<p>Hmm I had this problem too when I was applying. In the end I just clicked the box. AA isn’t designed JUST for race, it’s meant to even the playing field by accounting for one’s upbringing, community, and background. So that the poor inner-city black kid whose test scores are “terrible” compared to a rich white kid from a fantastic suburb has a chance if he’s taken full advantage of the opportunities he’s had. Isn’t it unfair to reject every person with low test scores because they live in an environment that doesn’t foster their intellectual development(just as it’s unfair to reject a super smart asian kid for being asian)? AA was made so that all people could have a chance, and although I think it hasn’t worked out great, I think that it’s ultimately…not terrible.</p>
<p>Also you’re not grouped solely by race in admissions…that’s just not true. Adcoms group you into applicants from the same area. then you are judged from there.</p>
<p>@placido240. Your comment about UCBerkeley having 50% asians has nothing to do with AA since California passed a bill ending affirmative action in public schools. Thus, statistically superior applicants (often times asian) are accepted, leading to such a high number of asians at Berkeley.</p>