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<p>Define “original peoples”. I’m honestly curious. Nobody originates from the Pacific Islands. So how far back do you go?</p>
<p>Yes, I would imagine that 1/32 is enough, but it would mean pulling an Elizabeth Warren.</p>
<p>“Define ‘original peoples’. I’m honestly curious. Nobody originates from the Pacific Islands. So how far back do you go?”</p>
<p>Please, this is a childish argument. Just because mankind originated in Africa doesn’t make us all ethnically African. You and I both know that there are serious differences in culture, physique, and genetic pool between, say, Norwegians and the Sudanese. Just because the Norwegians originated from Africa millenia ago doesn’t mean all Norwegians are also Africans. That’s just the way it is.</p>
<p>Don’t be sore because you were waitlisted and you identified as white. If Stanford really wanted you at their school, you would be in regardless of skin color. I should know, I’m part White part Asian and I got in–without saying I’m black because my Caucasian ancestors lived in Algeria.</p>
<p>If you have serious misgivings about the system, just choose not to identify.</p>
<p>Okay guys, thanks for the input to most.</p>
<p>From what I’ve gathered it would probably be best to leave it since they’re treating me as an international admit and also I don’t identify as Indian over a New Zealander.</p>
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<p>Ah, so colleges should admit people based on their physique and genetic pool? Sounds racist to me.</p>
<p>Either that or you’re saying that colleges should admit people based on culture, which is a legitimate viewpoint (colleges need diversity). OP has said that is not culturally Indian. So why should he identify himself as Indian? He stated that he identifies himself as a New Zealander. New Zealand has a heavy Maori presence, so it’s likely that OP has Pacific Islander cultural influences. Therefore, I don’t see what’s wrong with OP identifying himself as a Pacific Islander. Gaming the system? Sure. Pragmatic? Yes</p>
<p>(someone will probably call me out for confusing race and ethnicity. Race is a biological social construct. To discriminate on the basis of biology would be racist. If OP sees himself as culturally a Pacific Islander, why should he not identify himself as such?)</p>
<p>“Ah, so colleges should admit people based on their physique and genetic pool? Sounds racist to me.”</p>
<p>That’s not what I said… at all. </p>
<p>All I’m saying is there are differences that come from being separated populations. Colleges ask students to identify (honestly) to ensure they get a diverse class, and to ensure that minorities who have previously been underrepresented get a chance of a good education.</p>
<p>I’m not DEFENDING this policy. I’m just advising OP not to lie on his college application.</p>
<p>AustroHungarian, colleges want a CULTURALLY diverse class. Why do they care what your race is? Race is biological. Ethnicity is cultural. </p>
<p>If OP grew up with Pacific Islander influences, I say he should identify himself as a Pacific Islander by all means. Why do colleges care about your biology? Culture matters more.</p>
<p>Commonapp requires students to fill out their parents country of birth. If OP’s parents were born in India, it will be quite clear what his/her heritage is irrespective what one claims it to be.</p>
<p>“Race is a social construct”
I agree with this! In the process of trying not to be racist, colleges end up being racist anyway.</p>
<p>"AustroHungarian, colleges want a CULTURALLY diverse class. Why do they care what your race is? Race is biological. Ethnicity is cultural. </p>
<p>If OP grew up with Pacific Islander influences, I say he should identify himself as a Pacific Islander by all means. Why do colleges care about your biology? Culture matters more."</p>
<p>I think your argument is very idealistic and I’m NOT morally opposed to what you are saying. I actually agree! However, the problem is your advise is bad, because regardless of how colleges SHOULD admit by race, they do it their way.</p>
<p>Don’t advise OP to do something that could get him labelled for fraud in the admissions office. Even though you want race to be defined your way, Stanford has all the power in this situation, so it’s best to play the game their way.</p>
<p>Unless you convince every major university in the US to follow your ideals, it’s really a moot point. Sad but true.</p>
<p>Clearly, OP’s race is Indian or Asian, whichever specific title is on the app. As for the Pacific Islander identification, if it is really an important part of your identity, by all means, discuss it. If it isn’t (or you’re just trying to game admissions by mentioning it), just don’t do it. Admissions isn’t stupid, they see that stuff on a daily basis and will see through it.</p>
<p>this is an interesting debate</p>
<p>why do colleges have to reserve space for minorities? WHAT HAPPENED TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THIS COUNTRY?!?!?!? :(</p>
<p>I don’t think that Stanford considers race as a factor for international applicants. They are all classified as international students: Not relevant to their affirmative action agenda.</p>