<p>I am looking for accurate information on the benefit (or lack thereof) of selecting "Native American" as ethnicity. I have seen other discussions on this, including the ethical question. My kid is white and we would select that on the common application. But I know he can also select Native American. He is a member of a tribe and has a tribal registry #. To what extent, if any, will this help him with acceptance? Again, he would select White and native American with the registry #.</p>
<p>Overall he is a reasonably strong candidate, with PSAT 231, SAT 2200, GPA W of 4+ and many AP courses at a highly competitive school. He's looking at Top 20 schools for the most part.</p>
<p>I don’t know the REAL answer except to say, with those stats AND Native American heritage (which my D also has and doesn’t feel she can list because it’s several generations and we DON’T have your tribal registry data) - I’d think he is a GREAT candidate for top 20 schools. Nothing is sure, and no one can answer your question exactly. I think he has a great chance and can only apply and see. Our Harvard Club director said “To those of you who are admitted, know that you really just had the lucky lottery ticket”. So…“to what extent” - who can say? </p>
<p>And, why do you say there is an ethical question? You say he is white. Then you say he is a tribal member. If both (cough Obama cough)…then only you/he decides.</p>
<p>It will help tremendously. Dartmouth is a school that has particular interest as it was founded to educate Native Americans, but it will be a big help at all of the pivate colleges seeking diversity.</p>
<p>I’m going to be brash and say that with your son’s extremely high stats ( is he a junior?) AND Native American hook that he’ll get in anywhere. In AA Native Americans get the most hook.</p>
<p>yeah, being a Native American AND having a registry number (coupled with your son’s really good academic record) will get him into pretty much any college.</p>
<p>Wow, you all have really boosted my day. Thank you.</p>
<p>So, at the risk of being pedantic, do you think that selecting White and Native American reduces the advantage? Or is it still a significant advantage? His blood level is not significant enough that we would feel ethically correct in selecting only NA.</p>
<p>I don’t think there are any ‘full-blooded’ Native Americans left in the world. All of them have mixed ancestry. Don’t forget to look at financial aid sponsored by the tribe. Many of my Native American friends received substantial financing and resources from their tribe and various NA groups.</p>
<p>Selecting mixed racial heritage will not lessen his position to any significant degree. While a NA candidate with both parents registered and who has overcome diversity might be slightly more desirable, the reality is that there are extremely few NA who are competitive candidates for top 20 schools. For example, see how your son ranks within NA students on the SAT, see the PDF “Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing Percentile Ranks by Gender and Ethnic Groups”:</p>
<p>If he is a “qualified” applicant for a top school ie great scores, grades, solid ECs, great recs, etc., the kind of applicant that has a normally has only a shot at these schools, then he is most likely getting in.</p>