Written by Arun Sundaresan
Along the main walkway between Graham Chapel and Brookings Hall, banners recruiting members for Jewish, Christian, Muslim, African-American, 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 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—more than 40 percent of undergrads—giving a less liberal-artsy and more corporate feel to the student body.