<p>Can kids who have family that comes from South Africa (but are white) be considered African American for college apps?</p>
<p>Some people tell me it depends on where you were born
and some tell me it depends on your blood what you're considered</p>
<p>not sure. Good question though</p>
<p>I would say yes, because South Africa is Africa, and someone with African ancestry living in the United States is African-American. Otherwise you would get various shades of black and have to determine if someone was 'black enough' to be considered African American.</p>
<p>No. "African American" refers to students who are of black African heritage.</p>
<p>S has 2 friends who are white and were born in Africa, where their parents were working. They are still European-American -- white.</p>
<p>Here's the U.S. census definition of "African American," which is what I'm sure colleges use as they report their racial make-up: Black or African American. A person having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa. It includes people who indicate their race as "Black, African Am., or Negro," or provide written entries such as African American, Afro American, Kenyan, Nigerian, or Haitian.:</p>
<p>bobmallet,
Did you ever have to think about whether you or your kids are "African American" before you thought being so could be an advantage in college admissions? Did you have to ponder the question when filling out info for your doctor's records, etc.? I doubt it.</p>
<p>People who are African American don't suddenly realize their race when they or their kids are high school juniors or seniors.</p>
<p>Just curious, is this a real situation or a hypothetical question posed just to be grist for the mill of ethnic/racial questions here in America? Really?</p>
<p>The use of the designation "African American" primarily refers to descendants of Black African slaves living in the USA. There's bleed over from actual immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean which causes some shading but Afrikaans (white dutch) from S Africa or Brits from Zimbabwe or elsewhere are most likely not thought of by the users of this label.</p>
<p>Am I wrong to say that racial & ethnic identity should be the determinant versus geography? I'm not saying any of this is perfect. But I'm sorry: If I wanted an African American and "jans vanderhook" checked yes, I'd put him into the Internationals group and not under African American for determining admissions. Come on now.</p>
<p>^I think he was just curious T26E4</p>
<p>It doesn't matter if someone is not "black" heritage... Why isn't it called "black american" then? If a kid is from south africa, he is "african", and if he immigrates to the US. he is now considered african american...</p>
<p>bobmallet,
The racial designations are very fluid and have to do with national policies and perspectives. For instance, Brazil divides their population into about 12 racial groups. France includes people of various races, but keeps no national records about peoples' race.</p>
<p>Anyway, if the U.S. census defines African American as I posted that it does, that's the standard for the U.S. Sorry, but someone who is white from S. Africa and immigrates to the U.S. is not considered "African American" by our national standards.</p>
<p>bobmallet1</p>
<p>"If a kid is from south africa, he is "african", and if he immigrates to the US. he is now considered african american..."</p>
<p>Thats not the case because those who are not from Africa are still called African-American. It's all from your roots and heritage</p>
<p>Northstarmom I see where you're coming from</p>
<p>Put whatever you wish. But if your app gets rescinded don't come crying to anyone here.</p>
<p>I'm taking bets.... how many posts until this turns into an Affirmative Action argument.... Any takers?</p>
<p>What is the relationship between the student and their "ancestors?" If you or your wife are from South Africa, it will be much more legit than if their great grandfather was. You might also consider writing it under "other" in the ethnicity category. Though I believe my a large majority of standards, they would consider the kid as simply "white/caucasian."</p>
<p>
[quote]
But I'm sorry: If I wanted an African American and "jans vanderhook" checked yes, I'd put him into the Internationals group and not under African American for determining admissions. Come on now.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>What if Jans Van Der Hook was a native-born American and had parents from South Africa?</p>
<p>Would you still shuck him into the international group?</p>
<p>Because if you would, then I view my decision to change my last name as heavily justified.</p>
<p>One of my co-workers is from South Africa. We actually joked with her once that she could classify herself as African. She immediately laughed and said, "No, we are white."</p>
<p>Each to his own.</p>
<p>Sorry if my post was too sarcastic. Northstarmom is the most succinct. "African American" is a fluid term, used by the US Census bureau. It used to be "black" -- and "negro". Is a person born from Africa an African? Of course. Whatever racial sub-group. But for the context of US college admissions, that person may or may not be "african american".</p>
<p>If you look at some top schools CDS, racial preference is in the "considered" category, a small bump like some AdOfficer mentioned somewhere in this forum.</p>
<p>nope they are not considered African American...Stop arguing abotu it. That's the answer, if you are white, you're not African American, case closed.........</p>
<p>lol no, thats like saying some white people whose parents lived in china are Chinese. You're not african american.</p>
<p>Tyler,</p>
<p>Russians are part of the fifty-six recognized ethnic groups in the People's Republic of China.</p>
<p>If they are born within the boundaries of the PRC, ethnic Russian or not, they are Chinese.</p>
<p>The statement "some white people whose parents lived in china are Chinese" need not be "lol"-worthy.</p>
<p>The ethnic question is optional. According to Michelle Hernandez, Caucasian and Asian should not bother to fill that section out. So it does not matter if you are Russian from Russia or Russian from PRC.</p>