This is as fascinating as it is disturbing. Props to Ma for tapping into an excellent market.
I knew someone in high school (Asian) that was the product her parents' obsession with a prestigious education. It was extremely difficult on her. Perfect grades and ACT, yet was rejected from MIT. Ended up at Princeton (gasp!). Her parents were incredibly disappointed. From what I've heard, she seems to be doing well on her own.
My dad (2nd generation Korean) had the same sort of childhood. He always told me I was lucky to spend my summers at camp because he spent his summers as a kid working through the next year's math textbook.
Alternatively, my group of friends in high school all picked good colleges based on personal fit, rather than prestige, despite having exceptional grades and test scores and extracurriculars to boot. Most of us didn't even consider Ivys and didn't have much external pressure from parents in terms of grades or college decisions. I do not envy those that did. I feel that those whose motivation to succeed comes from external pressure rather than internal drive are bound to have a life-crisis one day when they realize that they spent their life working to please others rather than pursue their own dreams.
I knew someone in high school (Asian) that was the product her parents' obsession with a prestigious education. It was extremely difficult on her. Perfect grades and ACT, yet was rejected from MIT. Ended up at Princeton (gasp!). Her parents were incredibly disappointed. From what I've heard, she seems to be doing well on her own.
My dad (2nd generation Korean) had the same sort of childhood. He always told me I was lucky to spend my summers at camp because he spent his summers as a kid working through the next year's math textbook.
Alternatively, my group of friends in high school all picked good colleges based on personal fit, rather than prestige, despite having exceptional grades and test scores and extracurriculars to boot. Most of us didn't even consider Ivys and didn't have much external pressure from parents in terms of grades or college decisions. I do not envy those that did. I feel that those whose motivation to succeed comes from external pressure rather than internal drive are bound to have a life-crisis one day when they realize that they spent their life working to please others rather than pursue their own dreams.