<p>So here is my dilemma:
I am part white, part Native American.
On my application, it would probably be most accurate to check both boxes, putting me in the mixed category.
But I could just as easily put Native American and leave it at that. </p>
<p>Is there a large difference in hook strength between the two?
Does being mixed even help?</p>
<p>Depends on what your last name is.</p>
<p>I am actually in the exact same situation as you. I am checking both boxes and then putting an explanation in the additional information section. I actually called the Harvard Admissions Office (I know that this is the Princeton thread, but I imagine that what applies to Harvard applies to Princeton in this case) and told them my situation. The admissions officer told me to check both on the app, and then, since I don’t legally belong to a tribe, mail in separate information that shows that I am Native American.</p>
<p>Ethically, you probably shouldn’t just put Native American and leave it at that, unless POSSIBLY if you really look Native American and you practice Native American culture. I would say, check both boxes and supplement it with any extra information that would help you.</p>
<p>See the first few posts of the FAQ thread for definitions. </p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/568159-race-college-admissions-faq-discussion-2-a.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/568159-race-college-admissions-faq-discussion-2-a.html</a></p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. I don’t practice Native American culture BUT…</p>
<p>I don’t want to know what I SHOULD do, I want to know what effect putting one compared to another would have.</p>
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<p>You could write to each college you are interested in and ask. Then please report back here with what each college said.</p>
<p>zz try to ride in on ethnicity: weak.</p>