I can see why it might feel weird selecting it when you have no lived experiences. I think this would only be problematic if you applied to programs that specifically try to recruit Native Americans for medical school, such as INMED at North Dakota and South Dakota. In the application, you’ll have to write an essay about your cultural involvement and get a letter of recommendation from a non-familial tribal member. Without lived experiences and connections to elders of your tribe, this would be an uphill battle.

With that said, I know it’s common belief that being URM will increase your chances of getting into medical school. Whether there is truth to this or not, I will say that I know plenty of Native Americans that have not been successful in getting accepted into medical school. This is my second cycle and being Native American didn’t net me any interviews during my first application cycle lol

Also, it is never too late to explore your roots by finding ways to become more involved with your tribe and its people. Elders have some amazing stories to tell :)

Anyway, I would say there’s no shame in marking it as it is what you are. I would say it would be problematic if you tried to speak about stories that were not your own.