Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:High-achieving Asian-American applicants who play a musical instrument and want to concentrate in a STEM field are a dime a dozen. Kids who fit that profile are competing against one another, and only the ones who are true outliers or offer something else distinctive will gain admission. Harvard offers a liberal arts curriculum at the UG level and consequently looks for an array of disciplinary interests and talents. They are looks for future award-winning anthropologists, authors, artists and history scholars as much as for future doctors and engineers. Statistically, the pool for each of the former categories is less deep.

Right. Many on this thread are not acknowledging the key point that Harvard's interest in diversity pertains to many areas, including field of study. There are only so many STEM kids Harvard will admit. My guess is that any quotas have just as much, or more, to do with this as with race or ethnicity.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not Asian but grew up in a neighborhood with lots of rich asians and had tons of asians work for me over the years. I have been to asia a few times for work.

They really study hard and even their hobbies are work. Piano, Photography, Violin etc. Skilled level, hours and hours and hours of study and thousands in cost.

While I was in Asia at a business meeting my boss almost killed me when I was asked what my hobbies were and I said I like going to football games and, I enjoy going to parks and beaches with my kids.

He was like you need hobbies that impress. You should talk about Art, Opera, Science etc. I was like how about I like fast cars, rock concerts and chicken wings. No does not work that way.

Even going to a restaurant was an ordeal with where to sit, who orders, explanations of food. I am like hey lets grab a burger and beer.

There are definitely cultural differences in values, which may be part of the disconnect in this situation. As a strong academic institution, one would assume Harvard is all about high test scores. But it values different things as well, which may not be understood in a culture that may have different values.

These are classes differences not cultural ones.

Perhaps. In what sense do you think that is true?

Art, opera, and fine dining are generally considered upper class activities in both the West and Asia. There are plenty of Americans who think it's important to have "impressive" hobbies and would similarly look down on sports and casual foods. (Also, did the pp go to a restaurant in Asia and the locals felt that they had to explain the cuisine to him? Or did they go to a fine dining restaurant where dining etiquette is more formal? In that case, he would have the same problem in the US. )

There are also plenty of Asians who are into sports (soccer), popular music, and would happily eat at a night market or street food place. Sports, pop music, street food are all thriving industries in Asia. That wouldn't be possible if millions of Asians didn't support these industries.

Anonymous wrote:High-achieving Asian-American applicants who play a musical instrument and want to concentrate in a STEM field are a dime a dozen. Kids who fit that profile are competing against one another, and only the ones who are true outliers or offer something else distinctive will gain admission. Harvard offers a liberal arts curriculum at the UG level and consequently looks for an array of disciplinary interests and talents. They are looks for future award-winning anthropologists, authors, artists and history scholars as much as for future doctors and engineers. Statistically, the pool for each of the former categories is less deep.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not Asian but grew up in a neighborhood with lots of rich asians and had tons of asians work for me over the years. I have been to asia a few times for work.

They really study hard and even their hobbies are work. Piano, Photography, Violin etc. Skilled level, hours and hours and hours of study and thousands in cost.

While I was in Asia at a business meeting my boss almost killed me when I was asked what my hobbies were and I said I like going to football games and, I enjoy going to parks and beaches with my kids.

He was like you need hobbies that impress. You should talk about Art, Opera, Science etc. I was like how about I like fast cars, rock concerts and chicken wings. No does not work that way.

Even going to a restaurant was an ordeal with where to sit, who orders, explanations of food. I am like hey lets grab a burger and beer.

There are definitely cultural differences in values, which may be part of the disconnect in this situation. As a strong academic institution, one would assume Harvard is all about high test scores. But it values different things as well, which may not be understood in a culture that may have different values.

These are classes differences not cultural ones.

Perhaps. In what sense do you think that is true?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wonder if you people who think tutoring and prepping are bad are also the ones who tout how their schools have a high GPA/SAT score.

It isn't bad. It just isn't distinctive or impressive in any way, and only brings yawns at Harvard.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not Asian but grew up in a neighborhood with lots of rich asians and had tons of asians work for me over the years. I have been to asia a few times for work.

They really study hard and even their hobbies are work. Piano, Photography, Violin etc. Skilled level, hours and hours and hours of study and thousands in cost.

While I was in Asia at a business meeting my boss almost killed me when I was asked what my hobbies were and I said I like going to football games and, I enjoy going to parks and beaches with my kids.

He was like you need hobbies that impress. You should talk about Art, Opera, Science etc. I was like how about I like fast cars, rock concerts and chicken wings. No does not work that way.

Even going to a restaurant was an ordeal with where to sit, who orders, explanations of food. I am like hey lets grab a burger and beer.

There are definitely cultural differences in values, which may be part of the disconnect in this situation. As a strong academic institution, one would assume Harvard is all about high test scores. But it values different things as well, which may not be understood in a culture that may have different values.

These are classes differences not cultural ones.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not Asian but grew up in a neighborhood with lots of rich asians and had tons of asians work for me over the years. I have been to asia a few times for work.

