I have been searching this forum silently for a while and finally decided to join and ask my own question. I am aware that this topic has been discussed countless times, but I can’t find anything relating to my situation. On the common app, many are wanting to check an UM to boost their chances of getting in. I have seen that many strongly advise against this since there’s no actual proof they’re actually part of that minority.
I am 1/4 Alaska native with a tribal enrollment number, meaning I belong to, am involved in, and own shares in an Alaskan tribe. I am an Alaska Native as defined by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. I was born and raised in California and am 1/2 Chinese, the rest is a blend of european. I was raised by my Chinese mother but in no means raised “Chinese”. Typical white suburbs, the closest i’ve gotten to my Chinese heritage is taking Chinese foreign language classes and having a Chinese last name. I plan to apply to the Ivy Leagues next year and am wondering which boxes to check on my common app.
So from an admissions officer viewpoint, what should I identify on my Common app? Personally I’ve always identified as Alaska Native. My tests and forms throughout high school have just been checked Alaska Native. But by blood I’m also “white” and “Asian”. So can I just check the Alaska Native box? Should I check 3? Can I just check white and Alaska native? Would it be dishonest to leave one out?
I’d choose Native American. Check out Dartmouth and University of Maine for benefits of being Native American. For example Maine gives tuition waivers and room and board grants for eligible applications. Not sure if that is based on tribe.
Check what you feel most describes you. From what you’ve said, that would either be Alaska Native or Alaska Native/Asian. Just be yourself, and don’t worry too much about the impact of your background on college admissions.
@BizDevJared They are not going to ask for a DNA sequencing. With adoption, names don’t always reflect ethnicity. One fourth doesn’t seem like a small amount (for NA) to me especially if you identify and it is a point of pride and the tribe recognizes you. It doesn’t sound like you particularly identity with Chinese. The interesting part of this is Alaskan natives came from Asia anyway. Genetically you probably have a more cohesive genetic makeup than it sounds.
If you are NA recognized then they get to count you for diversity. But if you have Stanford qualifications, you could put in a Dartmouth app since I think part of their mission is to provide opportunities for NA. If you want an ivy.
It’s not just with adoption that names don’t match. A student can have one parent’s name and the other parent could be a different race, nationality, religion, ethnicity. The student who arrives on campus may not reflect the assumptions the AO might have made if he relied on the name alone.
Native American… 1/4 is very significant. However… I would emphasize your cultural involvement… ie going to pow wows, tribal events etc. You just don’t want to check the box… you want to demonstrate you’re a native american both in ethnicity and culture.
I know of a very qualified Native American student who was denied admission to Stanford. The reason because her brother was admitted to Stanford but did not participate in any Native American programs, groups, pow wows on campus. He just “checked the box” and whether correctly or incorrectly assumed she was just “checking the box”
Stanford along with other schools do not want “box checkers”. they are going to carefully scrutinize your application to look for your involvement with the Native American community with which you identify… They want students to explore and celebrate their cultural identity to enrich the undergraduate experience for everyone.
@sbballer Wow that is harsh to be punished for your brother’s behavior and have to fit a certain behavior pattern or they decide your heritage doesn’t count. Seems like a very personal thing and some people are introverted. Following that logic, do you get disqualified from being African American if you don’t do A, B and C.
Some Native Americans had a very upbringing and may not choose to be involved with cultural events until they are ready if they are ever. I would really think that would be none of their business. In New England we have people who only have a tiny percentage of NA because intermarriage happened so early. The thought process for them marking NA is that their ancestors suffered and they have a right to honor their heritage. I’m NA to the extent that Elizabeth Warren I and I would not mark NA but I understand people who do.
That is truly offensive what Stanford is doing. Some people just don’t like performing for others even if it doesn’t meet their definition of " a good little Indian."
OP has a 100% Alaskan native grandparent. Not many people have that.
My oldest son’s gf is legitimately half NA but wasn’t raised with any NA involvement because her father was adopted off reservation and raised Jewish. He identified as Jewish until he died and even had a bar mitzvah. Late in his life, he moved to the reservation and became registered but he died before his children could join him out there. Her other half is German/Irish. My son is half Jewish, half German/Irish and identifies as Jewish, with a very Irish surname. His gf has a very Jewish surname but considers herself Catholic.
If they have children, they will be 1/4 NA but unless something changes and they are actually exposed to the lifestyle and heritage, I would never urge them to identify as such. I think it would be unfair to people who actually live on the reservations and are the true targets of the advancement programs.
@twoinanddone NA don’t all live on reservations. Not all tribes even have reservations. If you’re African American can you act “too white” and get disqualified. What about NA who are successful professionals and are not disadvantaged. This is a slippery slope. People should be able to let you know who they are and that should be respected . The tribes themselves should make that decision not some outside group.
for the OP… your participation in your cultural identity is important to the Native American community at Stanford… and I imagine also at the other schools you’re applying to.
admissions to Stanford is extremely competitive and this may tip the balance in your favor. good luck!
@sbballer That is sad that she has to play this game. Do other races face the same critique?
I never checked NA even though I have a small percentage in typical NE fashion. But I was an officer in the NASA. I worked on fundraising and food drives for NA in the area with need. I took NA literature classes. I had my Free Leonard sticker prominently placed on my car. I even sewed the ribbon dress for my friend for her traditional wedding. I think this is really a decision that is made by your tribe and yourself personally. This is way out of bounds for an outside group to interfere IMO.
from what I understand Stanford actually sends you a separate form asking you to describe yourself as a Native American… how you practice your culture, tribe, heritage etc. I imagine other schools do the same.
Stanford runs an annual Powwow that is the largest student run powwow in the US.
@sbballer Wow just wow. Do other races have this? It isn’t a religion that you practice it is a race. A really diverse and evolving group of people.
You know there are some problems that ripple through generation such as alcoholism. Just because you don’t don your regalia doesn’t mean you haven’t been impacted.
So if you are 75% Native American but don’t actively participate how Stanford likes, they get to override the race you identify with. Nice.
I think you meant techmom99. I never mentioned reservations. I’ve lived in several western states and known many NA who do not live on or near the reservations.
I’m surprised Stanford could reject someone because her brother wasn’t active I think she should have been considered on her own merits. There don’t seem to be tests for other minority groups for how active they are. Is someone black enough? Does she participate in enough Latino activities to qualify?
This is odd to me. Why would a Native American (especially one with tribal enrollment) have to “prove” he or she is involved in the community when other underrepresented minorities don’t have to “prove” they are involved in their cultural communities? I mean, why would it matter if a Native American student takes part in pow wows any more than it would matter if a Hispanic American female has a quinceanera? Am I missing something? They are still Native American, pow wow or no pow wow
