<p>I'm half filipino [mom] and half Japanese [father].</p>
<p>Which one would colleges consider more beneficial to their "diversity"? I've been told by some 08 kids to use the filipino side ['Pacific islander']. o.o Good idea?</p>
<p>For the sake of diversity, I think that there are less Filipinos than Japanese in top schools. </p>
<p>However, it really can't hurt you to say that you're both Filipino and Japanese. I think that's a better route to go because technically it's more ethnically diverse than just one. I'm sure schools aren't exactly crowded with half-Filipino, half-Japanese kids. Just know that your race doesn't make that much of an impact on decisions (really only happens with URM's.)</p>
<p>^Well wouldn't a Filipino be considered an URM?</p>
<p>The U.S. Department of Education recently released a new set of guidelines for the collection of race and ethnicity data in the public schools. I'm betting the colleges will be using the same standards soon (if they aren't already).</p>
<p>Ethnicity (choice of two options):
Hispanic or Latino
Not Hispanic or Latino</p>
<p>Race (select one or more):
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Black or African American
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
White</p>
<p>i would also just check both and be honest -- not sure that filipino is a urm -- but i think both is the best way to go</p>