They really study hard and even their hobbies are work. Piano, Photography, Violin etc. Skilled level, hours and hours and hours of study and thousands in cost.

While I was in Asia at a business meeting my boss almost killed me when I was asked what my hobbies were and I said I like going to football games and, I enjoy going to parks and beaches with my kids.

He was like you need hobbies that impress. You should talk about Art, Opera, Science etc. I was like how about I like fast cars, rock concerts and chicken wings. No does not work that way.

Even going to a restaurant was an ordeal with where to sit, who orders, explanations of food. I am like hey lets grab a burger and beer.

There are definitely cultural differences in values, which may be part of the disconnect in this situation. As a strong academic institution, one would assume Harvard is all about high test scores. But it values different things as well, which may not be understood in a culture that may have different values.

These are classes differences not cultural ones.

Perhaps. In what sense do you think that is true?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not Asian but grew up in a neighborhood with lots of rich asians and had tons of asians work for me over the years. I have been to asia a few times for work.

They really study hard and even their hobbies are work. Piano, Photography, Violin etc. Skilled level, hours and hours and hours of study and thousands in cost.

While I was in Asia at a business meeting my boss almost killed me when I was asked what my hobbies were and I said I like going to football games and, I enjoy going to parks and beaches with my kids.

He was like you need hobbies that impress. You should talk about Art, Opera, Science etc. I was like how about I like fast cars, rock concerts and chicken wings. No does not work that way.

Even going to a restaurant was an ordeal with where to sit, who orders, explanations of food. I am like hey lets grab a burger and beer.

There are definitely cultural differences in values, which may be part of the disconnect in this situation. As a strong academic institution, one would assume Harvard is all about high test scores. But it values different things as well, which may not be understood in a culture that may have different values.

These are classes differences not cultural ones.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not Asian but grew up in a neighborhood with lots of rich asians and had tons of asians work for me over the years. I have been to asia a few times for work.

They really study hard and even their hobbies are work. Piano, Photography, Violin etc. Skilled level, hours and hours and hours of study and thousands in cost.

While I was in Asia at a business meeting my boss almost killed me when I was asked what my hobbies were and I said I like going to football games and, I enjoy going to parks and beaches with my kids.

He was like you need hobbies that impress. You should talk about Art, Opera, Science etc. I was like how about I like fast cars, rock concerts and chicken wings. No does not work that way.

Even going to a restaurant was an ordeal with where to sit, who orders, explanations of food. I am like hey lets grab a burger and beer.

There are definitely cultural differences in values, which may be part of the disconnect in this situation. As a strong academic institution, one would assume Harvard is all about high test scores. But it values different things as well, which may not be understood in a culture that may have different values.

Anonymous wrote:I wonder if you people who think tutoring and prepping are bad are also the ones who tout how their schools have a high GPA/SAT score.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:low personality scores? That's gotta be one of the most racist factors, ever. Yet, somehow it's OK to tolerate this-- Asians are the victims of discrimination the same way Catholics are bashed on this site. Not acceptable. I'm not Asian.

Personality scores are determined through the interview. That's why students are interviewed. I think it's a fair metric. You can't just go by test scores to admit an entire class. Life is based on personal interaction...not a number.

Appears that the interview scores are higher than what admissions used,so not personal interaction at all. These are kids that will be successful anyway, but, the racial markdown is not at all OK.

The personality score is based on recommendations, essays, and interviews. The interviews are the lowest weighted part. There is no evidence of a racial markdown, just that on average, Asian-Americans had lower scores. And averages tell you nothing about individuals. Asian-Americans as a group had higher extracurricular scores exclusively because they were more likely to participate in math/science clubs and playing musical instruments -- they were less likely to participate in everything else. These aren't activities that give opportunity to demonstrate leadership, empathy, and the other traits the personality score is trying to capture.

Damn what a fantastic analysis. Lets do this for Blacks

There is no evidence of a racial discrimination, just that on average, Blacks tend to commit more crimes. And averages tell you nothing about individuals. Blacks as a group had higher participation in crimes because they were more likely to value gangsterism-- they were less likely to participate in everything else like education. These aren't activities that give opportunity to demonstrate good citizenship, empathy, and the other traits that upright individuals possess.

Anonymous wrote:I wonder if you people who think tutoring and prepping are bad are also the ones who tout how their schools have a high GPA/SAT score.

Anonymous wrote:I am not Asian but grew up in a neighborhood with lots of rich asians and had tons of asians work for me over the years. I have been to asia a few times for work.

They really study hard and even their hobbies are work. Piano, Photography, Violin etc. Skilled level, hours and hours and hours of study and thousands in cost.

While I was in Asia at a business meeting my boss almost killed me when I was asked what my hobbies were and I said I like going to football games and, I enjoy going to parks and beaches with my kids.

He was like you need hobbies that impress. You should talk about Art, Opera, Science etc. I was like how about I like fast cars, rock concerts and chicken wings. No does not work that way.

Even going to a restaurant was an ordeal with where to sit, who orders, explanations of food. I am like hey lets grab a burger and beer.