error made on my grad school app (chose the wrong race)

[yk2348]

I'm an Asian American but I accidentally chose Asian-Indian by mistake

I applied to a Master's program. Should I call the department and try to fix this or let it pass? can it hurt my application at all?

[belowthree]

It's completely irrelevant.

[washdc]

I disagree. Especially if "indian" refers to "native american"- there are so few native american applicants, that it would HIGHLY increase your chances of getting in.

I knew someone once who felt politically correct and therefore inclined to choose "other" on his application when he was a White male- he was offered admission, but once the admission office discovered he lied, they rescinded their offer.

Even if it's a small error, you should definitely iron it out- otherwise they can totally fault you on the error and if they feel inclinded to, reject their offer.

Why take that chance? you know?

[mphhopeful]

I doubt Asian-Indian could also mean Native American Indian. It was not done to mislead the school, and I don't think correcting it at this point in the game could work for or against you since it was purely an honest mistake. If you are really worried about it, email the program coordinator to change it; but, I really wouldn't let it stress you out.

[belowthree]

I disagree. Especially if "indian" refers to "native american"- there are so few native american applicants, that it would HIGHLY increase your chances of getting in.

I knew someone once who felt politically correct and therefore inclined to choose "other" on his application when he was a White male- he was offered admission, but once the admission office discovered he lied, they rescinded their offer.

Even if it's a small error, you should definitely iron it out- otherwise they can totally fault you on the error and if they feel inclinded to, reject their offer.

Why take that chance? you know?

Oh right, sorry. I sometimes forget which policies our school has to follow are ubiquitous and which are not. It isn't irrelevant for all schools. However for all public schools in California this field is irrelevant by law and they can't rescind your offer even if you intentionally lie, from what I can recall.

However even those schools that do care about this field are unlike to quibble over the difference. Not because there is none, but because it doesn't significantly change the demographic makeup really as neither are terribly underrepresented in most parts of academia.

Though I suppose a little of that might depend on your field.

[rising_star]

I would contact the graduate school's Office of Admissions and let them know.

[golonghorns]

I'm surprised they were even broken down...they are generally grouped together under "Asian".....I doubt it matters.

[snap]

Why do they even ask such questions?

[golonghorns]

hello affirmative action!

[belowthree]

hello affirmative action!

As I hinted at earlier this is illegal in some states so look up the laws in your area if you don't already know.