Asian Discrimination - Don't Check Asian Box?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hello everyone:</p>

<p>Today, I read a disturbing article describing the actions that many Asian or part Asian students are taking to gain entry into the country's top universities. Basically, it states that school counselors, parents and teachers are advising applicants of Asian descent NOT to check the box claiming Asian ethnicity as a way to gain an edge in the selection process. My family is a reflection of the American "melting pot". We are of Japanese/European/Jewish mixed heritage and my son marked "multiracial" or listed more than one ethnicity on all his applications. He was accepted to 7 of 9 outstanding universities that he applied to including his first choice for engineering. No harm done in our case. Is it really coming down to denying our heritage to get into our colleges of choice?</p>

<p>What do you think? I'd love to hear your opinions!! Here is the article I read:
Some</a> Asians' college strategy: Don't check 'Asian' - Yahoo! News</p>

2

<p>Since when does a check box on a college application mean you’re “denying” your heritage??</p>

<p>Besides, there are many other factors which can indicate Asian descent aside from the demographics section, so the school will usually know the applicant’s race, regardless.</p>

3

<p>I have had very personal struggles dealing with stereotypes in my life, and have worked hard to be the unique individual I am in defiance of those pre-conceived notions. I proudly checked my ethnicity as “Asian”.</p>

4

<p>I thought that article was incredibly insightful. I can completely understand not wanting to be judged more critically just because there is a higher “expectation”. Accomplishments are accomplishments no matter who or what you are…</p>

5

<p>If a college rejects me for being proud of my heritage then it’s not worth going to.</p>

6

<p>The discussion aspects of this topic can go into the existing FAQ thread: </p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1228264-race-college-admission-faq-discussion-9-a.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1228264-race-college-admission-faq-discussion-9-a.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>I’ll close this thread and invite participants here to join the discussion over there.</p>