Why Ivy leagues have an Indian problem?

In a recent interview, Malcolm Gladwell, the author of The Tipping Point, highlighted the troubling issue of bias against Asian-American and Indian students within Ivy League admissions, particularly at Harvard, as per a TOI report.

While discussing his latest book, Revenge of the Tipping Point, Gladwell criticised Harvard's admission practices, pointing out what he termed a "bias towards affluent white students."

He contrasted Harvard's admissions process with that of Caltech, which follows a merit-based approach. He noted that the percentage of Asian-American students at Caltech increased notably from 25% to 43% between 1992 and 2013.


In contrast, Harvard's percentage remained between 15-20%, a difference he attributed to legacy admissions, donations, and athletic scholarships. Additionally, Gladwell remarked that Indian applicants would face even greater challenges in gaining admission to Ivy League schools.

Gladwell's stance underscores a broader societal debate, brought to the fore by a landmark decision from the US Supreme Court, which ruled on the controversial topic of affirmative action that many Asian-Americans felt was targeting them.

In June 2023, the US Supreme Court delivered a significant decision regarding affirmative action in higher education, concluding that race-conscious admissions programmes at Harvard and the University of North Carolina (UNC) violated the Equal Protection Clause. This decision essentially ended the decades-long practice of using racial preferences in university admissions, arguing that such practices perpetuated racial stereotyping and failed to serve a meaningful purpose.

Although the ruling was a victory for those advocating for a merit-based admissions process, it sparked fierce debate. Many advocacy groups had lobbied in favour of racial preferences, despite polls indicating that most Americans opposed using race or ethnicity as a factor in college admissions. Notably, a striking 91.7% of Asian advocacy groups that submitted amicus briefs supported race-conscious admissions, despite polls suggesting that a significant majority of Asian-Americans, particularly those of Indian descent, opposed these policies.

Ivy League Bias

Asian-Americans, and particularly Indians, face unique challenges in Ivy League admissions. Many applicants from this demographic possess stellar academic records and exceptional extracurricular achievements, yet they are often overlooked in favour of less academically qualified candidates from other racial groups. This phenomenon isn't merely an oversight but an indication of a deeply ingrained bias against Asian and Indian applicants.

The bias stems partly from stereotyping. Admissions officers frequently view Asian applicants, including Indians, as lacking in "character" traits such as leadership or uniqueness. They are often stereotyped as studious, STEM-focused candidates, which leads admissions committees to penalise them for pursuing careers in medicine, engineering, or computer science—fields traditionally associated with Asian-Americans. This bias is further compounded by the perception that they are overrepresented in higher education.

How the bias works?

The Ivy League admissions process often assesses candidates holistically, considering factors like legacy status, athletic talent, and subjective attributes such as 'likability' and 'leadership.' However, this method tends to disadvantage Asian-Americans, particularly those of Indian heritage. Despite having higher grades and test scores, these applicants are often rated lower on 'personal' qualities—criteria that are subjective and susceptible to bias.

Asian-American candidates, including Indians, are often viewed as lacking 'leadership potential' or being 'uninteresting,' leading to lower qualitative evaluations. This form of systemic discrimination parallels the historical quotas that restricted Jewish students' admission to Ivy League schools in the early 20th century.

Gladwell’s comments were notable as an example of a non-partisan figure addressing merit in a way that might be labeled racist if said by someone on the political right. He asserted that "meritocracy is one of the most beautiful inventions of the 20th century – it is a foundation of a free society," and emphasized that true meritocracy cannot be achieved by marginalizing any group, which he deemed profoundly anti-American.

(With TOI inputs)

Want to study in the US? Know the Ivy League schools

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Established more than 270 years ago, is the fourth-oldest college in the country. Popular majors include social sciences, engineering, computer and information sciences, and public administration.

Established more than 270 years ago, is the fourth-oldest college in the country. Popular majors include social sciences, engineering, computer and information sciences, and public administration.

Founded in 1636, it is the oldest institution of higher education in the US. Harvard includes 13 schools and institutes, including top-ranked medical school and business school.

Founded in 1636, it is the oldest institution of higher education in the US. Harvard includes 13 schools and institutes, including top-ranked medical school and business school.

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Penn has the most international students of all the Ivy League schools: Of the undergraduate and graduate population, 12% of students are international and come from more than 100 countries.

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The university is made up of three undergraduate schools: Columbia College, the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the School of General Studies.

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