Really quick question

Colleges & Universities Brown University
1

<p>So everyone has little interesting quirks about them, I’m wondering about the following two and whether it would be advantageous to mention them in an interview or if it’ll just make me sound stupid:</p>

<li><p>my school is the 12th one I’ve been to - I’ve moved around a lot. I’m a naturally shy person but being in so many schools has really helped with that.</p></li>
<li><p>I’m grew up in China, and I notice that a lot of Asians tend to be stellar in math and sciences and not even interested in literature, history and learning second languages. I’m not like that at all. I do IB and my higher levels (for those of you who don’t know IB - HL classes are 1.5 times the course hours, 1 extra exam and a TON more homework) are English A1, history, visual arts, and I love learning languages. That said, my marks in math and sciences are just as good, it’s just that I’m more interested in humanities.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>So should I mention any of these things? </p>

<p>Thanks in advance - I’ve only got one interview left so I really want to make it count.</p>

2

<p>i wouldn’t say WOW i’m an asian who likes humanities because it plays into stereotypes. </p>

<p>the school thing is interesting, if you can phrase it in an articulate way into how you’ve been shaped as a person and student</p>

<p>but know that interviews totally don’t matter. these are things for your application, because that the adcom actually sees</p>

3

<p>“I notice that a lot of Asians tend to be stellar in math and sciences and not even interested in literature…”</p>

<p>^Yeah, I agree that that is just a stereotype. Though, of course, it may seem to be more so in China. I am Asian and I am really horrible in math and sciences. Yet, I am good in english and whatnot. </p>

<p>So yeah, I know I’m not the only person like that. I am pretty sure it is not so unique…</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the reponses guys.</p>

<p>Sorry if I sound like I’m propelling stereotypes - in my school, all the Chinese students are boarding students and Chinese citizens (like me), but iterally I’m the only Asian person in my Higher Level History and English classes. I guess I’m looking at a skewed sample here, and that it’s not the same in the US?</p>

5

<p>These are both really interesting points, however I agree that the first will be a more compelling topic. Talk about how moving around so much has really shaped you into a stronger, more interesting person. This will definitely be a plus on your application, especially if you can talk articulately about your situation. As for the math vs. humanities thing, it’s certainly good to emphasize your love of humanities, but I wouldn’t set it up in a way that sounds too “defying stereotypes”, because stereotypes are just that-stereotypes. </p>

<p>Good Luck! :)</p>