serious question "optional ethnic information"

Applying to College
1

<p>okay so I was reading a book about college applications. this paragraph really confused me. I'm gonna put it in a quote, and hopefully you guys can explain it to me. </p>

<p>""""""Unless you fall into one of the recruited minority groups, (Black, Hispanic, or Native American), the information will not help you and could actually hurt you (in the case of a surplus of Asian applicants). If you are at least half Black or Hispanic, by all means check it off because you will have a much greater chance of admission--for Native Americans, usually one-sixteenth with a tribal affiliation sheet is enough to be considered. For admissions purposes, you need only chek off a box if you're Black, Native Americans, or Hispanic---whites and Asians should leave it black unless you want your race to be a factor (and in the case of whites and asians, it's not going to help you in any way.)"""""</p>

<p>I'm asian, does that mean I can't check off the "asian" box on the ethnic information section???</p>

2

<p>it won't matter if your name sounds asian. it's not like the adcoms can't tell that john chen is asian in some way shape or form. it's your choice in the end. take it with pride, or hope you can slide by.</p>

3

<p>Your name is very obvious that it's Asian. I'm assuming your name is Annie Chang.
It won't matter.</p>

4

<p>well if the OP is a dude it could be like Alex or Andrew Chang. THE POSSIBILITIES, DAMN IT ><</p>

5

<p>^hahaha</p>

<p>Just put Asian; don't act like you're hiding something.</p>

6

<p>Trumping the "ethnic information" box will be the report sent by your school. There really isn't a way to hide it.</p>

7

<p>"Chang" is about as Asian-sounding as they come. If you don't check the box, it will look like you are hiding something.</p>