<p>It's hard to categorize Berkeley, because it is stat-driven overall, primarily. However, given its public mission, it has what it calls "comprehensive" review. Huge points in one area (such as overcoming a challenge, or accomplishing some achievement on an international scale) can compensate for a less spectacular test score. </p>
<p>Also, the formula even for grades & scores is somewhat different than for the privates. The privates evaluate scores as units, and in relation to GPA, whereas UC uses a cumulative point system. There's literally a chart. If you have a ___GPA, you do not need as high of a <em>combined</em> total of SAT's (I and II, by the way). You get to add your SAT's I's and II's all together, along with your GPA, and determine if you meet "eligibility."</p>
<p>Back to privates & the discussion among others about particular e.c.'s:
As to the violin thing, if it's the only strong e.c. area, it might be of less weight. However, if a student has accomplished about equally in a different performing art <em>as</em> on the violin, then that's considered impressive -- to be able to excel in 2 arts disciplines requiring enormous commitment, while maintaining exceptional academics.</p>
<p>I agree with the earlier point that one way to prevent bias (whether unconscious or not) would be to recruit more Asian-Americans as admissions officers. In "The Gatekeepers", one point that stuck with me was the author's mentioning of an Asian-American admissions officer who helped steer the other officers from stereotyping Asian applicants. Just as admissions offices have recruited black and Hispanic admissions officers to encourage diversity and prevent discrimination, it would be nice to see more Asian Americans playing the role of gatekeeper.</p>
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I wonder...what would the SAT ranges be without the stellar scores of Asian students? Of the perfect SATscores, what percentage are Asian?
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<p>The answer is simple: it is a LOT smaller than one might think. Perfect scores require perfect scores in English and Writing. A few years ago, the percentage of Asians test takers scoring a perfect score was about 3%, or about 4,000 students per year. A number that is substantially lower than that of white test takers.</p>
<p>Does anybody know if there are cases of alleged discrimination in schools that are not fetishized by Asian parents? I'm thinking of small LACs and Southern schools. I'm thinking that Asians could kill two birds with one stone by applying to schools with sparse Asian populations. They would not only diversify previously homogeneous campuses, but they'd also de-saturate HYPS admissions from Asian influx.</p>