<p>As the title says, I'm of mixed descent. What should I put on my common app demographics section?</p>
<p>If it makes a difference-</p>
<p>My surname is not reflective of any particular race... but it IS unusual, courtesy of US immigration and their lovely little typos. </p>
<p>I know that Chinese is the king of ORM. I know that Middle east is often considered white, which is hardly better. Should I put both? I fear that not listing a race would classify me as an automatic ORM at some institutions. I know this is a rumor, but you can never be too safe when dealing w/ natural human prejudice, right?</p>
<p>Another thing- how do they verify your race? come to think of it, who is 'they', anyway? I ask b/c there's also a small chance of Spanish blood. My last name and appearance could pass me off as Spanish. (which the CA apparently considers hispanic) However, it would be distant at best, and family records from that side were destroyed in a church fire more than 50 years ago. Should I bother?</p>
<p>TIA.</p>