<p>Okay suppose you have an Asian first/last name and you'll probably be found out anyway.</p>
<p>However, <em>maybe</em> they won't look at names in committee so much and your folder will just be labelled "unreported race" or some slim chance like that. There's always a maybe.</p>
<p>Will skipping the racial section cause them to distrust you or otherwise lower your chances BEYOND what a normal Asian would face?</p>
<p>I thought Zhang/Chang was the most common last name...on earth =)</p>
<p>The race section is COMPLETELY optional. Don't bother filling it out if you don't want to. They won't consider whether you filled out the race box or not when deciding on your application (now what you filled in may be important).</p>
<p>but since they'll figure out my race from my name, then would they think im feel "ashamed" of asian identity if i leave it blank...right?</p>
<p>I asked my Chinese friend this very same question and she said that it was a matter of pride. Hiding the fact that she was Asian in order to stand a better chance of getting into college just didn't sit well with her. I can respect that. </p>
<p>I probably would have just left it blank though :)</p>
<p>Change your last name to "Yellowbird" and see if they buy it.</p>