alphabet said:
"Yet when the word "hick" is used, it is considered socially acceptable."
I apologize if that word struck you as rude and insensitive. I wasn't aware that it could have that effect on anyone. The students at the "rural" university I attended were very comfortable with me "outsider" using that word and they themselves used it to describe themselves.
Your reasoning here is fallacious. Would you dare presume that it is acceptable to use a racial slur on an African American, simply because a small minority of the population uses it on themselves? I do not condone the use of the word "hick", and most African Americans do not condone the use of their respective racial slur.
alphabet said:
To me fashion, just like art or literature, is a form of self-expression. You are confusing fashion with fashion trends. I am not interested in the latter, but I do encourage diversity in the way people dress. To me, that diversity is a reflection of a diversity in personalities.
You would begrudge me the pleasure of your company, simply because I do not value fashion (or art)? Again, you claim you want diversity, yet your rhetoric displays a level of intolerance. Perhaps you are unfamiliar with the definition of the word "diversity." Diversity is much more than what you can see (skin color, clothing, general appearance, etc.). It also refers to values, ideas, thoughts, behavior, and virtually every other aspect of life. You have already stated that you are concerned about students from the midwest, students with "traditional values and customs", and students who do not value fashion or the arts.
Also, how exactly do you plan on making your fashion statements? A majority of dental schools require students to wear scrubs, and outside of school, most people are studying, not worrying about what the kid next door chose to wear to school today.
alphabet said:
" Pittsburgh has a very diverse class: Current Class Statistics
The typical class size is approximately 80 students. In the 2004-2005 school year, the dental student body consisted of 180 males and 112 females The student minority profile is comprised of 44 African American, 17 Hispanic and 60 Asian/Pacific Islander students. Each class typically has 4 to 6 international students. "
This may be shocking to you, but contrary to your belief, 17 Hispanics out of 292 students total is NOT DIVERSE. Only 5.8% of the class is Hispanic!
Yet another unsubstantiated and foolhardy comment. Pitt is a very diverse school. 5.8% Hispanic student body is a solid number, especially when compared to other schools. In particular, NYU, which you wrongly imply is more diverse than Pitt. Only 2.16% of it's 04-05 class is Hispanic. This may be shocking to you, but contrary to your belief, 5 Hispanics out of 231 students total is NOT DIVERSE.
http://www.nyu.edu/dental/academicprograms/dds/characteristics.html
Again, if you really care about diversity, at least take the time to do a little research on the schools. This information is readily available on each school's website.
Perhaps you should simply ask me for my advice. I have a sibling who is a student at NYU dental and also attended NYU for undergrad. I also was accepted to NYU w/o interview, and chose Pitt. Perhaps I could be of some assistance?
alphabet said:
Thank you. I, too, look forward to meeting you (if I choose Pitt) and I am very happy to hear that you encourage a diverse learning environment.My only concern is that the majority of people from the mid-west will not agree with you and I. I believe that most of them will prefer remaining in their comfort zone by sticking to traditional values and customs, and that they will dislike challenging and re-evaluating their own views and morals (which I believe is essential to personal growth).
Unlikely, but even if true, that is their prerogative, just as it is your prerogative to stick to your values and customs. Its important to accept people as they are, with their values and customs intact (so long as they do not infringe upon the rights and values of others). This is the definition of tolerance.
...ANYHOW...CONGRATS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS MADE IT IN!!! 
I was wondering where this page got off to. 
