<p>Silly question, I know. I was born in the U.S. to a Cuban immigrant mother and a Midwesterner father. I consider myself caucasian American and am moderately proficient in Spanish, but not fluent. English was my first language. In high school my counselor told me to apply as Hispanic on college applications. I was a National Hispanic Scholar and a National Merit Scholar. I grew up in a household where I was as likely to have arroz con frijoles negros as a hamburger on any given night. I consider myself to have great roots on both sides, but have never had the chance to have any good friends that were Hispanic, so relating to the Spanish culture is not as easy for me. Eventually, I plan on applying to med school. How should I apply? I know Cuban Americans are not really considered URM's, but do I mark the Hispanic box or the Caucasian, not Hispanic box? I'm confused. Any opinions?</p>
<p>You should mark the Hispanic box. However, I think you might be able to list multiple racial backgrounds. I don’t recall.</p>
<p>Thanks, MMMcdowe, my surname is of European descent, not Spanish, so it seems even more awkward to apply as Hispanic. Is there any benefit to checking Hispanic if you are not a URM?</p>
<p>Surname won’t matter. And, while technically there shouldn’t be I’m pretty sure that some or most schools have a broader definition of URM than the official one.</p>
<p>I guess I just wouldn’t want the schools to think I’m trying to pass for something for my advantage. On the other hand, I have nothing to hide about who I am. I feel like I will be a competitive candidate no matter what mixed ethnic origin and I don’t want them to think I am trying to pull a sly one since I’m not disadvantaged in any way.</p>
<p>It depends on how precisely the question is asked. I would say you’re quite obviously Hispanic, but I suspect the question will specifically ask for “Mexican,” “Cuban,” “Puerto Rican,” “South American,” etc. In that case you’ll simply check the “Cuban” box and be done with it.</p>
<p>Thanks, both of you. Do you happen to remember what the choices are for the AMCAS application?</p>
<p>The race box is optional on the AMCAS. You can choose not to answer the question if you don’t want your race considered.</p>
<p>Thank-you all.</p>