Ethnicity LSAC profile

[Harman]

I have read online that identifying as an Asian actually does more harm than good since Asians are actually over represented in law school? Is there any truth to this? Would it be better if I just did not disclose any of that information?

This might sound bad but, is one type of Asian worse off than the other?
If I put Middle Eastern vs East Indian would that help at all since it is not Asian?

I'm wondering if being from a lower cast from the Indian sub continent could help; diversity statement?

Do the admissions counselors do a thorough check of your ethnicity?

Sorry, I know this all sounds pretty messed up but I need to know.

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/edu ... 51620236/1

[Dave Killoran]

Hi Harman,

This has been the topic of a lot of discussion, especially at the undergraduate level. One of the good things about applying to law school these days is that there is much greater competition among law schools for students, and also that the competition is largely driven by the US News rankings, which are heavily numerical in composition.

Ethnicity has a lot to do with how you identify yourself. And there aren't rigid definitions for who falls into each group, so it's not something easily checked.

Law schools are concerned with creating classes with multiple viewpoints, and that means making sure under-represented groups get fair representation. So, if I come from one of those groups, it's a plus. On the flip side, there isn't an additional penalty for coming from a well-represented group.

With the various groups you are referring to, they are each thought to be reasonably well represented in law school today. Thus, it won't be a benefit to choose one over the other. As far as the caste situation, it could be the basis for such a statement, but as is often the case, it's how it's presented. Do it in a winning way and of course it would be a benefit!

I hope that helps. Thanks!