<p>I'm half Asian, half White and my last name isn't Asian. I'm not sure whether it would be to my disadvantage to state my race completely (White Middle Eastern + Chinese) because of the Asian side and I think it would look strange if I just checked off "White Middle Eastern" since I wrote an essay that talked about my mixed background. I identify more with the White Middle Eastern side, but I didn't say that in my essay because it was irrelevant. If I leave it blank, might it harm me by making me seem 'undefined' or unsure of myself?</p>
<p>I have 3 options and all of them seem like they could hurt me!</p>
<p>hey! i think you should check the white middle eastern as it doesnt really matter what race you are. You essays and EC’s and grades are what matter.</p>
<p>It really does depend if the school you’re applying to uses Affirmative Action or not. Check into their policies. I know it may be hard to put yourself at a perceived disadvantage, but it’s better to be safe then sorry in terms of honesty on a college application. Since you wrote about it, it may come across as dishonest to not report both races. Besides, the way most affirmative action schools make decisions, Asian and White Middle Eastern aren’t all that different.</p>
<p>Thanks for your input! I think I may be leaning towards Soccergirl7’s suggestion. lookingforward and math64, all of the options are honest. None of them are ‘dishonest’ because yes, a) I am racially both, b) I identify with one, and c) Not putting anything isn’t a lie- it’s not required to put anything. Good pt, neuromajor. That’s what I was thinking. I might just leave it blank.</p>