Bamboo Ceiling

Apparently, there are varying academic standards for entry into elite universities:

https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/2015/06/01/college-counselors-advise-some-asian-students-appear-less-asian/Ew7g4JiQMiqYNQlIwqEIuO/story.html

http://qz.com/406458/harvard-is-again-being-accused-of-discrimination-against-asian-americans/

There are only few American universities that have a truly meritocratic admissions system. Caltech is probably the best known – most science/engineering schools tend to focus primarily on academic qualifications in evaluating applicants.

https://www.registrar.caltech.edu/academics/enrollment