WHAT AM I?

Applying to College
1

<p>So I am half white and half Asian. I was born here in America, and have lived here all my life. However, I am fluent in that Asian language.
Question: Can i apply as "white".</p>

<p>I'm planning on applying to top-tier universities, so this would help me out.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance</p>

2

<p>Race/ethnicity is self identified, and optional at that. </p>

3

<p>Thanks for replying</p>

4

<p>bump, is this legal to do?</p>

5

<p>Legal? You aren’t required to put down Asian, so as long as you are something, you can claim it. However, if your last name is Chen or Nguyen, they’re probably going to guess you’re at least part Asian. Not that it should make a difference, but you never know at certain schools that may or may not have an Asian quota.</p>

6

<p>I got a laugh out of MrMom’s comment. But he is right - there is nothing “legal” about the ethnicity question – it simply asks to which ethnic group you identify with. That being said, your answer can backfire on your application read (if the rep learns differently either from reading a recommendation letter or some other means) and it can backfire on your high school guidance counselor and future students if you lie. So if you are fluent in an Asian language and this is listed on your application, and you are half Asian, and any of your activities listed also indicate an interest in Asian-related activities, and your last name is a common Asian last name … and then you list that you identify as white - well, that might not go over well…</p>

7

<p>The safest option that will annoy no one is to simply decline to state one.</p>

8

<p>Isn’t there an option to say mixed?</p>

9

<p>You can check more than one of the options.</p>

10

<p>Thanks everyone. Yea I’m not sure, if the application lets me, I guess I should check both. </p>

11

<p>Have you read the race in college admissions FAQ? The first page addresses your questions quite</p>

<p><a href=“"Race" in College Admission FAQ & Discussion 11 - Applying to College - College Confidential Forums”>"Race" in College Admission FAQ & Discussion 11 - Applying to College - College Confidential Forums;