Since I am Asian, I was wondering if I should put my race on college apps when I apply. My last name is not Asian sounding because, for some reason, my parents gave me a last name that’s different than theirs. Apparently the last name that I have is actually Austrian even though I am Indian. Anyways, I was wondering if it looks weird if I didn’t put my race because then it seems like they already know I’m Asian.
Do your parents’ name sound Asian (Indian?) Did they get their education outside of America? If one of the answers to the above questions is yes, then I think this question is kind of moot. AOs will know.
Don’t waste your energy on things that you are not in control, like your race/ethnicity, focus on things that you have control over, like your essays, the schools you choose to apply, and your senior grades. Good luck.
I agree with @makemesmart except the possibility that colleges could think you were adopted which would make the scheme work.
Most places don’t give a rip about your race or ethnicity. They just collect that data for the federal & state education departments. So check the box if you feel like it. Leave it blank if you feel like it.
I’m curious why/how you think this has an impact.
Lol I wrote my one of my supplements about being an Asian-American and how it makes me a “global citizen” so I checked that box. IMHO I think, for T-20s, it does make a very tiny bit of a difference based on your major because colleges want a diverse and well-rounded class. For your safeties and low-reaches, I don’t think it makes a bit of a difference since you should be academically qualified.
Everyone should decline this question. It’s not used in admissions but only reporting afterward. If it is declined enough then the reporting will be uninteresting and no longer requested. Until then it is a societal issue and not for students to unknowingly support.
-Diego