College Bound
KoreAm
Author: KoreAm
Posted: October 1st, 2007
Filed Under: Back Issues , October 2007
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 F-College-Rice 3

By Chris Paek

 

So you’re not quite Ivy League material. Tough break, but it’s nothing to hang your head over. Korean students are thriving in every type of school this country has to offer. From mega-universities out West to small liberal colleges tucked away in rural areas, there’s a whole world of higher education available to you, many of them with an active Korean American network.

High-caliber learning environments, first-rate professors — these “other” schools have more to offer than you might expect.

So, tell your mom and dad to quit sobbing. As prestigious as the Ivies are, the best four years of your life can be had just about anywhere. Remember, it’s not the name of the institution on your diploma that matters, it’s what you do with it.

 

Carleton College

Northfield, Minnesota

Don’t Just Join the Club … Create One

 

Undergraduate enrollment: 1,980

Asian American population: 10%

Type: Private, Liberal Arts

Setting: Rural

Tuition/Fees: $36,156

Room/Board: $10,220

 

Perennially a top-tier liberal arts institution, Carleton pays much more than lip service to the pursuit of diversity; it’s a mission statement inseparable from the identity of the school. Countless clubs and organizations abound here, all student-initiated and school-supported. It’s a testament to the enthusiasm of the student body and to the school’s firm commitment to fostering multiplicity. “Because we all know each other, if you just hear about an event, you’re likely to attend it, rather than being at a big school where you might think, ‘Well, it’s just another event,’” says senior Joo Ree Richards. “There’s a more personal feel to our school.”

 

n The Scene: The Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) is the happening place to head for a night out, although it’s quite a distance — 30 miles north of Northfield. Consider attending on-campus KASA events at Asia House, where the Korean food is catered.

n Notable: Bizarre traditions abound at Carleton. The looniest of these is the Rotblatt, an annual softball game that lasts for as many innings as the college has had anniversaries. This year, Carleton will be celebrating its 141st.

 

Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

 

Undergraduate enrollment: 6,646

Asian American population: 18%

Type: Private

Setting: Suburban

Tuition/Fees: $34,336

Room/Board: $10,220

 

Rolling roads paved with red bricks. Cottage-like buildings that scream Southern comfort. Welcome to Emory, the charming belle of elite academic institutions. The homey décor of the campus accurately reflects the closeness of the student body. “You’re constantly running into the same people and you gradually get to know them all,” says junior Hannah Shin. “It’s a really intimate campus.” Situated in Dekalb County, a quiet suburb about 20 minutes away from the bustling metropolis of Atlanta, Emory offers students the best of both worlds. The school is also known for attracting notable speakers and events (this month it welcomes his Holiness, the Dalai Lama). Next year, Emory will open its doors to students across the country as it plays host to the 22nd annual Korean American Student Conference (KASCON) in March.

 

n The Scene: Check out Bistro New York just off Interstate 285. Students tab this place as one of their favorite noraebangs.

n Notable: Emory is popular in Korea, which would explain the high volume of international students on campus. The link was established in 1893 when Korean activist Yun Chi Ho became the school’s first international student. After graduating, he returned to Korea where he went on to write the South Korean national anthem.

 

RICE UNIVERSITY

HOUSTON, TEXAS

THE MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

 

Undergraduate enrollment: 3,049

Asian American population: 18%

Type: Private

Setting: Urban metropolis

Tuition/Fees: $26,106

Room/Board: $10,250

 

In Texas, bigger is better, although students at Rice might disagree. Located in the heart of Houston and home to more than 3,000 undergraduates, Rice University is one private school that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Tuition is well under the national average of $30,367. Even with the lower tuition rates, students can still expect private school-type attention from their professors: the student-faculty ratio is a cozy 5:1. Rice also takes pride in its tight-knit community. “It makes it easier for people to get to know each other,” says senior Jeeyun Lim. “Our social network is stronger than other schools in terms of the Korean community.”

n The Scene: In Houston’s Koreatown you’ll find clusters of Korean grocery stores, bakeries, noraebangs and, of course, restaurants. Seoul Garden, known for its kalbi and award-winning bulgogi, always seems to be crowded.

n Notable: The undergraduate architecture program at Rice is second only to Cornell. Rice’s Shepherd School of Music is also one of the nation’s best.

 

University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

 

THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER

Undergraduate enrollment: 25,432

Asian American population: 38%

Type: Public

Setting: Urban Metropolis

Tuition/Fees: $7,034 (in state); $26,102 (out of state)

Room/Board: $12,420

 

UCLA students enjoy an abundance of pretty much everything. Ideally situated in the posh college town of Westwood, it’s just a stone’s throw away from Hollywood and the Santa Monica beach. “The location is perfect,” says junior Shannon Lee. “It’s an endless possibility of exploring, finding social outlets — just being a college student.” With every possible resource at their fingertips, from award-winning student-run publications to ethnic, political and religious clubs, Bruins should only have to worry about taking it all for granted.

