Academia and the Model Minority

Compared to other ethnic minority groups in the United States, data has shown Asian Americans to be most successful. Based on research findings and statistics, Asians are often described as the “model minority” characterized as economically prosperous, educated, and hard working.

Educationally, Asian Americans outperform other ethnic groups with remarkable statistics: 49% have a bachelor’s degree compared with 28% of the general population in the U.S.. Asian Americans comprise of 5.6% of the population, but receive 25-30% of all National Merit Scholarships, and their membership makes up than 30% of recent American math and physics Olympiad teams and Presidential Scholars.

In New York City, Asians comprise of 13% of the population but among the most selective public high schools, such as Bronx High School of Science and Stuyvesant High School, 60% and 75%, respectively, of the number of students who were offered admission in the 2013 school year were Asian American.

In recent years, there has also been an increase in immigrants from Asia, which will likely increase the disparity between Asians and other ethnic minority groups. Recent immigrants are even outperforming their predecessors: 61% of recent immigrants from Asia hold a bachelor’s degree, compared with 30% of non-Asian immigrants.

Based on several studies, higher achievement rates among Asian Americans can be contributed to “ethnic capital” or the notion that an individual who belongs to a larger community that encourages the pursuit of education will also value education; the higher likelihood that Asian parents spend at least 20 minutes each day helping children on their studies; and the prevalent view throughout the community that a grade of A- equates to an “Asian F.’”

As a result of these pressures and the emphasis on hard work, many Asian Americans do earn a seat at the most selective universities. However, based on their high academic performance and their extracurricular involvements, the acceptance rates are lower than expected.

Today, Asian Americans are facing more discrimination than ever, especially in the domain of academics. Recently, lawsuits have been filed against Harvard University and the University of North Carolina for alleged racial discrimination charges, although the claims have been rejected. In May of 2015, a collection of 64 Asian-American organizations filed another complaint to the Department of Education against Harvard University for alleged racial discrimination during the college admissions process.

Despite successes, the debate about affirmative action is still ongoing among minority communities. Top tiered universities may lean more towards accepting African American and Hispanic students with lower test scores due to their history of being socially disadvantage. After considering top athletes, students from politically well-connected families, and students from privileged backgrounds whose families are likely to donate generously to the college, there is limited room for students who are simply high achieving.

Currently, the court has taken the stance that colleges, when considering student admissions and acceptance, may take race into consideration, but racial quotas are not permitted. In response to the racial discrimination allegations, Harvard defends using race as criteria in the admissions process. However, they deny using racial quota and define their admissions process as a holistic approach in which many aspects of the application are considered, in addition to standardized test scores. In regards to college admissions and the current lawsuits against prominent universities, Asian Americans are taking on a more assertive stance when it comes to equity in academia.

This topic continues to drive controversial conversations and while everyone is entitled to their opinion, we are glad that there is a social space for families and administrations to dialogue over this issue. Ultimately, we hope and wish that all students who want to learn will have access to a college that is the right fit. Working hard and maintaining integrity each step of the way will bode success – that we are confident about and we will continue to do what we can at Mill Creek Academy to provide enrichment courses and preparation to students who are in need of our assistance.

Data gathered from http://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21669595-asian-americans-are-united-states-most-successful-minority-they-are-complaining-ever?frsc=dg|c