)- but it all depends on who you hang out with. Nearly all of my friends come from traditional, working class backgrounds- but we’re all smart, ambitious, dedicated students committed to making the world a better place. Yes, UM is a place for the privileged, but it’s also a place for other types of students as well.</p>