<p>Well, my principal said that colleges are "snatching" kids up who take Chinese because of the demand. But in all honesty, I would prefer taking Latin over Chinese. The only real reasons why I want to take Chinese is because:
A) It "may" look good on a college resume
B) I appreciate the culture</p>
<p>Other than that, I see no need to take the course. Afterall, I have absolutely no plans on majoring in business.</p>
<p>So how do foreign languages affect admissions? Surely colleges know Chinese is harder than Latin. Would they reward a student for take Chinese as opposed to another language.</p>
<p>I am a Junior, and it's required that I take 3 courses in this language before I graduate. So I'm pretty much stuck with what I choose.</p>
<p>I heard another counter rumor that says that colleges don’t like kids who take Chinese because it’s such a simple language that’s easy to pick up for non-native speakers; Latin is not only more challenging but the basis of many English etymologies.</p>
<p>There, now you don’t have to feel any college angst about doing the language that you enjoy.</p>
I personally have never heard a non-native Chinese speaker speak fluent Chinese. Also, Chinese is not an “easy” language that’s “easy to pick up”. Reading, Writing, and Speaking Chinese fluently is difficult.</p>
<p>That’s why it’s a rumor. Question me again and I’ll have to put together a phony Wikipedia article as evidence. And trust me, you don’t want to face that.</p>
<p>To the OP: Just take whatever language you are most comfortable with, which seems to be Latin. If you’re doing something just to impress college admissions officers, they will see right through it and it won’t help you at all. I think your principal may be misleading you. I’ve heard that it is more impressive to take a language that isn’t your native language and do well in it. If you’re taking a language that you are already well-versed in, then it doesn’t seem as impressive. Either way, just go with what you like best.</p>
<p>I don’t know about Chinese being “simple”…both languages are complicated. But Jahaba did have a valid point when they said that Latin is the basis of English etymologies- it’ll help you with your vocab ;] Plus, I feel like latin has the allure of being one of the “classic” languages taught at schools, and will be tons more useful than Chinese will ever be to you (from what you said you were interested in studying). </p>
<p>Sorry for posting again, I felt the urge to advocate for latin. :P</p>
<p>Well, my school believes the same thing about Chinese… to the point they dropped Latin and replaced it with Arabic this year. Caused a lot of controversy not only within the school (Catholic), but in the area. </p>
<p>If Latin is the class you’d be happier in, take Latin.</p>
<p>i’m fluent in latin and im a 2 year chinese student. i can safely say latin is more useful during school for prefixes, suffixes, and such, but chinese is better IRL over long term.</p>
<p>Both would seem impressive on an application. I’ve heard many people say Chinese can be difficult to learn, but I’ve also heard many people speak about the merits of Latin on an application. You should take whichever you are more interested in. </p>
<p>If you prefer Latin, take Latin. Either will “look good”, but that’s not really what matters anyway.</p>
<p>Hey everybody!
Thank you sooo much! I have fun reading what you all had to say (especially the wikipedia threat :)) Haha I decided that I am going with Latin afterall! There is no point in wasting 3 semesters taking a class I don’t like. That’s how people begin hating school.</p>
<p>Again, I sincerely appreciate the suggestions and guidance you have provided! Thank You! :)</p>
<p>^I know you’ve already made the decision, but I had to throw in a good word for Latin. I’m a fourth-year student (AP Vergil), and I’ve loved studying the language. It’s challenging, for sure, but it helped me <em>immensely</em> with my verbal SAT (800CR/800W). Not to mention you don’t have any oral exams :)</p>
<p>I completely agree with everything you said. Latin has been incredibly rewarding for me too. And coolpg, I think you are making the right decision for many reasons. :)</p>