<p>:\ Would it make any difference if I don't check that optional ethnicity box?</p>
<p>My last name is pretty distinctively Korean (Seung) and I guess the adcoms can figure it out, but would it be better/worse for me to just leave the box blank?</p>
<p>After all, I've been getting the impression that being Asian isn't the best of all worlds right now.</p>
<p>Just check it. It won't affect you either way. You aren't a URM if checked and you aren't one if not checked. 6 of one, 1/2 dozen of the other.</p>
<p>Edited to say that you aren't a URM at schools where Asians are well represented. You are URM at some schools, like Grinnell, for instance.</p>
<p>:\ Hm, so does that mean it's not a good thing if the school I'm thinking of has a lot of Asians? Wellesley has 30-40% Asians. Is that saying that Asians aren't undercut, or because there are so many Asians, I may be competing more?</p>
<p>It means that lots of Asians get in. Good for you. It also means lots of Asians are represented, so no extra points than any other applicant. Neutral for you.</p>
<p>:D WOOHOO. That's happy news for me.</p>
<p>..... Thinking about that, it's kind of sad that I'm excited about getting a "neutral" footing. Ah, so goes life.</p>
<p>Syneria- you shouldn't be afraid to tell people your ethnicity, because that's a major part of who you are. If a college doesn't want the whole you, then its not the right place for you! Plus you aren't evaluated just on your ethnicity; its just one part.</p>
<p>(: Yea, I guess that's true. I was overanalyzing and fretting too much about little matters.</p>
<p>(: Thanks.</p>
<p>syneria is left-handed. :D</p>