If I were to report my race...

Applying to College
1

<p>I am an Asian. Well, I'm sure most of you know that since statistics show that Asians tend to get accepted to and attend colleges more than other minorities, standards (objective wise) are usually set higher for us (which I still don't want to believe). </p>

<p>If I were to report my race vs. not report my race, would that in any way affect my chances? Or would AdCom be able to tell what race I am by looking at my last name (which is a common Asian last name)? If they could, would it be considered "cheating" to legally change my last name to something not-Asian-sounding (not that I would, just completely out of curiosity- I've heard of some people doing that)? </p>

<p>Unfortunately for me, I'm not the "perfect score Asian", which is quite the disadvantage. I wish you don't even have to put down your name or anything and that admissions are completely blind. Oh well. </p>

<p>Thoughts?</p>

2

<p>If you’re really concerned about it just don’t report the race. Think, would I want to go to a school that really doesn’t want a person like me? Don’t try to change your name just to fit a preconception.</p>

3

<p>Most colleges want your GPA and test scores and will solely admit/reject you off of that. Race of applicants often is a Dept of Education stat to report.</p>

<p>If you’re chasing schools that may weigh other factors or holistic evaluations, then you’ve got to distinguish yourself beyond your transcript and test report. Why the parent of the 5 millionth piano and tennis playing Asian test drone wonders why darling’s chances at Stanford or Penn aren’t 80% is beyond me.</p>