Fluency in Languages on Application

<p>On the Georgetown applications, it asks what languages other than English you are fluent in. I am semi-fluent in Spanish and Hebrew (a student in AP Spanish who spends time tutoring Spanish-speaking kids in English) and I did a semester in Israel junior year. I can completely hold conversation, but would not describe my proficiency up to par as my English, per se, and am still taking class. Should I still write Spanish and Hebrew, or leave it off the application? How much would it affect me?</p>

<p>I'd put those on if you have at least basic fluency in them. However, ask yourself: why did Georgetown put that question on there? Are they looking to see what else you speak natively, or what other languages you've learned?</p>

<p>Hm, very good question. Both are languages that I've learned, as will be demonstrated by my classes and ECs.</p>

<p>could we add that onto an application to any college even if it doesn't ask? or would that be superfluous?</p>

<p>Hm, good question. I'd most likely put that under special skills if they have that, or just mention it in an essay.</p>

<p>I've run into the same problem with French; I decided to write that I can read it but not speak it or write it, since I CAN read it fluently (almost at par with English) but I can't speak it or write it as well.</p>

<p>yeah ditto on that la montagne. i went to france this summer and i can honestly say i could pick up Le Figaro or Le Monde and translate every sentence well. but, i've never tested myself in writing and my speaking is very elementary. should i throw it somewhere in the application or not?</p>

<p>You can say something to the effect of, "fluent in X, conversationally fluent in Y, proficient in Z" which gives the impression that you're pretty darn good, but not necessarily a native speaker and still improving.</p>

<p>A related question: I saw a supplement, don't remember which, asking for the languages you speak fluently. I know it generally asks about languages where you speak, read and write fluently. I speak Spanish really well, almost as a native, I suppose, but I don't know to read or write at all. I learned it from movies, so you get the picture. Should I list it?</p>

<p>How can you not know how to read/write Spanish? It's a phonetic language. Just take half an hour to memorize the alphabet and learn how to place accents and put it on your app.</p>