<p>Syria is located in Asia. Sure, that's not what people usually mean when they say they're Asian, but I feel like it would improve my chances.</p>
<p>I don't look very Arab, and there normally isn't a Middle Eastern category, and if there is it's listed under Caucasian.</p>
<p>But....TECHNICALLY, I'm Asian. What do you guys think?</p>
<p>If there is a middle eastern category, do that. I would think that being Asian would hurt you lol. What do you identify yourself as?</p>
<p>Arab.</p>
<p>Normally, there is no Middle Eastern category, so usually "Asian" is my only option.</p>
<p>Why would it hurt me? I thought colleges favored minorities.</p>
<p>Under the categories that most colleges and universities would use, a student from Syria (as a middle eastern country) would be classified as White or Caucasian.</p>
<p>But most of that reporting is not for the colleges themselves, just for the Department of Education, and often students can check one, some, or all of the boxes as they so choose.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Follow-up question: Does affirmative action apply to Arabs?</p>
<p>Don't put that you're asian hahahah that gives you a disadvantage, asians are an overrepresented minority.</p>
<p>"Does affirmative action apply to Arabs? " No it doesn't</p>
<p>I think you might be better off identifying as a Caucasian.
The problem with identifying as "Asian" is that when admissions consider "Asian", they usually think of Chinese or Indian applicants. Those particular races are overrepresented minorities- because they tend to be VERY competitive applicants in terms of GPA and test scores. Because of this, saying you're Caucasian would be your best bet- you won't have to worry about competition as much that way.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I thought colleges favored minorities.
[/quote]
Some colleges and universities give a boost in admissions to members of underrepresented minority groups. Neither Arabs nor east Asians are underrepresented.</p>
<p>^I think Arabs might be, but they're lumped in with Caucasians, who aren't. East and South Asians are considered to be overrepresented.</p>
<p>My friend is Syrian. He applied as White and has had no problems</p>