During your college search, the hardest decision is choosing the right institution that fits your personality, learning style and personal needs. It is similar to finding a new house, because that will be your home for the next four years of your life. Don’t stress yourself out because there are two types of institutions.
One would be PWI, which stands for predominantly white institutions. These type of colleges give you diversity in different ways, you can meet people from different walks of life and learn from people who have various backgrounds such as ethnicity, culture and lifestyles.
Research shows that diversity helps students create intellectual creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills. At a PWI, you will learn to respect and appreciate other students’ cultural and expression differences and become more aware of ignorant stereotypes people have towards one another. That includes the unconscious assumptions, behaviors and interactions we have with people and their disrespectful comments.
Having a diverse group of peers in class and outside of class helps a lot when you attend a PWI. For example, it helps us develop our critical thinking skills. The flip side of things at a PWI is that multiple studies demonstrate that a lot of students of color often feel isolated and unwelcome. A lot of students experience some type of discrimination.
Transitioning students of color is an issue as well a lot of PWIs don’t really take enough time in really understanding the importance of students of color have activities, clubs and gatherings embracing different cultures and lifestyles. A PWI doesn’t fit for every student. Some can handle a less controlled environment.
A historical black college or university, or HBCU, is an institute that was created before 1964. Their intentions were to serve all students of color because they were being rejected by a lot of PWIs, even if the student was qualified to attend. At a HBCU, the staff believes that everyone deserves an education. HBCUs do primarily serve African American students, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to have a limited cultural experience. One thing you will learn is self- love. They want you to embrace who you are. These institutions ensure that students have the opportunity to deconstruct important historical and contemporary issues while taking their courses.
The downfall of a HBCU is that a lot of these institutions recently are having funding issues. Also, some students feel like they can’t afford to stay because of the lack of scholarships being offered to students. Students also complain that because of the lack of exposure to people who are different from them, it could cause some confusion between people who may not experience the same struggles in life.
HBCUs and PWIs both lack in really stressing the fact that they need to pick students who can afford to stay on campus, who can get through four years of college and actually maintain at least a grade point average of a 3.0. Overall PWIs and HBCUs help students prepare for life, find a well paid career, build a professional resume and gain a sense of independence.
