I’m a quarter Hispanic (Spain), quarter White, and half Asian (Filipino). Since I’m a quarter Hispanic, I will be checking the box when it asks for ethnicity next year (Class of 2022 Applicant).
I was wondering if there were some programs or volunteer opportunities that I can participate in to show my Hispanic heritage. For example, colleges like to see native Americans participate in their tribe to show that they are native american and not just checking the box. What are some things I can do as a Hispanic to prove the same thing?
Thanks in advance!
I don’t think a college is going to be impressed by late-breaking involvement in an activity that is manufactured to signal a part of your heritage that you think will give you an advantage. If it had come naturally to you as part of your daily life and family identity (in which case you’d have thought of it yourself and already be doing it), sure, but as a last-minute add-on? I think it will seem forced.
@porcupine98 I appreciate your advice, however, I would still like to know of any opportunities.
Well, your roots are European and not Central or South American, so I’d only suggest that you not whip up some interest in Latino culture, which is generally understood as having to do with Latin America. I’m sure there are some Iberian cultural opportunities out there, though I agree with post #1.
What types of things d you do with the spanish side of the family? Perhaps there is a supplement essay topic that fits.
Except for qualification as a National Hispanic Scholar, no one is ever going to require proof of ethnicity. Even then that one Spanish grandparent is good enough. This is self-identification. If you consider yourself hispanic, go ahead and check the box. You needn’t hunt down any special activities.
Tribal enrollment for Native American students is generally required for scholarship awards that are for NA students. Whether the applicant is active or not can be immaterial provided they can demonstrate that they are enrolled.
Do you actually consider yourself Hispanic? If not, just checking the box, as you put it, is intellectually dishonest. If you do and you want an activity, then how about an activity that helps Latino immigrants. Look for groups in your community that provide services or help immigrants. Depending on what part of the country you are in, there may also be Filipino immigrants that need help. But these should be because you want to do an activity, not to prove something that is – someone else said – a matter of self-identification. Actually, if you want to be more appealing on an application, I think the mix of Spanish and Filipino culture could be interesting – particularly given the history of the Spanish empire.
1/4 White 1/2 Asian 1/4 Hispanic… so why Hispanic as the declaration. Shouldn’t the majority rule? This kind of games is so common in the top schools’ Admission Office, they can smell this coming and WILL count against you. It is better off to declare as Pacific Islander instead of Hispanic based on your Philipino background. Will a Philippino be counted as URM vs other “Asian ORMs”, maybe… it is best to be honest instead of playing games.
sigh Let’s not assume facts not in evidence; Hispanic is an ethnicity, not a race. The Common App if you are Hispanic and asks for race. So s/he may in fact plan to check the Asian box. One can be white Hispanic, black Hispanic, Asian Hispanic, or some type of swirl. The OP presumably has a Hispanic grandparent, so s/he is Hispanic, regardless of participating or not participating in any cultural programs.
Also, to be clear, the OP did not ask if checking Hispanic is an admissions bump. While it may be, or it may be negated by the Filipino part. Unless restricted by lay, each college is free to determine what preferential treatment, if any, such an application will receive.
Having said all that, I agree with the above poster who said don’t join a group just for the sake of joining a group; that will likely not be beneficial. However, if it is something you want to get involved in for your own interest, I’m sure your school or local community center will have some ideas.