<p>well, i think it's more because among the asian applicants as a whole (esp. korea for some reason), there is a higher average test score, as opposed to other specific sub groups, such as the impoverished (lack the means, time, energy to focus on academics, as well as, in general, a lack of motivation to do so, since intellectual/cultured/educated/professional role models may not be around) and those who focus on activities other than academics, eg, a football player whose main focus is football, while calculus and vocab are secondary.</p>
<p>so, you're competing against people from your own culture (not exclusively based on race, imo). With the mean scores at these schools being 92-94, asians, innnnnn generalllllll, will have scored higher. I would say above 95 is ideal for an unhooked candidate (asian is sort of like an anti-hook, as is being white and upper middle class.. you need something to set you apart, from, again, your own culture/subgroup/crop). </p>
<p>if you get a 98 or a 99, this is impressive to top schools.. no matter how many they get each year. it shows them that you knew the material so well that you got very few wrong. it shows that you are advanced, that grade-level work is a piece of cake, and thus you're ready for more advanced stuff. it's almost like you've significantly surpassed the norm and you're more than prepared for the academics that come next.</p>
<p>given, studying would alter that truth^^^, but it still shows that you have.. somewhat.. mastered what you've learned thus far.</p>
<p>i'm white, got a 98, and i got into exeter as an upper.</p>