<p>I have a daughter who is a high school senior interested in majoring in business, and on paper, Miami looks like an excellent choice. The problem is, from her perspective, it has a reputation for being “way too preppy.” Her older brother, a senior in college at OSU, has the same opinion. I know there is definitely a preppy reputation, but I’m interested in hearing from others on the actual on-campus experience. My daughter has always had a lot of friends, but she’s never been in the “queen bee” circles, and doesn’t choose to be. In case it has an impact on the answer, she’s also highly interested in the honors program. Any input appreciated!</p>
<p>I’m willing to bet that a visit to campus will settle your daughter’s concerns… one way or the other.
“Preppy”, I believe, is simply code for “conservative”. There is little doubt that Miami is more conservative both politically and socially than most college campuses, including OSU. That was mostly a positive in our family.
The Business school truly is exceptional and stacks up well against any other school in the Midwest. It’s a better option than Fisher and equal to Kelly in my opinion.
The Honors program is a really nice option if your student qualifies. The students who gravitate there are serious about their academics and tend to be less focused on their social calendars.
My three daughters, who would all describe themselves as social liberals, fit in nicely with the Honors crowd and neither cares about the fact that their alma mater is referred to as “J Crew U”. We have nothing but the highest regard for Miami and the opportunities afforded to our children as Miami graduates.
Take your daughter to visit… she might be pleasantly surprised.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the reply!</p>
<p>It’s difficult to get them to define what they have in mind with regard to the word “preppy”, but I think it is less about being conservative and more about attitude… thinking “snotty rich kid” and arrogance go along with the “J Crew U” image. Also picture the “Queen Bee” crowd being super judgmental of each other as well as others. The opposite of preppy would be people who aren’t as obsessed with superficial characteristics (clothes, looks, family money) and are genuinely nice people concerned about more important matters. I’m not trying to offend anybody…just trying to define the term.</p>
<p>It’s not an economic jealousy issue…we’re upper middle class ourselves…again, just a perception of attitude.</p>
<p>We have visited campus twice, and it’s been a little difficult to discern the overall attitude. I actually felt the admissions presentation itself went a little beyond confident and over towards arrogance. Of course, those presentations are sales pitches, and I was hyper sensitized to watch for the attitude. The tour guide we had that day was very grounded-- wouldn’t describe her as preppy or arrogant.</p>
<p>I actually am a MU alum myself, but of course that was a long time ago. It was definitely the height if “preppy ness” then, but I found a circle of friends.</p>
<p>Given that clarification, I’m interested in recent experiences. How would you characterize the pervasive attitude on campus?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>My son goes there now, so my answer will be biased towards the experiences of my son. He loves the preppy style, and Greek life, so physically he could be a poster child for the stereotype you describe. However, I would never describe my son as a snotty rich kid or judgmental, and his friends whom I have met come from a whole spectrum of economic class. There are definitely those there that judge based on looks and wealth, but those are the kids you stay away from. I get the feeling there are many more who are down to earth. To be honest, he has pointed out that by far the most pretentious wealthy kids are the international ones. </p>
<p>I also wanted to say don’t think the school arrogant just by the info sessions. You may have gotten a bad presenter. The faculty and staff at MU are wonderful. Absolutely dedicated, and will jump thru hoops for your kid. </p>
<p>My current frame of reference is a friend who is a 2014 Miami grad. She does not fit the stereotype at all - sweatpants and tee shirt sort of person. Not a ‘queen bee’ physically or by social attitude. She didn’t feel out of place and had a great experience. Another friend is applying to Miami early decision (her first choice school). While she takes good care of herself, she is not at all obsessed with looks and is one of the most open and friendly people I know. She is not in the popular group at school. She loved the staff and facilities of the chemistry department along with the campus. I honestly think it comes down to self-confidence with Miami U. Those that are exceptionally shy, severely lack self-confidence, or struggle with social skills tend to find Miami U intimidating. Those that are self-confident, regardless of appearance, typically find their group of friends at Miami with a little effort.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for the perspectives! I really appreciate it!</p>
<p>I’m still mourning that my son didn’t choose Miami. We really loved the school when we visited. Everyone was very nice, it was very clean, there were lots of people milling around even though we went right after a snow storm. The business school seems pretty amazing. But my son had his heart set on U of MD, before he ever applied anywhere else, and he is a freshman there now. (And I completely support his decision, but I would have been very happy if he went to Miami).</p>
<p>GunnerDad’s comment was spot on. A bit more conservative than most, but preppy? No way. Short and a t-shirt are widely common.</p>
<p>In my opinion, the social and political behavior of Miami students is no longer particularly conservative - contrary to reputation. For example, the student body voted decisively for Obama in both elections. This is significant given that, in the most recent presidential election, Miami alum Paul Ryan was the Republican VP candidate. I think that most universities in the southern US (historic red states) could be considered significantly more conservative than Miami; not to mention all the military academies. I actually know of several Miami alums (graduates from the 80’s or earlier) who discouraged their children from attending because, in their opinion, Miami isn’t conservative enough anymore. Personally, I think the diversity in perspectives is positive and something that the current generation desires.</p>
<p>I’ll add that, based upon the students/alumni I know at OSU, OSU’s undergrad student body is not significantly more liberal than Miami - really. The socio-economic/ethnic composition of the undergraduate student body is actually quite similar to that of Miami U. The difference is in the surrounding environment. OSU’s urban setting makes it seem more diverse. Also, the ethnic composition of OSU’s huge graduate school is quite diverse.</p>