<p>Would William and Mary give admission preference for an asian male born in the US? Statistically, my son may be on the bubble because he does not test that well, but his academic record, recs, ECs, etc will be good. Plus he is not a Virginia resident.</p>
<p>When my older son considered applying to an ivy, we were told that he would have been disadvantaged because of the extremely high representation of asians at the school already (20+%). He ultimately only applied to and is attending Wesleyan which is extremely diverse. William and Mary appears to have a somewhat low asian population.</p>
<p>The lack of racial diversity does not concern him....in fact, he has commented that he wants to go to a college with "less asians" because he has had to work so hard to keep up with his very studious asian classmates in high school! somewhat disappointing to hear as a parent, but very self aware on his part!</p>
<p>We are also considering Wake Forest and Richmond too.</p>
<p>I don't know about an Asian hook at W&M, but OOS students are held to almost an Ivy League admissions standard. There are OOS kids reporting rejections the last few years with 2200+ SAT and 3.8 UW GPA. </p>
<p>It would be a real longshot OOS with average test scores. It's worth a try but don't get your hopes up and keep looking for matches.</p>
<p>Non-Virginia resident is a HUGE disadvantage at W&M.</p>
<p>This roundup of diversity figures from the class of 2011 mentions the number of Asians who were admitted. So I'm thinking being Asian is probably a help. Being male is also on his side. If he loves the school, it doesn't hurt to apply.</p>
<p>William and Mary might have a low Italian and Irish population too..................To answer your question, NO!!! Your son should not get any preferential treatment because he was born in American just like me. I'm offended by your question. Why should he? Are there particular struggles he has had because of his ethnicity? Doubtful. </p>
<p>pedsox, that was way too harsh and misdirected. Her question speaks more to the aspects of social engineering, in which, colleges freely engage. It has nothing to do with seeking preferential treatment where you are concerned. Like it or not, admissions decisions are influenced by the make up of the existing student body. If the school has a high percentage of Asians it will be tougher for other Asians to get in. If they only have a small handful it might be easier. It's that simple.</p>
<p>Pedsox, the OP's question wasn't should her son get preferential treatment, but would he. I understand your bittnerness towards the issue, but if anyone is to blame, it's the people behind college admissions... not the applicants themselves.</p>
<p>Try liberal arts colleges who traditionally have a harder time attracting Asians and males (seems you are aware of this phenomenon though). Middlebury comes to mind. Colby, Bowdoin, Bates, Vassar perhaps?</p>
<p>If he is a qualified student he should at least apply. but in you essay it might not hurt to write about what diversity (be specific) you can bring to the campus- it doesn't have to even focus on being Asian. I wrote my essay on my work in Amnesty International and my optional essay focused on my job teaching tennis as a counselor, so make yourself shine in your essay!</p>