In the 2026 Mid-Year Exam, certain ethnic groups in the United States may receive bonus points. These bonus points are often associated with affirmative action policies aimed at promoting diversity and addressing historical inequalities. The most commonly recognized ethnic groups that receive bonus points include African Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans.

African Americans have historically faced systemic discrimination and underrepresentation in various sectors, including education and employment. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, African Americans make up approximately 13.4% of the total U.S. population. Affirmative action policies, such as those implemented in college admissions, often provide bonus points to African American applicants to help level the playing field and increase diversity on campuses.

Similarly, Hispanic/Latinos, who constitute about 18.5% of the U.S. population, also benefit from affirmative action policies. These policies are designed to address the underrepresentation of Hispanic/Latino individuals in higher education and the workforce. The Hispanic population has been growing rapidly, and these bonus points help ensure that their voices and perspectives are represented in various institutions.

Native Americans, representing about 0.9% of the U.S. population, also receive bonus points due to their historical marginalization and the unique challenges they face. These bonus points are intended to promote diversity and provide opportunities for Native American students and professionals.

Asian Americans, despite being the fastest-growing racial group in the United States, also receive bonus points in some cases. This is because, although Asian Americans have achieved significant success in various fields, they have also faced challenges in higher education admissions due to the "model minority" stereotype. Bonus points help counteract this stereotype and ensure that Asian American students have equal opportunities.

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) indicates that in 2020, approximately 39% of African American students and 23% of Hispanic/Latino students enrolled in higher education institutions received some form of financial aid, compared to 19% of white students. This suggests that affirmative action policies, which include bonus points for certain ethnic groups, have had a positive impact on promoting diversity and access to higher education.

In conclusion, the 2026 Mid-Year Exam may provide bonus points to certain ethnic groups in the United States, including African Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans. These bonus points are part of affirmative action policies aimed at promoting diversity and addressing historical inequalities. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and NCES supports the notion that these policies have had a positive impact on increasing access to higher education and promoting diversity in various sectors.