Report Debunks Stereotype of Asian Americans as 'Model Minority'

A new report on Asian Americans and higher education dispenses with the common stereotype that they are a single, homogeneous "model minority" and points out the dangers of educational policies based on such false premises. In fact, the umbrella terms Asian American and Pacific Islander, used by the U.S. Census, cover a very diverse population – some 48 different ethnic groups.

The study, based on census and federal education data, immigration statistics and College Board scores, comes from the National Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander Research in Education (CARE), which is a collaboration between New York University, the College Board and Asian American community leaders and educators. Like other demographic groups in America, SAT scores of Asian Americans correlate with the income level and education of their parents, with immigration histories another major factor. Despite the common myth that Asian Americans excel in the areas of science, math and technology, the most common degrees awarded were for business and management. The report also points out that higher education statistics often combine international students from Asian countries with Asian Americans.

Our own study, Life After High School, examines the aspirations and decisions of young adults aged 18 to 25. We found that young Americans across all races greatly recognize the value of a college education. Seven in ten Asian Americans said that in their circle of friends, graduating from college is "something routine and expected," compared to just 41 percent of Hispanics and 46 percent of blacks. Eighty-six percent of Asian Amerians said their parents "strongly expected them to go to college," well above the percentage of whites and other minorities who said so. Looking ahead to the future, most in minority groups, including Asian Americans (75 percent), said they will be financially better off than their parents. Just 57 percent of whites thought so.