A midsize campus of 5,000 to 10,000 can offer students the best of both big and small schools. They want to feel like a person instead of a number. As a result of backlashes against affirmative action, California and Texas have had sharp drops in minority applications to their public universities, leading to reductions in minority enrollment. But many colleges, particularly private ones, are making a concerted effort to attract more minorities. If you're going to be a success in the 21st century, you must be capable of understanding and dealing with individuals whose backgrounds are different than yours.
Numbers tell only part of the story.
Guidance counselors caution students to look at more than statistics when considering diversity. They suggest students consider whether the curriculum embraces other traditions and whether residence halls tend to be integrated or segregated. For schools where the commitment to diversity is made in earnest, the opportunity for students to acquire a deeper understanding of others can be a large reward. For Keith, who wanted to use her college years to expand her horizons, diversity was a requirement that could not be compromised. For Erin Clary, who wanted to learn in an environment especially tailored for women, the single-sex dynamic was a vital consideration.