Being arab american an advantage?

<p>I have heard alot of stories and comments about how how being asian, black, white, and hispanic come into play in the college admissions process, but not that much about being an arab american. So I pose the question: Is it to ones advantage to be of an arab american ethnicity?</p>

<p>I don't know, but I'll post to give you a bump. :-)</p>

<p>I wouldn't think it'd be a great advantage, unless you could call yourself African-american with clean conscience. But, I only think that because I've never heard a college brag, "5.8% of our enrollment is of Arab descent," but you hear bragging about African presence until you become blue in the face. It could be that if could be an advantage, maybe. I'd contact the schools you're thinking about, and get their views. Just e-mail them, or something.</p>

<p>At most schools you would fall into the "White" category- White comprises Caucasian, Middle Eastern, and North African.</p>

<p>^^^ hes right...most arabs seem to think they fall under the asian banner but in fact they are technically white</p>

<p>Yea in looking at the common ap I was is confused, due to a notible absence of an "arab american" category, over whether I would fall into the white, asian, or other categorys. My first thought would be other, because I know few arab americans who when questioned about ethnicity would amalgamate themseleves into that group and call themselves "white."</p>

<p>PeaceFreak, You can use your ethnicity to enhance admissions in other ways than just checking the box. Colleges are looking for diversity of all kinds, not just racial. It could be ethnic, religious, cultural or just related to life experience. Middle Eastern and Arabic studies are a focus of just about every department now from political science to religion to art history. Especially for small liberal arts colleges, kids who can participate knowledgeably in class discussions are in demand.</p>

<p>What you need to do through your essays, your resume, your general profile is to convey what you can add to the campus community because of your background. If you are Muslim or have been exposed to Islamic culture this can be a big plus. Concentrate on who you are and how you can offer an in depth, personal understanding of the culture of an important part of the world.</p>