On the common app, my options for race are “white,”“Asian,” “Black or African-American,” etc. However, I am half white and half Trinidadian. Trinidad is a complex place in that is filled with a mix of West Indians and African Americans. My mom’s family (the Trinidadian side) has been in in Trinidad for generations under the English rule. Although my mom appears more Indian than Black, her and her family associate as Trinidadian which is technically in the Caribbean. So for my mom’s side should I put “Asian” or “Black or African-American”? If I am being honest I would rather put “Black or African-American” because I associate with it more than “Asian” and affirmative action favors Blacks over Asians. I also don’t want to get in trouble with any school that I get accepted in because I do not have that many black features. Even though I have a broad nose, big lips and dark skin, I have straight hair so I could be mistaken for different ethnicities. Thank you
Check all that apply. Omit the ones you don’t want to apply. No reason to overthink this. Most Trinidadian (and indeed, most Caribbean people) are some blend. From an admissions perspective, I don’t thing that 100% Black/African-American is more advantageous that swirled.