Culture essay question. Feels like a trap

[Anonymous]

I don’t think these schools want to hear about Asian culture, including Indian.

I don’t think they want to hear about middle eastern/North African.

I don’t think they want to hear about any Caribbean culture.

I think they’re only looking for (American) Black, Hispanic, indigenous, and rural, and first gen (but only if no specified ethnicity or one of the above).

The whole thing feels like a trap w college still stuck with their own implicit bias or not so implicit box checking.

Am I wrong? Wouldn’t you advise a kid with strong ties to, say, Egypt or China to pick a “culture” (club, neighborhood etc) that isn’t so impacted in this process?

[Anonymous]

You don't have to talk about race, religion, socioeconomic class or anything else that the school shouldn't be using to make a decision.

[Anonymous]

Usually, culture prompts need not be confined to the culture of ethnicity. Think outside the box a bit, such the culture of a certain activity/club/sport that is meaningful to the student.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think these schools want to hear about Asian culture, including Indian.

I don’t think they want to hear about middle eastern/North African.

I don’t think they want to hear about any Caribbean culture.

I think they’re only looking for (American) Black, Hispanic, indigenous, and rural, and first gen (but only if no specified ethnicity or one of the above).

The whole thing feels like a trap w college still stuck with their own implicit bias or not so implicit box checking.

Am I wrong? Wouldn’t you advise a kid with strong ties to, say, Egypt or China to pick a “culture” (club, neighborhood etc) that isn’t so impacted in this process?

I mean you sound like a paranoid loon. Listen to yourself. And then seek psychiatric help.

[Anonymous]

It’s obviously giving students an opportunity to talk about things that can give them a leg up in admissions without engaging in affirmative action.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s obviously giving students an opportunity to talk about things that can give them a leg up in admissions without engaging in affirmative action.

And that's OK. Desirable, even. These schools want diverse cohorts.

[Anonymous]

DS wrote about the culture at the pool, where he worked with other lifeguards he just met, the first summer of Covid. At a T25.

[Anonymous]

Let’s say your child is part of a the Korean Club and that’s a big part of who he is and is passionate about it.

Just write about it anyway. It can’t be worse that the trite high school sports essay.

[Anonymous]

At some point you need to stop worrying about trying to game the college admissions process to the nth degree.

Just put forth your kid's genuine, best life. Say a prayer and hope for the best.

The kids i know who got into elite schools last year were genuinely elite people in many dimensions. Their acceptances did not hinge on one aspect of their application.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS wrote about the culture at the pool, where he worked with other lifeguards he just met, the first summer of Covid. At a T25.

This sounds great.

[Anonymous]

This question was added after John Roberts said specifically this is how race could be brought up in an application.

But yes, colleges still are only looking for URM. Not Asian etc.

So if you’re white or Asian, etc, write about the pool or the gym or the neighborhood skate park.

But if you’re in a racial group they want, this is where you add it

[Anonymous]

Students could also write about the culture at their place of employment or high school.

[Anonymous]

Even if my kids main activity was the Korean club, I’d advise them to write about the culture of your apartment building or block or whatever.

Don’t add anything that doesn’t help you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS wrote about the culture at the pool, where he worked with other lifeguards he just met, the first summer of Covid. At a T25.

+1. I think schools are looking for outside the box thinking OP. And it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Everyone has different “advantages.” I rather a an AO move a kid to a pile of yes bc of solid essay/overcoming an obstacle vs bc of legacy.

[Anonymous]

I think everyone understands the question can be about other things, like job. It’s stated pretty explicitly. The question is does it help or hurt to write about your Asian culture here. I’d like to know too