<p>Honestly, I think that logically you are an African American, even though colleges probably will not see it that way. If my ancestors were from Egypt and then ended up in Palestine before being dispersed to Poland where they lived for hundreds of years, I would consider myself Pole, not Egyptian. However, since the purpose of that box is to check one’s URM or ORM status, they would not want you to check “African American.” </p>
<p>Then again, the commonapp states “If you wish to be identified with a particular ethnic group, please check all that apply:.” Clearly you wish to be identified as an African American…</p>
<p>PS: I don’t think blacks get preference because of past oppression. My belief is that it’s to increase diversity.</p>