<p>This may sound a bit shallow, but I feel that it is a legitimate question.</p>
<p>I am a very small percentage Native American (Not enough to make the American Indian Census, etc. But it is definitely there.)</p>
<p>If I claimed it on my common app, would the accepting college require that I somehow prove to them that I'm partially Native American? Since it's an optional step, it seems that they wouldn't go through much trouble to verify it. I was just curious, because I don't want to get into a mess down the road if they want to see Census data/etc to PROVE that I'm Native American.</p>
<p>Anybody? I need to submit this application pretty soon. Basically, I just want to know if they’re going to hassle me/ask for evidence of my heritage, when I have none. I’ve always been told by my family that I am a tiny bit Native American, though I have no real evidence besides names of ancestors.</p>
<p>It’s the ethnicity you identify most with.</p>
<p>It doesn’t sound like you truly identify yourself as a Native American…</p>
<p>I don’t fully identify myself as Native American, but I do partially identify myself as one. Which is why I had selected “White/Caucasian” AND “Native American”. I just want to be sure that they won’t throw a fit+reject me because I can’t prove my heritage.</p>
<p>If you consider yourself Native American then I’m sure it’s fine</p>
<p>
If you don’t fully identify yourself as Native American, then it probably wouldn’t be the best idea to put that on your application. Also, you may be asked for tribal affliation/papers.</p>
<p>Uhmmm-sounds like a bad idea. We’re all wannabees, really. Don’t do it. I’m a tiny bit Native American, too, but not enough for anyone to be prejudiced against me, or put me at a disadvantage. You could be asked for proof, and it makes you look dishonest.</p>
<p>If they ask and you don’t give them adequate response, you’re screwed. It’s a big risk.</p>
<p>For you, I’d say don’t do it. For myself, I could pretty easily prove it, even though I’m not “registered” with a NA tribe. </p>
<p>When you say small percent do you mean 30% or 3%?</p>
<p>The CA asks for tribe name and enrollment id. Each tribal organization has its own standards to determine who is officially eligible. It boils down to: some require x% NA blood, often it’s 1/4-1/16. Others only require that you be a direct descendent of an ancestor who was officially “enrolled.” </p>
<p>My experience is that it is not universally necessary to have an enrollment id or official status. Last time I checked, two years ago, it was primarily colleges/universities in the midwest that expected proof. (I believe, because tribes there are larger and more prominent.)</p>
<p>What if you include NA and a college asks you for proof? Be prepared to state the relationship, name, etc; they would want some evidence that, over time, you have identified yourself to others as part NA (it would help if the GC knew, eg,) and that you have practiced elements of the culture- or, at least shown some legit interest in it. </p>
<p>Btw, Census data is confidential; your 2010 data will not be revealed for 70 years. If you’re interested: [Tribal</a> Enrollment](<a href=“http://www.native-american-online.org/tribal-enrollment.htm]Tribal”>http://www.native-american-online.org/tribal-enrollment.htm). You can google the Wiki article on quantum blood laws- skip to the bottom, for specific tribes. Yes, officially, it’s complicated. In the end, the decision is yours, if you think you could justify it, if asked.</p>
<p>You have to be registered with a tribe I think</p>