 

n The Scene: Los Angeles is home to the biggest K-town in the country, nearly a mini-Seoul. The activity on campus is vibrant as well, with events like the annual Korean Culture Night, which brings the entire student community together for a student run Broadway-like production.

n Notable: Diversity at UCLA takes an interesting twist. Asians make up 38 percent of the student body, making them the majority group on campus. Hence the nickname, University of Caucasians Lost among Asians. UCLA also boasts one of the top Asian American studies departments in the nation.

 

University of Oklahoma

Norman, Oklahoma

The All-American College Experience

 

Undergraduate enrollment: 20,580

Asian American population: 6%

Type: Public

Setting: Suburb

Tuition/Fees: $5,110 (in state); $13,399 (out of state)

Room/Board: $7,003

 

OK, so the University of Oklahoma doesn’t exactly seem like a haven for Korean Americans. With a 76-percent white student body, OU is part of the Southern Baptist cluster, otherwise known as the “Bible Belt.” The social scene is dominated by Greek life and the emotional climate of the school rises and falls with Sooner football. It may come as a surprise then that 1,400 students from 95 countries are enrolled in OU, making it No. 1 in international student exchange agreements around the world. While neighboring cities are not as accepting, says sophomore Esther Chong, “It’s very different when you come back to Norman. Everyone is pretty open-minded here.” The KSA at OU hosts welcoming parties for new students and Korean fairs, as well as Korean Culture Night, which drew more than 500 people last year.

 

n The Scene: The city of Moore, a 15-minute drive away, is home to approximately 2,000 to 3,000 Koreans. With emerging Korean markets and restaurants, many anticipate that Moore will eventually become Oklahoma’s official K-Town.

n Notable: This year, The Princeton Review named OU one of its “Best Value” colleges. The school is also ranked first per capita among public universities in enrollment of National Merit Scholars and among the top five in the graduation of Rhodes Scholars.

 

University of the Pacific

Stockton, California

Catering To Students’ Best Interests

 

Undergraduate enrollment: 3,535

Asian American population: 31%

Type: Private

Setting: Urban

Tuition/Fees: $28,980

Room/Board: $9,210

 

PHOTO; F-College-Pacific 1.jpg, F-College-Pacific 3.jpg

 

The University of the Pacific, located 40 miles south of Sacramento, offers students a blend of small school personality with big-school variety. With 11 different schools and more than 80 majors/programs of study to choose from, UOP students can choose from a wide array of classes. The quantity, however, takes a backseat to quality. More than half of UOP’s programs are inter-disciplinary, meaning that the school promotes experiential, hands-on learning. “The school hires distinguished faculty that provides an environment conducive to students’ learning,” says senior Phil Lee. “They challenge us to go above and beyond our normal learning experience.”

 

n The Scene: If you need a break from all the “hands-on” learning, make your way to Pleasanton and look for the Royal Tofu House, supposedly boasting the best sundubu north of Los Angeles.

n Notable: UOP has a four-year graduation guarantee for all students, given that they meet a short list of requirements. Those who need more time benefit from the university’s promise to pay tuition until the degree is finished.

 

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, Virginia

THE NEW IVY

 

Undergraduate enrollment: 13,353

Asian-American population: 10.9%

Type: Public

Setting: Small City/Suburban

Tuition/Fees: $8,690 (in state); $27,940 (out of state)

Room/Board: $7,435

PHOTO; F-College-UVA 6.jpg, F-College-UVA 2.jpg

 

In addition to boasting the No. 2 ranking among public universities nationwide in the latest edition of US News and World Report, the University of Virginia provides a wealth of resources that smaller schools could only dream of offering. AT UVA, academia is not only emphasized, it’s revered. Placing No. 1 among state schools in producing Rhodes Scholars, UVA is famous for not awarding honorary degrees; you must earn them academically. Its sprawling campus often overshadows the small, suburbanite college town. Yet Charlottesville retains its own unique identity, particularly in its deep-rooted tradition: “Everywhere I walk, I can see that the town has a romanticism to it because of the aged brick and historic restaurants,” explains Joanne Kim, a junior nursing and philosophy major.

 

n The Scene: Several Korean restaurants are nearby campus, including the appropriately named Korean House. While there are no Korean markets, students can still stop by the Oriental Food Market on Carlton, a pan-Asian grocery that will satisfy your late night kimchi cravings.

n Notable: While students partake in the Fourth-Year Fifth ritual — where fourth year seniors drink a fifth (750ml) of alcohol the day of the last home football game — these kids have brains. UVA undergrads have a 92.4 percent graduation rate.

