The intense competition among Asian-American
students in college admissions is now creating an Asian disadvantage at the
top colleges and universities. The disadvantage, though, is
not simply because they are Asians, but because they actually do lead similar
lives. As one of the prep academy advisors told the students (and their
parents) “Everyone is in orchestra and plays piano, everyone
plays tennis. Everyone wants to be a doctor, and write about immigrating to
America.”
These kids lead similar lives
because their immigrant parents shaped their children’s lives to match what
elite colleges want. This is hopeful
because if the elite colleges actually reward different kinds of experiences
for these ambitious families, the parents will change what they encourage their
children to do. Diversity of experience and character is, after all, the kind
of diversity that colleges should be seeking.
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