<p>Grandfather was a Jemez Pueblo / southwestern Hispanic who did not marry his white girlfriend. Father was adopted into a midwestern white family. Son, who looks mostly white, was raised by Irish American mother after father left the family, and is now applying to college.</p>
<p>A few years ago, while trying to uncover adoption information, my siblings and I found hints of the Pueblo ancestry, which was fascinating. It was confirmed through DNA, and we are still working on the details to establish the formal tribal connection, which we desire simply because it is a part of who we are (very difficult due to closed adoption laws). We visited the pueblo last year and have been thrilled by the connections made there.</p>
<p>Now I hesitate at the race question. It feels intensely disloyal to simply indicate “caucasian,” as that Jemez Pueblo ancestry feels to be a very important part of who we are, but we don’t want to appear to be exploiting our native heritage. Unlike our cousins on the Pueblo, we did not grow up on a reservation or surrounded by tribal culture. Simply clicking “caucasian” feels like erasure, but there is no space for an explanation that says “yes, I am part native american, but I was raised white, and I don’t want to take anything away from my cousins who may have been disadvantaged by their ancestry.” We also don’t want any admission officer to see that as trying to game the system somehow. </p>
<p>Does anyone have advice on how to handle this?</p>
<p>Race is self-identified. You can check any box you feel comfortable with or no box at all. Many Asians do not check any box as they believe it hurts more than it helps. There also might be a mix race or bi-racial choice that you feel more comfortable with.</p>
<p>I’d be cautious in checking the Native American box. You haven’t proved it yet, and if it won’t give you any advantage now, wait until you do. Look at Elizabeth Warren. She checked the box and has now discovered it isn’t true and it’s given her nothing but grief.</p>
<p>While race is self-identified, be aware that the AI/AN category is different from the others as many schools ask for proof of official tribal affiliation. </p>
<p>The main thing IMO is to be honest about your situation. You could possibly mark AI/AN, designate Pueblo, and describe your situation in the Additional Info section. I think adcoms are pretty savvy about the multitude of family and racial situations possible and will be able to comprehend the complexity of your upbringing if you present it sincerely.</p>
<p>Note that he can mark more than one answer for race and ethnicity, although (as noted above) there may be tribal documentation requirements for Native Americans, depending on the school.</p>
<p>For example: FSU provides scholarships and cut-rate tuition for Seminole tribe members. You may want to check admissions at the colleges that you plan on apply/attending.</p>
<p>My daughter checked both Native American and White on all her college apps. I am an enrolled Tribal member while she is not yet (she can’t be a full member until she is 21). She doesn’t look Native American at all and was raised in PA (our tribe is in CA) but it is an important part of her heritage. That said, if it was unlikely she could have ‘proven’ her tribal affiliation, I don’t think I would have advised her to check the ‘Native American’ box. </p>