Chua's first book, self-praises her "tiger mom" success-above-all driven parenting style. She's a diehard mom who commingles high levels of expectations and demands of her children with parental investment and involvement. Chua's stark sermon of strict Chinese parenting sucker punches the Western mom's self-esteem building approach.
Since the book's 2011 release, Chua's eldest daughter is attending Harvard; and her youngest daughter is also Ivy-bound. How could admissions officers not reward an accomplished 17 year old musician who's played at Carnegie Hall?
In the college admissions game, is tiger mom parenting a good thing? Consider what a tiger mom could do for you:
Take Away College Choice
First, your tiger mom would only allow you to attend an Ivy League school. Her cub has to be among the best and brightest. By steering you towards Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, your focus on academics throughout high school will be tailored to performing at the level it takes to get into these schools. Make any grade less than an A and you can expect your tiger mom to say, "I love you, but you can't get into [insert Harvard, Yale, or Princeton] with grades like that", followed by a threat to burn your smartphone.
Forbid Involvement in Activities that Don't Highlight Your Talents
Next, your tiger mom would only allow you to join school activities that demonstrate exceptional, unique talent. Being in the school play, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, joining the Sierra Club, these activities are cliche and will not position you for the Ivy's. You'd be limited to an activity in the arts, provided that it's either playing the piano or violin. Choosing one or the other is not an option. You'd do both. And your tiger mom will demand you play every note until perfect - so perfect that you'd be invited to play at Carnegie Hall or guest lead the youth orchestra at Lincoln Center.
Remind You that Being Number 2 is for Losers
Your tiger mom is your biggest fan. She knows that you can be at the top and reminds you of this everyday. But remember: being at the top comes at the cost of your social life. There's no time for TV, playing computer games, or hanging out with friends. You'll spend most of your time studying for A performance in AP classes and practicing for recitals. If you're not on top at your high school, how do you expect to make the Ivy League's single digit admissions rate?
Although extreme, and likely damaging to your self-esteem, chances are good that if you do these things, you'll be poised for admission into an Ivy. What do you think? Are tiger cubs are more likely to be admitted to an Ivy League college?
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