College Application Ethnicity Box Concern!

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi there!</p>

<p>Later this year, I will be applying Restrictive Early Action to Stanford University. (I am currently a female junior in high school)</p>

<p>Lately, I've been extremely conflicted about to how mark my Race box for college applications. My mother is Anglo-Indian while my father is Luso-Indian with Portuguese Indian roots. They were both born, brought up, and educated in Bombay, India. As I was born and brought up in California, I was wondering whether checking either just the Asian box or both the Asian and White boxes would better suit my racial situation? Both my first and sur names are predominantly of Sanskrit roots and I would classify myself as 3/4 Indian and 1/4 European. I wouldn't exactly classify myselt as multi-racial since a very small portion of me is European.</p>

<p>As we all know, no matter how spectacular and over-achieving Asian students are, we have big disadvantage during college admissions simply because of the need for "racial diversity". </p>

<p>On previous SAT's and the PSAT, I have simply checked the Asian box under the ethnicity category, since I have never received the opportunity to check more than one box. Would it pose as a red flag if the ethnicity portion of my college application showed the Asian and White boxes checked based on my background? Is there any way for adcoms to verify my racial background?</p>

<p>Thanks in advice for the help and advice! I truly appreciate it.</p>

2

<p>I wouldn’t read so much into it. Check whichever you typically associate yourself with.</p>

3

<p>Between marking white/Asian or Asian, it won’t matter, do what you feel the most comfortable with. </p>

<p>It will not be a red flag.</p>

<p>Colleges will not ask to verify your racial background; this is only done for those who mark NA.</p>

<p>p.s. your question is about race, not ethnicity.</p>

4

<p>

That’s a very debateable point – but follow entomom’s advice. You’re not at a disadvantage b/c of what you check off.</p>

<p>Given the competition, your main hurdle will be whether you can stand out or not. By def’n most people don’t stand out. Hopefully you do. Good luck</p>

5

<p>I’ve authored publications for 2 neuroscience and cancer research internships thus far, have co-founded a microphilanthropic non-profit, and have a provisional patent! Hopefully, I can stand out! </p>

<p>The things high school students have to do to get into college these days. I truly appreciate the advice from all of you!</p>