Is there a reason NOT to claim being hispanic?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>My son is a 1/4 hispanic. Are there any drawbacks to claiming this on the PSATs/SATs or college applications? Are there certain colleges where this would be beneficial? A hindrance?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

2

<p>pretty sure it helps in every college.
but can you mention you are hispanic even if you are only 1/4th???</p>

3

<p>I believe the cut-off is 1/4 hispanic. On the PSATs, you can mark yourself as hispanic to qualify for NHRP. [National</a> Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP)](<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>Scholarships and Recognition with PSAT/NMSQT - SAT Suite) I am assuming (maybe incorrectly) that he can therefore identify himself as hispanic on applications.</p>

4

<p>Hispanic is an ethnic self-identification. It doesn’t matter how far back the ancestor that another person thinks is somehow truly Hispanic/Spanish-surnamed/Spanish-speaking was, what matters is whether your son feels himself to be Hispanic. If your kid considers himself Hispanic, he is. If he doesn’t, he isn’t.</p>

5

<p>I’m a big believer in full disclosure. I will counsel my own children to state forthrightly on their college applications that one of their parents is black, and the other is white.</p>

6

<p>1/4 is the technical amount at least for PSAT. I of all people should know, being 1/4 hispanic and obtaining NHMS.</p>

<p>It never hurts. Under represented minorities do have a slightly easier time getting into schools without a whole lot of diversity. Complain about Affirmitive Action as you may, if you have the card why not play it?</p>

7

<p>Thanks all!</p>