Asian-Americans account for 5 percent of the population in the United States, but in Ivy League universities, 12 to 18 percent of the students are of Asian descent. According to a recent study from researchers at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and Queens College in New York, there is a reason why Asian-American children are more academically successful than their white classmates.

Asian-Americans account for 5 percent of the population in the United States, but in Ivy League universities,12 to 18 percent of the students are reportedly of Asian descent.

According to a recent study from researchers at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and Queens College, City University of New York, there is a reason why Asian-American children are more academically successful than their white classmates.

The results of the study were based on data taken from standardized test scores, teacher reports, and grade point averages, along with the socio-demographic and immigration information of approximately four thousand Caucasian students, and one thousand Asian-American students from kindergarten through high school.

While at a younger age the difference in academic performance is not significant, the discrepancies became most apparent around grade 10.

The researchers think that the difference has to do with work ethic more than socioeconomic status or cognitive ability.

The authors of the study wrote: “The results show that Asian Americans are less likely than whites to believe that ability is inborn, and more likely to believe that one can learn to be good at math.”

Asian-American students also reportedly spent more time and energy focused on academic pursuits, but also said they felt more pressure from their parents to be successful and excel academically.