If I am of mixed race black & white, am I required to select black on school documents such as financial aid?

Answer 1

You can select whatever you want.

Take this into consideration however. If you do select that you are black you will be eligible for certain programs and assistance at the school you are applying to. Most likely if you mark that you are a person of color they send you information about this but if you don't mark it then you won't get information sent to you and you will have to figure it out for yourself.

I am also a person of color. At first I marked other but I quickly ended up changing it to my cultural heritage. At my university people of color (and some others who qualify) get free tutoring, academic advising in a culturally accepting environment, more scholarship opportunities, fee waivers/deductions, special award ceremonies, information about cultural events, and more!
Nontraditional students (low income, first generation) get more free tutoring, fee waivers, academic advising, and special financial assistance.

Answer 2

You can select either... it used to be that you had to list the race of your father... but now you can pick the one you most identify with. My daughters are mixed and I've always encouraged them to select black only because there seems to be more financial aid available if you are a black student... I am not making a judgement call... it is just part of "affirmative action" that is still in place in the USA.

Answer 3

If not for financial benefit, why check anything off at all? Is it required? In Canada, this section is optional and used only for statistical purposes, if you choose to answer. I don't. Just seems like another way to segragate our communities.

Answer 4

I am also mixed and I usually select "other" or multiple ethnicities if those spots are available. If not, then you would most likely put whatever is on your birth certificate.