<p>I've read the forum a little and have uncovered that citing your race is not supposed to present a clear advantage or disadvantage. This is news to me as I believed there were quotas to fill. Yet, I did not find a clear answer to my question within the various topics...so here it goes: My mother is of European descent and my father was born in China. I have generally cited Asian as my race throughout my life, as I was advised to by elders. Is it of any benefit to mark my race as both white and asian on the common app or does it really make no difference?
Any input is appreciated!!</p>
<p>Try asking this on the pinned thread on Race at the top of this forum. Or just read some of that thread for your answer.</p>
<p>I think you should mark both. First, it’s the truth, which is always nice. Second, (and this is just my opinion), some selective colleges may find a multi-ethnic person a little more interesting than people who aren’t. It probably won’t make much difference either way.</p>
<p>Is there a race which you more naturally identify with? Perhaps you find you have a lot more in common with your Asian friends than your white friends or vice versa? You should look at the schools individually. On collegeboard.org, you can find a good amount the percent of a specific race that school has. If a school has a lot of white people, it may be better to identify as Asian for an edge. Likewise, if a school has an Asian majority, you might what to identify as white. Nowadays, a lot of schools are looking for diversity, so I would put Asian just to be different. Whatever you choose, just make sure it is consistent in recommendations, SAT/ACT forms, and other things.</p>
<p>Do whatever feels right. Like you said, race doesn’t have a great advantage or disadvantage. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>I’d put both, might make you at less of a disadvantage and it’s the truth.</p>
<p>Asian is a bit of a disadvantage in today’s admissions system, so I would definitely put both. Your dad is Asian, so your last name would give it away even if you just put white.</p>
<p>Sorry about the misplacement! This was my first post. Thanks for the advice :)</p>