Demographics in 1997 versus 2018

Demographics in 1997 versus 2018

Black Student Experience

The numbers for "Perceptions of Socioeconomic Status" from 2018 are somewhat consistent to those from 1997.* Economically, several of the black students that were interviewed in 2018 believed themselves to be either of a much lower economic class than the average W&L student, or lower than middle class. One student pointed out that she used to be sure of what middle class meant, but after coming to W&L she doubted that she had an understanding of it, given how fellow students behaved with money. Only one interviewee stated she believed to herself to be of equal status with other students; her answer incorporated both her social and her economic self-perceptions. Another gave a noncomparative answer, stating that his parents work hard and have provided him enough money to be comfortable. The same student also stated that socially, he feels popular and is fairly confident. Most other interviewees also separated economic status from social status, but stated that as black students, they believed themselves to be of lower social status on campus as well. Most other 2018 graphics are easily comparable to the 1997 versions, but a few details stand out. Because all the interviewees except two were part of the Questbridge program, they chose Washington and Lee through the Questbridge matching process (though financial aid was a large factor in that). One student who had heard of W&L through the free application chose the school because of the financial aid and his ability to play sports. The second was recruited for multiple sports and was convinced by the financial aid package. Compared to 1997, there is much less variety among current students both in how they learned about the school and why they chose it. Most students did not have any preconceived notions about the university and therefore did not have negative perceptions or any different expectations. Others had been warned about the small number of black students or the presence of Greek life. Unexpected aspects of campus life include “the overwhelming amount of wealth on campus,” the history of the institution, and the number of black students. Most said the academics were as expected. Almost all interviewees had considered transferring due to unhappiness, the hard social life, interactions with other people, and trouble adjusting. The three who did not consider transferring mentioned that financial aid was a part of their reasoning and that they had found a good group of people to surround themselves with. Those who considered transferring stayed for various reasons: friends, administrators, financial aid, and improved social circles.

*Note that the 2018 numbers are rounded, and therefore add to 102%. In reality, they are 12.5%, 12.5%, 37.5% and 37.5%

Kitanna Hiromasa

May 16th, 2018

Washington and Lee History Department

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