Re:90% of those who apply are probably from India. (Score 2, Interesting)

As a current PhD student (and an American studying in America), I learn with dozens of colleagues from abroad. Not necessarily 90%, but certainly close to 60%. (I'm also in humanities, so that may change the experience.) However, in watching the drive and the commitment that so many of these students have, I see a huge chasm between them and the American students. The American students often (though not always) have an aura of entitlement about them, while the internationals really fight to achieve. I think the biggest difference between emigrant students and domestics isn't ability, but willingness to see something through that requires that much diligence and commitment.