A sensitive subject, but a needed answer!

<p>Well... let's see. My dad's side of the family has a pretty heavy Native American background to it, specifically Cherokee. We were even given our last name on a reservation and all of that. Anyway, my dad's sister (my aunt) has recently inquired as to if we can register with the Cherokee nation. All the factors are pointing to yes, so if we succeed, I will be able to claim I'm a "Native American" on college applications and possibly for other things. The one problem is... I look like the whitest white girl you've ever seen. My question is this: I know that colleges most likely wouldn't question my native american status when applying because they most likely won't see my physical attributes, and if I am officially registered with the Nation then they can't contridict that.
I am a very good student with a 3.9 GPA, high test scores, and all AP classes. Would putting "Native American" on my applications give me this insane edge on getting into college, especially at more selective institutions? Right now I'm looking at Princeton, Northwestern, Notre Dame, and U.Va.</p>

<p>idk, do you identify yourself with the culture? have you identified yourself with it prior to college applications? if not, then you probably shouldn't put it down, because it's not the right way to get into college, but if you want to anyways, you technically have the right to. if you do identify yourself as native american, then by all means put it down.</p>

<p>yes it would and you should put down native american, looks dont matter</p>

<p>I know, thats the whole moral dilemma about the thing. The fact of the matter is my family just hasn't bothered with dealing with the whole geneology process until now, but I'm sure if it had been done sooner I would have gotten involved with the culture! It fascinates me.</p>

<p>then go for it</p>

<p>Colleges KNOW that due to the intermixing of cultures, many native americans look white. You only have to be one quarter Cherokee to join the nation right. The only problem is the moral dilemma. Are you going to fell wrong putting it down? Is it something you can live with? Putting it down is fine for colleges, but is it fine for you?</p>

<p>you shouldn't FEEL bad at all for putting it down........aren't you being honest about it?.......I think when they ask you for your race its not a question of which interest you more....its more a fact, and it is a fact that you're native american .</p>

<p>I should have put down Native American...after all I am a native of America. My ancestors have lived here for 300 years.</p>

<p>Haha, samp. :rolleyes:</p>

<p>saying you are Native American would give you a substantial edge and would clearly set you apart-not as much as if you had lived on a reservation and actually "struggled" to make it where you are (sorry, i obviously don't know enough about you so say that you did or didn't struggle but do you get what i'm trying to say?) now you jsut have the moral question...its your call</p>