A panel discussion with testing and college admissions experts Akil Bello, Marie Bigham, Suzi Nam, and Professor Janelle Wong, hosted by Signet’s Sheila Akbar.

As their children approach the college process, Asian families face a uniquely challenging question: does the model minority myth help or hurt their students in college applications?

Given the cases before the Supreme Court, the lack of transparency in the admissions process, and differing values around education, this discussion is overshadowed by strong opinions, confusion, and deliberate misinformation. On top of this, recent immigrants and first-generation applicants are particularly impacted by an unfamiliarity with the American way of getting into college, which–let’s just say it–is stressful and confusing for everyone, no matter their background.

Last February 16th, we had a free panel discussion with renowned experts on admissions reform, standardized testing, race-conscious admissions practices, and Asian American politics and shed light on key questions surrounding this issue and strategies for navigating the admissions process as an Asian applicant.