<p>On the Common App, I believe it asks what I identify as - not what the US Census identifies me as. You see, I am North African, my Father was born in a North African country, and I lived in North Africa for some time when I was younger. The U.S. Census considers me to be "White" as white is defined as European, Middle Eastern, and North African.</p>
<p>However, on the Common App, it says "Black or African." If I identify as African American, because I am of North African descent. (I'm not Arab, I am actually from the indigenous tribe of Morocco: Berber) - would I get in trouble if I marked Black/African?</p>
<p>The ethnic section is optional and you can skip it if you choose.</p>
<p>I personally don’t think you should put Black, if your last name is clearly White.</p>
<p>My last name is really ambiguous - though I do not want to post it here, it is essentially something that most people cannot identify, but sounds rather Middle Eastern/Jewish to give you an idea.</p>
<p>First, I believe your race must match up with school and testing records. So, if your transcript says that you are “White,” you’re probably going to be investigated. </p>
<p>Second, while I see where you are coming from in regards to your race being from an indigenous population, I think “African American” generally means people whose ancestry derives from sub-Saharan Africa. This stems from the fact that Northern Africa was considered part of the “old world” and has historic ties to Europe.</p>