In essays, is it bad to talk about experiences from your childhood?

A lot of colleges ask about educational opportunities you’ve taken advantage of. The most significant opportunity I’ve had was going through a Spanish immersion program from kindergarten through 8th grade. Would this be seen as too young to be significant by a reader? Are they more interested in high-school age opportunities, or do they care more about what you’ve gained from the experience and how you phrase that than the actual time of the experience?

No, that’s fine, but I’d advise you not to make the entire essay about your childhood. If you can link that experience to some more recent stories/experiences, you’ll make a more compelling case. @freedompotatoes

If you mention it in passing/briefly, that is fine. But they really want to know more about you as a young adult. If it was a springboard to something important to you now, it could be something you would mention. But I would not make it the focus of the essay.

Agree with above posts.

They are interested in something YOU have taken advantage of. A program that you were placed in beginning in kindergarten is meaningless with regard to your current self’s interests/motivation. Your focus should be on high-school years. Remember, “education” is not only in school/in a classroom.