Along the main walkway between Graham Chapel and Brookings Hall, banners recruiting members for Jewish, Christian, Muslim, black, Korean, Indian, and gay groups fly overhead, at least giving the impression that Wash U enjoys a diverse and open-minded community. While three quarters of the student body is white, Wash U does enjoy the presence of active and outspoken minority groups. As on many campuses, though, minorities often stick together and have their own clubs, parties, and dorms. Many times, though, the ethnic lines blur, and blacks, whites, Native Americans, Korean-Americans, Jews, and Catholics all party together, become fraternity brothers and sorority sisters, and share community service activities. The cultural interests of the average Wash U kid (beer-pong, TV sports, and video games) unites those with different family and ethnic backgrounds.
In terms of life experiences, Wash U’s undergrads are not as diverse. Generally wealthy, they have led charmed lives and are not typically the adventurous, risk-taking sort. Not many Wash U students come from disadvantaged financial situations, working class families, or have international backgrounds. Further, a large proportion of Wash U students have, for one reason or another, similar career interests. Pre-medicine, engineering, and business dominate (making up over 40 percent of all undergrads), giving a less liberal-artsy and more corporate feel to the student body.
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Diversity at Washington University in St. Louis
M4RY4NN
Chemical Engineering '15
3.1
B-
Not as Mixed as They Wish
While Wash U is very aware of the importance of diversity and are trying to expand that to include their student body. All that aside, Wash U is still a pretty white and asian campus.
May 22, 2012
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Diversity at Washington University in St. Louis
B+
Carefully Calculated Diversity
Wash U is very racially diverse, but in a way that seems to be carefully planned, and thus does not feel natural. It is a very accepting atmosphere for all races, sexual preferences, nationalities, etc.
However, there are a lot of rich kids here, and although it is religiously diverse, it seems like Judaism dominates the religious scene.
Apr 25, 2012
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Diversity at Washington University in St. Louis
B+
Diversity
There is a lot of diversity. The largest minority groups are Koreans, Chinese, and Jews. Although a lot of the international students stick together.
Mar 05, 2012
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User rating for Washington University in St. Louis - Diversity is
3.5 out of 5
based on 22 user reviews.