<p>Hey guys!
I was going through a couple "chances" threads and noticed activities like Math Team and such were considered Asian EC's (I can definitely see why and am 1/2 Chinese myself). I'm still debating whether or not I want to mention my Asian-ness on my applications, as I'm not particularly exposed to the culture, my parents don't fulfill any of the stereotypes, etc. One thing these threads got me thinking about was the lack of these Asian EC's on my resume, I haven't done math team or science olympiad or anything of the sort, I'm more of an English/history person who has spent time on various publications. My community service is also strong and I've gotten a little national recognition from it... so I feel like I'd be different from a lot of the other Asian applicants should I specify my race. Is that good? Bad? What do you think? Thanks so much!</p>
<p>If you are more of an english/history person with national recognition in strong community service, that’s what you should focus on, which will be a great advantage to stand out from other asians. So yes, definitely specify your race; your other EC’s will distinguish you from the math/science whizzes. And math team is fine to mention.</p>
<p>Ya…I mean definately pursue what you like. I absolutely HATE the fact that colleges will actually deny Asians who do truly have a passion for science/math (I am a proud white btw). However, regardless of that, you have an interest in English and History, which is somewhat rare…even unique depending on how many awards and such u have won in these fields. You are good 2 go.</p>
<p>Thanks for your input! I was probably going to leave out “Asian” out of fear of competing with the Asians with really strong numbers (I have a 4.8 UW and 5.2 W, 33 ACT, so relatively strong but there are many applicants, regardless of race, with stronger grades/scores), but now maybe I’ll mention it if it actually might help… thanks again!</p>
<p>yup…as an Asian, I would say that you have a benefit with having strengths in english/history. Check this site out. The second comment at the bottom is a little rude, but it is directed towards Asians. </p>
<p>[How</a> To Get Into An Ivy League School: A Step-by-Step Guide Featuring Testimony From a Real, Live Silver-Spoon Legacy and a Racial Minority! > Admissions, daniel golden, high school, ivygate guide to admissions, legacies | IvyGate](<a href=“http://www.ivygateblog.com/2009/01/how-to-get-into-an-ivy-league-school-a-step-by-step-guide-featuring-testimony-from-a-real-live-silver-spoon-legacy-and-a-racial-minority/]How”>http://www.ivygateblog.com/2009/01/how-to-get-into-an-ivy-league-school-a-step-by-step-guide-featuring-testimony-from-a-real-live-silver-spoon-legacy-and-a-racial-minority/)</p>
<p>If you “look” white, and have a non-Asian last name, do not check the “Asian” box on your college application. You’d only hurt your chances of admission. If your mother has a Chinese and English first name, use the English one. Sad, but true.</p>
<p>Thanks so much, James. My name is completely Irish so I’m grateful to have that flexibility</p>
<p>Funny you should mention Irish, but Ohara is fairly common a Japanese name, and I’ve told some Japanese-American applicants with that name to join Irish cultural organizations to give the colleges the impression that they are Irish. Works every time!</p>
<p>There are also Chinese-Americans with the last names Stone, Shea/Shay and Shaw. Likewise, these gives said-named students an advantage up to the point where they are being interviewed by an alum (and no interviews with schools like Stanford and Columbia).</p>