<p>I am between 8 and 9 percent Native American (probably Cherokee), however, I have neither an enrollment number nor a clear tribal affiliation.
Over the last four years or so my Native American heritage has played a larger and larger role in my life. I have been very involved in local pow-wows and such. I say this because I want to make it clear I am not trying to bamboozle colleges into giving me better shots at matriculating.
My point is, I want to apply to colleges (probably through the Common Application) as both a Native American and white, but I don't know where to start. Will colleges not take me as a serious Native American applicant if I have neither an enrollment number nor a tribal affiliation? Do I have to have those to have those in order to apply as one? Is it possible for me to get them?
I'm quite lost! So, any ideas or thoughts are absolutely welcomed and appreciated.</p>
<p>Generally speaking, if you don’t have an ancestor who registered, you are not entitled to any goodies. I am about 20% - something that may be important medically, but all of my American Indian ancestors assimilated.</p>
<p>I’m not sure I understand? What do you mean by goodies? I can’t apply at all as a Native American?</p>
<p>Eligibility for membership is different for every Tribe. Most membership is based on various things including blood quantum. If you are not a member of a Tribe but have a family member that is a member you may be what is commonly referred to as a descendant.</p>
<p>yeah, you at least need to know what tribe if you aren’t enrolled. Not only would they not take it seriously, you will come off as a liar and a cheater and they don’t want that in their college. (i’m not saying you are a liar and cheater, but i advise you it may look like that)</p>
<p>Check off the cherokee box. Some colleges might send you a follow up on how native you really are. They’d ask things like percentage, heritage, how it plays a role in your life. See if you can get the tribal newspaper or something. Do you know your band? They may be able to help you.</p>