The problem with these high performing asian countries is that the kids grow up in a society where rigid, regimented views are imposed upon them. Getting good grades has been emphasized to an unhealthy degree.
Go to school. Go for private tuition classes. Get straight As. Participate in some extracurricular activity so that it'll balance your CV/application. That's the ideal. The competition is crazy.
The problem is that these societies are a lot less organic and any deviation from the accepted norm is very likely to considered a failure. Encouraging individuality and nurturing children to be better, all-rounded people are what's lacking in these countries.
