<p>I speak five languages.
(fluent in three, good level in the other two)</p>
<p>How much does this set me apart?</p>
<p>Are there any particular colleges that appreciate polyglots?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>I think it will be viewed most favorably and set you apart to some extent IF the rest of your application is impressive, particularly your test scores, gpa, and rank/decile etc. etc.</p>
<p>This is one of those qualities that is uncommon overall in the US, but more common than you might think in the applicant pool at top schools. Some schools place an emphasis on globalism and may find someone with foreign language skills particularly appealing. However, it would be one of those things that would probably just help you stand out among otherwise equally-qualified (grades, scores, recommendations) candidates.</p>
<p>It’s unusual, but not that unusual.
Colleges like to see depth rather than breadth. If you really stand out in a particular language, you should try and showcase that when applying to top colleges.</p>
<p>thanks for the replies 
is there any way to stand out apart from standardized tests and qualifications?</p>
<p>Some cool ECs. Why not use your language skills and travel to places and help people?</p>
<p>Do you have some sort of regional or national recognition in any of the languages you speak?
And which languages do you speak?</p>
<p>I have language qualification tests…(highest language qualification test for French and will take those for Spanish and Chinese soon) I speak fluent English, French and Korean (my mother tongue) and I am taking IB level Spanish and third year Chinese.</p>
<p>Building on DeskPotato’s comment, it would really stand out more sharply if you could put it within the context of your global outlook. A strong personal statement that emphasizes these things will help to get this across.</p>
<p>Sorry to butt in, but what sorts of regional/national recognition are available?</p>
<p>I speak 4 languages, including English. I honestly found that this wasn’t quite as unusual as I thought, and it appeared to be of little (if any) help in the college admissions process. If your intended major is related to languages, perhaps it would be different.</p>
<p>I put in being a polyglot as my only really substantial EC and was very satisfied with my acceptances. I think it helped me out a lot, especially since I wrote my common application essay about it.</p>
<p>Hi Kudryavka! could you give me some advice to how you wrote your essay? languages are my only ECs too… ind of : P I devoted a significant time in my life on it and I moved around a lot too I intend on majoring international relations…</p>
<p>I’m the author of Babel No More, the book about hyperpolyglots that was mentioned in the article about Timothy Doner. I’m really interested in this discussion – I didn’t think there were so many people distinguishing themselves with foreign languages. For my next piece, I want to write about people who find it very difficult, even impossible, to learn another language; if you know anyone like that, please ask them to get in touch.</p>
<p>Would you be willing to share your essay with me?</p>