<p>I’ll add one more comparison. College apps don’t ask a question about being first gen. Rather, they ask the applicant to describe where their parents attended college, when and what degree (if any) they earned. Then it is up to the college to determine if the applicant fits into their definition of first gen (eg. neither parent has attended college, neither parent has earned a college degree, etc.).</p>
<p>I don’t see it being any different with ethnicity and race. The applicant puts down a factual description and each college determines what that means in the context of their individual admissions process.</p>
<p>Personally, I don’t care about the applicants ‘intent’ as long as they are being factual. Because I think that many other factors are involved in URM status beyond just checking the box.</p>