<p>Ye gads. Typical Asian syndrome. Ivy League attendance=intelligence and happiness. Part of the problem is that so many Asians (especially the ones from abroad) have only heard of the “brand” schools presented. All the kids have to be doctors and go to the Ivies. Also, the typical Asian parent does the guilt thing to motivate the kid. The bar of perfection and expectations is raised so high that the kid has no idea who s/he really is as a person. The training begins as early as elementary school. The rigor and strictness of some Asian families is unbelievable. However, they do know how to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. It’s just that their definition of success is rather narrow, but equations of success with $ is pretty frequent no matter what your ethnic background. </p>
<p>I have no doubt your parent cares deeply for you, but it’s time for you to put some of your own definitions into play. I think you are intelligent enough to look around you and live in the present and not go by the mantras your parent has led you to believe about your self image.</p>
<p>I know. I am Asian and my parents’ generation was old school. I have tried very hard to raise my daughter with the freedom of choice, yet to strive to the best of her ability. Laying your entire lifetime outcome upon a college acceptance is too onerous a burden to carry into young adulthood. There’s enough stressors to deal with besides branding. Predictors of success are working hard to the best of your potential and not basing it on only one thing as a guarantee.</p>