Have you or your student interacted or met any AOs that are Asian?

[Anonymous]

My asian DS noted that he has never seen one single AO for any of schools he is vetting who is of asian descent. The vast majority are white women, but there are some men too and some (far fewer) Black and/or latino/latina. But zero asians work as AOs and read applications. I wonder if this unconsciously impacts the "holistic" application process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My asian DS noted that he has never seen one single AO for any of schools he is vetting who is of asian descent. The vast majority are white women, but there are some men too and some (far fewer) Black and/or latino/latina. But zero asians work as AOs and read applications. I wonder if this unconsciously impacts the "holistic" application process.

Tulane’s very visible AO (he was a top contender on Survivor a few years ago) is Asian. I think he is a director of admissions marketing or something now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My asian DS noted that he has never seen one single AO for any of schools he is vetting who is of asian descent. The vast majority are white women, but there are some men too and some (far fewer) Black and/or latino/latina. But zero asians work as AOs and read applications. I wonder if this unconsciously impacts the "holistic" application process.

I don't think there is a systemic exclusion of Asian AOs. Just took a look at the Admission Offices of several schools DC is interested in, yes there are Asian AOs. And it isn't true the vast majority are white moms, there are lots of men.

[Anonymous]

I have heard of 3 former/current AOs who are Asian, but like most things admissions-related, there seems to be fewer. The org I volunteer with to help FGLI students has Asians but no South Asians.

[Anonymous]

How many Asian parents here wish for their kids to become AOs?

[Anonymous]

Some Asian AOs are mix race with non-Asian last name, difficult to tell sometimes.

[Anonymous]

Duh they obviously did it on purpose to make capping the Asian admissions easier. This is especially true for elite colleges.

[Anonymous]

IMO the holistic process dings some Asians because American values are very different from Asian values.

I tried writing up a bit about my Asian student’s essays but even though I am Asian myself, I thought it could be perceived as racist. So I deleted it. I am more assimilated into American culture so can understand both cultures. All I will say is that this kid did not get into 50+ summer programs whose apps involved essays and with me telling her what to avoid, she was able to get into HYPSM. No editing — just advice.

Another Asian student refused to take my advice and ended up at state school despite having impressive stats. The essays really matter if you’re Asian.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:IMO the holistic process dings some Asians because American values are very different from Asian values.

I tried writing up a bit about my Asian student’s essays but even though I am Asian myself, I thought it could be perceived as racist. So I deleted it. I am more assimilated into American culture so can understand both cultures. All I will say is that this kid did not get into 50+ summer programs whose apps involved essays and with me telling her what to avoid, she was able to get into HYPSM. No editing — just advice.

Another Asian student refused to take my advice and ended up at state school despite having impressive stats. The essays really matter if you’re Asian.

What was your advice on the essays?

Responding to OP, I have not run into any AOs, but I don't find that remarkable since I know very few Asian Americans who work in college administration roles as a general matter. The head of admissions at Harvard Law back in the 90's and 00's was/is Asian American.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My asian DS noted that he has never seen one single AO for any of schools he is vetting who is of asian descent. The vast majority are white women, but there are some men too and some (far fewer) Black and/or latino/latina. But zero asians work as AOs and read applications. I wonder if this unconsciously impacts the "holistic" application process.

You have a bigger problem if your DS thinks that his limited observations account for the universe of AOs. I'm an alum of two Ivies, and both had Asian AOs on staff while I was in undergrad/grad. Teach your kid that his anecdotes are not data.

[Anonymous]

The former admission director at Amherst was Asian.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:IMO the holistic process dings some Asians because American values are very different from Asian values.

I tried writing up a bit about my Asian student’s essays but even though I am Asian myself, I thought it could be perceived as racist. So I deleted it. I am more assimilated into American culture so can understand both cultures. All I will say is that this kid did not get into 50+ summer programs whose apps involved essays and with me telling her what to avoid, she was able to get into HYPSM. No editing — just advice.

Another Asian student refused to take my advice and ended up at state school despite having impressive stats. The essays really matter if you’re Asian.

This kind of self-flagellation is pathetic. Reducing complex challenges in college admissions to some imagined flaw in “Asian self-reflection” is not only intellectually lazy, it’s self-hating drivel. You’re so eager to pander to what you think admissions officers want that you throw your own community under the bus. Ironically, while ranting about the need for “big-picture” thinking, you miss the actual big picture: systemic bias, performative diversity, and a process that punishes nuance unless it fits a narrow mold. If anyone’s embarrassing here, it’s you.

[Anonymous]

Yes, we have.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:IMO the holistic process dings some Asians because American values are very different from Asian values.

I tried writing up a bit about my Asian student’s essays but even though I am Asian myself, I thought it could be perceived as racist. So I deleted it. I am more assimilated into American culture so can understand both cultures. All I will say is that this kid did not get into 50+ summer programs whose apps involved essays and with me telling her what to avoid, she was able to get into HYPSM. No editing — just advice.

Another Asian student refused to take my advice and ended up at state school despite having impressive stats. The essays really matter if you’re Asian.

This kind of self-flagellation is pathetic. Reducing complex challenges in college admissions to some imagined flaw in “Asian self-reflection” is not only intellectually lazy, it’s self-hating drivel. You’re so eager to pander to what you think admissions officers want that you throw your own community under the bus. Ironically, while ranting about the need for “big-picture” thinking, you miss the actual big picture: systemic bias, performative diversity, and a process that punishes nuance unless it fits a narrow mold. If anyone’s embarrassing here, it’s you.

There is a term for this: internalized racism. Yes, one could be a racist against her own race.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How many Asian parents here wish for their kids to become AOs?

Exactly!