— Brian Shin

 

University of Washington

Seattle, Washington

Much More Than Just Academics

 

Undergraduate enrollment: 27,836

Asian American population: 28%

Type: Public

Setting: Urban

Tuition/Fees: $6,385 (in state), $22,131 (out of state)

Room/Board: $8,337

 

Student activity at “U-Dub” isn’t dampened by all that rain. In fact, the Huskies are avid socialites, taking full advantage of the slew of events throughout the year. “Dawg Days” opens up the festivities in the fall as students are introduced to the many clubs and organizations the University has to offer. Lawna Palooza turns the campus into a carnival atmosphere, complete with rides and concession stands. The annual Bite of Asia offers students the opportunity to sample various ethnic food. “The Asian population is huge,” says senior Helen Kim. “It makes it easier for Asian students to bond with one another and become familiar with the school, academics and networking.” Fittingly, its KSA, the largest ethnic club on campus, offers its members a dizzying array of social events, including Club Night, Kimchee Bowl, a food bank drive, talent show and comedy night.

 

n The Scene: K-Towns can be found in nearby cities like Tacoma and Lynnwood, but students prefer downtown Seattle. Restaurants like Wasabi Bistro and Oasian are popular choices but they don’t hold a candle to the almighty Starbucks. You’re in Seattle, after all.

n Notable: Rain to Seattle is like sunshine to Southern California. The unofficial uniform of a typical UW student? A heavy-duty umbrella, a Nalgene water bottle and of course, a North Face jacket.

 

Wellesley College

Wellesley, Massachusetts

A Safe Haven For High-achieving, Motivated Women

 

Undergraduate enrollment: 2,318

Asian American population: 26%

Type: Private, Liberal Arts

Setting: Suburb

Tuition/Fees: $34,994

Room/Board: $10,826

 

Thanks to small class sizes, Wellesley students have ready access to professors who challenge them to think critically and openly. The all-female college has a reputation as a sanctuary for a variety of voices. “People feel more comfortable here,” says junior Olivia Park. “In many ways, it’s a safe space not only for women, but for people who are normally scrutinized in society.” A couple years ago, a Korean-language department was created after students lobbied for Hangeul to be included among the courses.

 

n The Scene: There is no official K-town in Boston, but the neighborhood of Allston on Harvard Avenue has all the Korean amenities you will ever need. Students also suggest sailing on the Charles River, a pastime unique to the New England area.

n Notable: During finals week, some professors are known to invite students over for milk and cookies. With the students gathered, the professor will read them children’s books in an effort to help de-stress for their exams.

 

HED; Ones To Watch

Check out these college kids making waves

 

Joo Ree Kang Richards, 22

Senior, Carleton College

Psychology major

Specialty: Community Service

 

Adopted by white parents and having grown up in Spearfish, S.D., Joo Ree Richards didn’t have much exposure to the Korean community. While at Carleton College, she spearheaded a mentorship program that pairs KA Carleton students up with local Korean adoptees. Richards says the program fills a need in the predominantly white community of Northfield. “I just want this program to be a way for adoptees to feel more comfortable with who they are,” says Richards. “I want the kids who come to our program to feel at ease about being Korean.”

 

 

Keum Sung Kim, 23

Senior, Loyola University Chicago

Communications major

Specialty: Soccer

 

Finding life in America difficult after immigrating only seven years ago, Kim turned to soccer, a game he loved back in Korea. “If I didn’t play soccer, I wouldn’t have friends because I wouldn’t have a social life,” said Kim. “It helped me hang out with American guys.” In only a few short years, the midfielder has stockpiled the accolades, earning the League Newcomer of the Year award in 2005 and making the All-league team twice. After spending the summer with Chicago Fire’s development team, Kim hopes to play professionally in the U.S.

 

 

Eddie Lee, 21

Senior, Harvard University

Government major

Specialty: Politics

 

OK, so he’s an Ivy Leaguer, but Eddie Lee’s story is too good to pass up. Months before graduating from Harvard, he decided to take a voluntary leave of absence. Believing he needed to be part of a bigger cause, Lee dropped his studies temporarily to join the Obama campaign. His parents disapproved at first, but Lee earned their vote of confidence after demonstrating how committed he is to the Illinois senator’s candidacy. “This is something that I’m always going to look back on and be very proud of,” he says. “There’s nothing that I believe in more than this campaign. My whole life, I’ve always wanted to be someone that’s willing to drop everything for something I believe in.”

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