@juillet I agree with a lot of your points. Almost every AA I know that wants to go into stem was driven into stem by family members or have family members who are doctors and such. Honestly as an AA woman I feel like I have to prove myself more than others so that they understand that I am capable excelling in the same courses they are taking. Many people hold AAs to lower standards and don’t expect much from them because stereotypes and the media gives them the impression that AAs aren’t as capable as other races. Even at my school some AAs (including myself) don’t tell others where they are accepted because some try to discredit their hard work by saying “they only got in because of _______” making them feel bad for aiming higher even if their stats are excellent and up to par with their school of interest.