Mandarin vs. Spanish: Which Language Should I Pursue in High School?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>Hi everyone! I recently got accepted into my first choice for high school, but I cannot decide between Mandarin and Spanish as my freshman language course. </p>

<p>I have been taking Mandarin I all throughout my eighth grade year, and I want to continue studying the language in high school. However, my parents keep insisting that I learn Spanish, as I got accepted into a Medical program and they feel I will most likely have to speak in Spanish to potential patients and whatnot. I plan to become a doctor or medical researcher somewhere in Asia (not necessarily China, but Japan or South Korea) when I grow older, and Mandarin would undoubtedly aid me in achieving that goal. The downside is, all incoming Freshman who want to take Mandarin as a language have to start at the first level (Man. I), while for Spanish, you take the placement test and get assigned to a level depending on your knowledge. </p>

<p>I was thinking of having Mandarin as my first choice, Spanish my second and studying the basics of Spanish before the placement exam just in case. I would really appreciate some advice! </p>

2

<p>I would recommend Mandarin, because Spanish would be easier to learn outside of school if you wanted to. </p>

<p>

If you haven’t taken any Spanish classes, what’s the problem with starting at Spanish I? </p>

3

<p>If you feel like your future would have a greater need for Mandarin, you should take it. My only reason for taking Spanish in high school was because I had taken Spanish 1 in Middle School and didn’t want to start over.</p>

4

<p>Take whichever one you prefer. HS languages generally go at a faster pace than MS.</p>

5

<p>I would definitely choose Mandarin, but that’s just me.</p>

6

<p>@yale925 - your school may allow you to switch up to Mandarin 2 once school starts if Mandarin 1 is clearly too easy for you. </p>

7

<p>At my school Mandarin is much more difficult than Spanish, so remember to consider their respective difficulties aswhen making your choice </p>

8

<p>Definitely Mandarin. I loved it all 4 years. We did more cool stuff than all the other languages.</p>