In a qualitative study we examined the constructs "race" and "ethnicity" and their relative importance in the multidimensional identities of 52 Asian American undergraduates across 2 universities. Findings suggest these constructs are useful for Asian American students' identity claims and that multiple contextual influences (e.g., stereotypes, being recognized, and demographics) influence how these constructs are differentially claimed. From the findings, we present a model for how "race" and "ethnicity" may function differently as Asian American students encounter contexts that force them to answer various identity-based questions.