<p>I'm a current sophomore in high school but looking into the admissions process and the likes. I've read that it is easier for Native Americans to get into colleges compared to other ethnic groups because natives are considered a ''under represented minority.'' Here is my question, though. Would I still be considered a URM if I look white and have a 75 percent European background? My grandmother was full blood ojibwa (chippewa) Indian and my father was 50 percent which makes me 25 percent. My father had me registered, so, I am registered and I have my CDIB card. However, my father and I are not close and he lives on the reservation in Wisconsin, which I've never actually visited, and I live in California with my mother. </p>
<p>Basically to sum of up the question, should I put native american on any applications when that time comes around or will they just ignore it if they do follow ups because while I'm legally affiliated, I'm not involved with the tribe. </p>
<p>You have a legitimate qualification to check the box. You can check NA and Caucasian I believe. Some colleges will send you additional questions to answer, and may ask for your registration info.</p>
<p>I agree. Those who are not registered, and have had very little to no affiliation with their tribe but discover that they are part American Indian may want to ask the admissions directors of the colleges they are considering if there are criteria that the college has to be able to designate that status. If the college says, no, it’s a self designation, all good. The same if the answer is such that student fits the college’s criteria, whatever it might be. But to claim yourself as URM and then not be able to come up with what a college wants for the designation could be embarrassing at least, and give you the feeling that you’ve compromised admissions chances.</p>
<p>The unknown here is that most colleges accept what you tell them and rely on people to be honest. Some do game the system, and some even get away with it, e.g. certain politicians, but you have a pretty legitimate case to put down Native American. You can even be honest and say 25% if you want, along with your registration. If you did that, it would then be up to the college if that met their criteria.</p>
<p>I don’t think there is a place for percentage. And, my bet is the politician wouldn’t have gotten as far with top colleges if she were 18, today. OP is legit. The enrollment is a tribal decision. </p>