Documents made public by Buzzfeed through the Freedom of Information Act may give a boost to the argument that Asian Americans face discrimination in admissions.
The documents reveal comments made by admissions officers on applications to Princeton from Asian American applicants.
Common comments included “very familiar profiles,” “standard premeds,” or “difficult to pluck out.”
The documents were used by investigators looking into possible racial bias in the admissions process. The investigators ultimately concluded that Princeton did not discriminate on the basis of race.
Admission officers also made similar comments about applicants of other races as well. “Not many Native Americans with scores like this,” wrote one. “Very few African Americans with verbal scores like this.” wrote another. “Bi-racial but not [National Hispanic Recognition Program] and no recognition of her [background] in app by anyone.” commented another.
Students for Fair Admissions, which has filed numerous lawsuits against elite colleges over admissions, has gone to court to win the release of all documents.
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