<p>Whats gonna hurt me less on my apps? Checking caucasian or leaving it blank for my ethnicity?</p>
<p>My GC says to always answer questions like that, unless you have an ethical problem with it. So, just go with your gut and don't worry about how it will affect your chances. Saying that you're white will certainly not help increase your chances, but then again, neither will leaving the question blank. They're not going to assume that you're a URM if you leave the question blank--if anything, they'll assume that you're white or Asian and don't want to tell them, or simply ignore that part of your app. In short: probably answering the question is best.</p>
<p>i second that</p>
<p>They probably can tell from your name and geographical location what race you are. It is possible by your name you could be black, but if you go in for an interview, it is pretty hard to hide your race.</p>
<p>University of Georgia has a huge section that they say is opitional where they try to find out if you are a URM. Just in case you opt to omit the section, they require you to divulge you mothers maiden name as a "password".</p>