The common app includes “Regardless of your answer to the prior question, please indicate how you identify yourself.” and a following list of ethnicities.
(I am Asian.)
From what I have heard, I understand that Asians do not receive much benefit in the admissions process; they’re not flagged a minority.
I have also heard differing opinions on whether it would benefit to fill this out or leave this section blank.
But, my last name is glaringly Asian–with its Zh and such–and I wonder if not choosing to fill that out makes it seems as if I have something to hide.
Depending on the college, they can figure out, whether or not, you are Asian. If you don’t list anything, depending on the college, they may see it as an attempt to not be “classified” as ORM for admissions purposes. No one knows what the college adcoms will do.
They need the information for federal census-like info.
If you list it, it shouldn’t penalize you at most colleges; if you don’t list it, it could be viewed as evasive.
Do what you feel comfortable doing. For most public colleges, it doesn’t really matter.