<p>Rank: 20/850
Sat (I know its low)-1720 (MATH-630, Reading-580, Writing-510)(Wont be submitting this)
ACT-Composite 28 (I'll submit this since its better than the SAT)
GPA Weighted- 4.7
GPA unweighted- 4.33
Ethnicity- Egyptian (I might apply as an African American)</p>
<p>ECs
Hockey all 4 years
National Honor society
Math honor society
Physics club
Science olympiad (placed at states)
60+ volunteering hours</p>
<p>Strengths:
GPA
Ethnicity
rank</p>
<p>Weaknesses:
No AP's
Low testing scores
No meaninful EC's
OOS (NJ)</p>
<p>Some Egypitians (particularly from the Upper Egypt region) qualify as African American, though most do not. African American is entirely determined by race, not by nationality. Caucasians, even those of African descent, do not qualify as African Americans.</p>
<p>Guys I’m not really sure which I’m going to apply as. I’m white, but technically Egypt is in Africa so I’m really African American. I don’t think the color of your skin matters. For example South Africans are white but are still considered African Americans. If it were based on skin color it would be “black americans” not “african americans.”</p>
<p>I’m still not sure which I’ll apply as but what are my chances if I applied as white vs AA?</p>
<p>Atually BroadwayBlue, white South Africans only make up 25% of the country’s population and do not qualify as “African Americans”. The term African American is used to describe American residents and citizens who are black. All you have to do is look at the definition of the term African American and you will see that caucasians do not qualify.</p>
<p>I totally understand what your saying Alexandre but lets use Haitians as an example. Most of them are black and would apply as “African Americans” but technically they’re not. They’d be classified as “Caribbean.”</p>
<p>I think it depends on your definition of AA.</p>
<p>BroadwayBlue, black Haitians trace their heritage and roots to Africa. If you are caucasian, you cannot apply as African American. There is no other way to interpret this. Don’t take my word for it. Look at the link below and scroll to the botton. They clearly define African American. Additionally, according to their classification, North Africans and Middle Easterners are considered “white”. Michigan is not unique in following those classifications. In the US, African American specifically refers to black Americans.</p>
<p>If you’re white, you’re white. The black/African-American designation is for people that would identify as black outside of college applications.</p>
<p>CORRECTION: A South African is not African-American, although they are black. The terms are not always interchangeable. Being an African-American who has had South African nannies (three of them, total of five years) live in my home, I can tell you for a fact. It is one of my pet peeves that people think the “real African-Americans” are the ones that actually come from Africa. Those people are still black Africans. Maybe after a generation or so of family living in America might an African start identifying as African-American, but that’s pushing it. Most Africans (meaning their parents are from Africa) that I know do not wish to, and do not identify as African-American. </p>
<p>Let’s hope this thread doesn’t get ugly. I’m not sure what a 4.3 GPA is so it is difficult to make an assessment. If it is an A+ you will get in and if it is a B+ you will not.</p>
<p>Claim whatever serves you best that you can defend. If the guy’s heritage comes from Africa no matter what the color of his skin he could probably defend “African American” if confronted. And I highly doubt the University would ever confront anyone about their race selection even if it was a blatant lie. They don’t want that political nightmare.</p>
<p>Vladenschlutte, like I said above, what qualifies as “African American” is not open for interpretation. The university clearly states that North Africans do not qualify as African American, only applicants who originate from sub-Saharan Africa and are black.</p>
<p>If that’s what you’re referring to that’s open to interpretation, unless black racial groups has a specific definition I don’t know about. If nothing else, it’s very likely that somewhere in many Egyptian’s heritage is a “Black African,” in which case it appears from the description that it would be appropriate to check Black or African American.</p>
<p>I’ll give you it’s obvious what they mean. But when they’re evaluating his application they don’t know what he looks like.</p>
<p>Since you admit that the meaning is obvious (i.e., only black applicants qualify as African American), are you condoning unethical practice? Seriously, there is no margin for interpretation here. There are three major races, caucasoid, mongoloid and negroid. Only the latter qualifies as African American as far as university admissions are concerned. It is unfair mind you, since most North Africans, although considered white, have some black lineage, no matter how diluted</p>
<p>Holy **** this got out of hand for no reason. I didn’t say what race I was applying as, I still havent made up my mind. Can I just get a chance?</p>
<p>I would start by checking Naviance at your school to see how students with similar credentials to your own have done in recent years. That should give you a good idea of your chances. Keep in mind that Michigan has become more selective in the last couple of years. A year ago, Michigan accepted 50% of those who applied, this year they admitted 40% and next year they will likely accept fewer than 35%. The figure will be lower for OOS applicants such as yourself.</p>
<p>My first impulse is to say slight reach. Your class rank and GPA seem good, but your standardized test score and OOS status will pinch.</p>
<p>Applying as an African American may help a little, but it is unethical to do so and if you are caught, will immediately disqualify you.</p>
<p>If you have strong cultural ties you might be more interesting as an Egyptian American than as an African American which you most likely are not in the spirit of the classification. I agree that your ACT and OSS status could hurt you in the sure bet status. If you can afford UofM and want to attend start focusing on your essays and stop looking for ways to game the system.</p>
Seriously, there is no margin for interpretation here. There are three major races, caucasoid, mongoloid and negroid. Only the latter qualifies as African American as far as university admissions are concerned. It is unfair mind you, since most North Africans, although considered white, have some black lineage, no matter how diluted</p>