In high school the only class I got a C in was Spanish, I had a really hard time in that class. I actually speak German as a second language already had had for years before I started Spanish and learning a third language was probably what made it difficult for me. Would me explaining in my applications that Spanish was difficult because it was my third language be a good idea and help explain the grade?
Not a convincing explanation, in my opinion.
Agree, providing this type of “explanation” would weaken rather than strengthen your application. Many people speak multiple languages so it is not a valid excuse.
I agree, not a worthy explanation, and one that doesn’t really hold water. Plenty of people learn more than one language without an issue (I, for example, have studied French, Latin, Spanish, and Italian at various levels, along with dabbling in a few others, while German is actually my second language). You’ll just sound like you’re making excuses and that could negatively affect your application, especially because it draws attention to your less than stellar grade.
Then how should I explain it? Or should I not say anything about it?
I would not explain it since it doesn’t seem like you have a different explanation.
Any attempt at an explanation might come off worse than the actual grade. Just let it sit there.
You should not explain it. You got a C in the class.
Yeah I don’t think anyone would buy into that explanation… There are lots of people who take a third language in high school and get good marks in their classes, so your excuse would fall flat on its face
But for OP’s level of targets. I don’t think a C in foreign lang is necessarily a showstopper.
I agree with all the above. You say nothing. My kid has learning disabilities and worked like a demon just to get a C in Spanish. If you work hard you can maintain a a high GPA in lots of other classes. One C isn’t going to have a terrible effect.