<p>So after reading all the CC threads on AA box checking, I decided I would email Commonapp (where all my apps are)
My first email read something along the lines of...( I shortened this)
Hello I am the son of a fully South African father who immigrated to the states at age 27. The demographics questions says Black <em>OR</em> African American and asked you to identify yourself, not state your race. Can I check the box. I do not wish to "cheat the system," I only want to get the same advantage as fellow AA applicants</p>
<p>They responded..."This question does not disadvantage you in anyway and your response is optional. Please complete this portion of the Application to the best of your ability"</p>
<p>A -Very- broad answer that avoided the question.</p>
<p>So I emailed them again, this time saying something like...."Hello just to clarify my last email about being white but checking AA I KNOW that URMs get advantages at many colleges and I don't want to be kicked out for "lying," so can I still check the box if I am a white AA?</p>
<p>They responded..."You should answer this question to the best of your ability based on your situation. If you wish, you can explain further in the Additional Information section in your application."</p>
<p>OMG AVOIDING THE QUESTION STILL
so I decided to put African American or black, choose other, and put White African American,
and then put White, european, and other: African American</p>
<p>This seems like the only logical thing to do, as it explains my backround and separates me from the Black AA catagory (as to not cause unfair advantages). Even though I find Affirmative Action unfair for college admissions, I do not want to pretend to be something I'm not.</p>
<p>Just to reiterated, I AM A WHITE AFRICAN AMERICAN. I have a white, jewish father from Johannesburg, have visited my family in South Africa, and do not hide my identity. </p>
<p>EDIT: A 3rd email and no answer, just them telling me I can not answer the section i if like.</p>