<p>Ok. So for the past month or so I have been teaching myself Hebrew. I plan to continue over the summer and for a very long time. I am pretty good at learning languages, so I am making pretty good process towards becoming proficient. However, because the first school I am applying to is in November, should I put this on my application? And if so how? I really enjoy it and it is an extremely personal time for me (I sit down every night before I go to bed and study Hebrew for an hour a night, learning it in depth not breadth). I was considering writing an essay on it but I'm just not sure. I will have been studying it for about 6 months on my own, but I will not have any way to prove any of this except for if they asked me to write out a few sentences and such. If anyone could help me out it would be much appreciated. </p>
<p>Another reason why this is sort of important is because I am applying for admission into International Relations Departments, and I think it would be impressive if I could say that I have studied 2 languages for 5 years, and then by the time I am going to that school, a non latin based alphabet language for a full year.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>You can either a) list it as an extracurricular (some would say you shouldn't, but if you love it enough enough, go for it), or b) put it in the additional info.</p>
<p>I would highly recommend you write one of your essays (long or short) on it, if you're passionate about it and you find that it's a significant activity in your life.</p>
<p>On my application, I mentioned my learning languages, as well as the languages I've studied (all but one independently), and I highlighted that in my essays. One of my regional admissions officers wrote on my admission letter, "...your passion for languages and linguistics is so unique..." so I would definitely recommend it!</p>
<p>By the way:</p>
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I will have been studying it for about 6 months on my own, but I will not have any way to prove any of this except for if they asked me to write out a few sentences and such.
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<p>As you may or may not know, a subject test is offered in Hebrew, as well as other languages. I would say take it if you really want to prove "substantially" your involvement with the language. There are other ways to show it, like perhaps starting a club or taking a national exam in the language (not sure there's one for Hebrew or not), but you definitely do not need to "prove" this for it to "count."</p>
<p>Thanks a bunch. I really love learning languages, especially hebrew because there is something very personal with it for me. I'm not sure if I'll be good enough to take an SAT exam in it by october (or even january for that matter) but I think I am just going to keep working at it and we'll see what happens. Thanks alot!</p>
<p>Does anyone else have an opinion on all of this?</p>