My parents originate from North Africa and physically we appear Caucasian (but not European Caucasian). Do I claim my ethnicity as African American? Or is that limited to sub-Saharan Africa? Obviously there is a certain advantage to applying as a minority but I don’t want to appear dishonest.
I do believe that North Africans specifically are required to put Caucasian. I’d wait for someone else to verify before taking my word for it.
According to the US census definitions - “Black or African American: A person having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa. It includes people who indicate their race as “Black, African Am., or Negro”; or report entries such as African American, Kenyan, Nigerian, or Haitian.”
Alright, so far it seems like I should put Caucasian. How do I remedy the fact that I have put ‘African American’ on my tests because I thought that’s what I should have identified as?
Specifically, I thought the “or” was meant to include other individuals from the continent.
Contact the College Board and/or the company that runs the ACT and ask them to correct it.
Or just put Caucasian the next time you are asked. Also, this is about how you identify yourself. If you identify your self as African I would speak to someone about it who has better answes rather than relying on what the internet tells you anonymously. Decline to answer if you prefer unless your last name can possibly be seen as Asian.
Hell no! Put African American. You’re not lying because you are and it significantly helps your chances.
No, you are not African American. African American refers to individuals with ancestry from black-skinned regions of Africa. You are caucasian (white).
Some colleges now have a “Middle Eastern” box. In addition, you can indicate your will/wish to study Arabic/Middle Easter Studies in college (for a minor for example)