<p>^ I agree with Canuckguy that it sure worked to Jian’s favor, though who knows the intentions of another.</p>
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<p>^Well I agree. Unless perhaps one could argue it only correlates with Asians and not another ethnic group. Are there other groupings of applicants that appear to compete with themselves by having such similar profiles? I dunno. </p>
<p>This might be a downside of belonging to any group of applicants that share such similar and specific cultural (parent-driven) norms about what are considered acceptable aptitudes, courses, and ECs. An Asian child is more likely to have their parents decide they do math and chess in the summer; a non-Asian kid is more likely to pick their own summer activities, like circus camp or soccer. An Asian kid is more likely to learn piano or violin or cello, intensely; a non-Asian kid is more likely to pick up guitar, tuba or cheerleading instead.</p>
<p>I know tons of Asian kids that don’t fit a stereotype (whatever that is, eg. classical instrument, math, chess, Model UN, volunteer at hospital, no sports). But those that DO fit such a stereotype (of maybe any ethnicity?), might be statistically disadvantaged.</p>