What race do I list on college applications?

Question

Both my parents are Iranian immigrants, now naturalized American citizens. Although I have been listing "white" for the past 23 years, I have never really felt it. What should (read: can) I list on college applications to benefit from some distinctive consideration in light of my different background?

Answer 1

Your question is very interesting! Generally, an application will give you a list of choices (currently including biracial, I think) and expect you to check one. There is not an option usually that would fit you if you feel uncomfortable with "white" (I have never seen a Semite category or you might consider that). I really do not care much for racial/ethnic labels and hope that the day will come when one need not specify one's race upon a form. In the meantime, however, on the application in question, it seems that it might be preferable that a space be provided where you could explain, as you have above, how you feel about yourself, thereby enabling the prospective school to decide for themselves where they wished to assign you! If the previous is unlikely (and, no doubt, it is), then I imagine that you must continue to refer to yourself as white since none of the other usual categories seems applicable to you...

Answer 2

Oftentimes, you will not find a category that fits you perfectly. If you have the option to decline to answer, you can always do that. If not, you will just have to pick what you feel is closest to you :( Sadly, I have never seen an application that lists Middle-Eastern decent as an answer....Good luck!!!

Answer 3

If we are talking about 'obviously,' then, obviously, you note some Darwinian benefit in getting your self labeled as African American. many years in the past, at the same time as they weren't stated as Afro-human beings and stated as themselves Blacks, what might want to you've finished then..? Do an Al Jolson and strut into the equipment Boardroom and belt out, 'i might want to stroll a million miles, for one in each of your smiles, My Mammy..!' you would possibly want to do properly although. unique and unconventional techniques are not undesirable. in case you couple that with some oz. of basic sense, you'll do ok. And, obviously you at the on the spot are not a racist both, so extra factors for that too.

Answer 4

I wouldn't put any race, I always answer "decline to state." I want to be judged based upon my achievement and merit, not because of my ethnic identity. Your grades should be all of the "distinctive consideration" you need.

Answer 5

Definitely put Iranian. Or whatever option they give thats closest.

Answer 6

Asian. Persians are Asians right? If it gets you money, go for it.

Now, being a minority wont help get you into college these dyas (Though I wouldn't know because I went to an HBCU) but it will help pay for it ... lol.