I qualify as Caucasian and African American (GM and GP from my dads side are middle eastern, GM from my moms side is north african, GP from my dads side is Saharan, dark skin). Will applying mixed race not give me the boost normally given to AA students? Will it hurt me if I applied mixed instead of just african? Should I leave out caucasian even though it is 75% of my blood? Thanks in advance.
No it won’t hurt you.
My mixed race children will be applying as AA.
Yes it can, by loosing your URM status. I don’t know about you. But generally 3/4 Caucasian blood doesn’t protect one from racism in the U.S. when the remaining 1/4 is from African ancestors. I am not even sure if 7/8th or 15/16th would do. I don’t like it. But that’s how it is.
In terms of admissions, you do not “lose” “your URM status” because you are mixed. You are a combo of influences and realities and can feel free to claim the mix, if you wish. Adcoms will see all of what you check and not make a judgment that, eg, you aren’t “Black enough.” They will read your application, see the individual you are and what you might add to their community. Worry more about the rest of your app and supps.