Do Elite Boarding Schools Like Andover and Exeter Show Bias Against Asian Students?

I seriously doubt it. Before attending Exeter, I was often the only Asian student at my school. Sometimes, teachers would mistake my name for the other students, reflecting the rarity of Asian faces. However, upon arriving at Exeter, I met a diverse group of Asian students from various backgrounds who had come from around the world. I didn't encounter much discrimination from students or teachers, which suggests that while there may have been initial culture shocks or misunderstandings, the school culture remains inclusive and welcoming.

Admissions Policies and Privileges

It is true that elite boarding schools like Andover and Exeter have admissions policies that sometimes favor children of alumni and generous donors. This practice is often referred to as legacy or donor preference, and it can skew the pool of applicants to include those with familial or financial ties to the institution. Unfortunately, these circles tend not to include many Asian families, as is the case with many wealthy and influential families in America.

Is it discrimination against Asian students? Not necessarily. It is more a reflection of a system that values relationships and financial contributions, which do not always align with the typical backgrounds of Asian students. In America, where economic and social access is often tied to socioeconomic status and family networks, this dynamic perpetuates existing social hierarchies.

Importance of Extracurricular Participation

Many private schools, including Andover and Exeter, have a cultural expectation for their students to participate in athletics during each of the three seasons: fall, winter, and spring. This involvement is not just a matter of personal interest or skill but a requirement for admission. Extra-curricular activities, particularly sports, are seen as a cornerstone of the school experience, fostering teamwork, leadership, and school pride.

Students who do not align with this expected athletic participation are often overlooked, regardless of their academic abilities. For example, a student with exceptional piano or violin skills might be deemed too specialized if they do not fit within the expected athletic framework. Similarly, a chess prodigy like my neighbor who lacked the necessary athletic credentials to meet the school's expectations might miss out on admission despite his evident talent.

The Cultural Divide

The competition between schools like Andover and Exeter is often manifested in athletic contests, just as the rivalry between Harvard and Yale is symbolized by their academic and athletic achievements. These competitions reflect the cultural expectations and the value placed on these extracurricular activities within the school community.

The lack of representation of Asian students in these elite schools is often attributed to a combination of socio-economic factors and cultural expectations. The predominance of white, affluent families in these schools contributes to the perception that Asian students have less of a chance to be admitted. However, this is not an issue confined to Asian students but a broader reflection of systemic biases within the American education system.

In conclusion, while schools like Andover and Exeter do not show bias against Asian students, their admissions processes and cultural expectations do play a role in limiting their accessibility. This underscores the need for more diverse representation and a reevaluation of the criteria used in the admissions process to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to succeed.

By tackling the underlying social and cultural factors, these elite boarding schools can work towards a more inclusive and fair admissions process, ensuring that talent and potential are not overshadowed by socio-economic background or cultural expectations.