<p>What makes one "proficient" in a language? Could I say I'm proficient because I took that language in high school? Does this section of the app actually mean anything?</p>
<p>I’m wondering about that too. Are they just asking for languages you are fluent in?</p>
<p>I have the same question. I said I was proficient in one language that I took for 3 years but I took another language for one year and I am unsure wether this makes me “proficient” or not. It was an honors class</p>
<p>This application stuff blows. Does anyone know if study interests and career interests are important?</p>
<p>I guess I’ll say that i’m proficient in Italian since I’ve taken it since seventh grade… although my schools lang dept sucks</p>
<p>Within that section it does give you the option of “read, write or speak”. So you can choose which you can do in relation to that language.</p>
<p>Yes, but what defines proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing?</p>
<p>I’d say if you’ve taken a class for 3+ years, you’re probably proficient in at least reading, maybe writing. In my opinion, being proficient would equate to being able to understand over 50% of what you’re presented with (reading) and being able to have people understand over 50% of what you present to them (writing and speaking). Maybe a higher number, more like 65% or 70%. I’m honestly not sure. Just use your best judgement, but only one year of a class seems a little low to describe yourself as proficient in the language. Would you really say you were proficient in Spanish after taking just Spanish 1? I certainly wouldn’t. Maybe you’re a master linguist though.</p>
<p>FYI, Mark Zuckerberg listed as the following as non-English languages he could read and write on his college application: French, Hebrew, Latin, and ancient Greek. Just a little fun fact. :)</p>
<p>So, PrettyAwesome, yes, I’d say that if you’ve been taking Italian since 7th grade, you’re almost absolutely proficient (unless you only attended class once a week, never did any homework, and bombed every single test…which I highly doubt).</p>
<p>yeah, i agree with cowboycliche–taking three or more years of a language should be a good ballpark</p>
<p>So by the above definition I would be considered proficient in german (reading, writing, speaking). However, I am also proficient in Arabic (only speaking). Which would look better to put down? I can’t do both because I am fluent in both Spanish and English and there are only three slots… :(</p>
<p>Also, Arabic (as well as spanish and english) is spoken in my home, whereas German is not. I have never taken a german sat II or other stadardized test though…</p>
<p>I’ve taken Spanish 4 Honors going into Spanish AP and I don’t consider myself “proficient” like my native language, English.</p>
<p>My first language was Chinese, technically, but I likewise am not going to put that I’m proficient in it.</p>
<p>To me proficiency means that if you were stuck in a country that could only speak a certain language, you would be able to converse normally with everyone and read signs, communicate, etc. I really don’t think 50% is a sign of proficiency.</p>
<p>^I guess my thinking was that if you’re able to communicate with most people, not necessarily normally, but so that they can understand, then you’re proficient.</p>
<p>I’m not an expert though, that’s just my opinion. I think it’s best to use one’s own judgement.</p>
<p>cowboy, I agree with you. I’m listing myself as proficient in reading french (not spoken or written) because I can read french book and newspapers. But I was on the fence about that. I would recommend to people if really in doubt, don’t put it down. DEFINITELY don’t put spoken if you can’t. And if you have more than 3 languages, I suggest putting the one’s you’re best at (spoken at home) or the most unique (like arabic over spanish).</p>
<p>I have a similar question. I am proficient in cantonese, mandarin and an obscure dialect of Chinese. Should I put "Chinese(mandarin, cantonese, regional dialect) or just choose 2 of them?</p>
<p>Personally, here’s my opinion on what proficient is.</p>
<p>Speaking:
You would feel comfortable doing a college interview in the language and would have very minor errors. (I think most people probably don’t have this).</p>
<p>Reading:
You are able to read a “decent” book (perhaps Harry Potter or something with that same difficulty level) and understand what’s happening. Although you may not have to understand EVERY word, you could easily explain what the story’s premise is. </p>
<p>Writing:
You could write an decent explanation on this website (such as a thorough reply to a chance thread) without much difficult and with minor mistakes. </p>
<p>Personally, I highly doubt 3 years of a school taught language would give you proficiency (even four might not be enough.) And only 1 year of a language, honors or not, would absolutely NOT count as proficient at a language. In my opinion, most people shouldn’t be marking these boxes if they merely took a language taught during their high school years. Of course there are exceptions to this (learning a language since 6th or 7th grade and excelling in it may be one). Hope this clears things up.</p>
<p>I agree with salsapenguin, and also highly doubt a few years in HS courses would give proficiency in any part of a language.</p>
<p>
Well I know some people in my Spanish curriculum who’ve practiced at home and memorize vocab regularly who would probably be considered quite proficient in the language. Ideally for our class, everyone would be proficient by now, but most of us just don’t practice outside of homework.</p>
<p>I made my decision, and I chose to say that I’m proficient in Italian. I’ve taken it for 5 years and I can, although with trouble, get by if I have to.</p>
<p>I don’t know… honestly I wouldn’t say “proficient” unless you could read, write, or speak that language at a native or near native level. And this isn’t often achieved just from taking the class at school for a couple years. If you speak another language at home or have lived abroad for significant amount of time and speak that language I would put it, otherwise not. The college will know you took the class from your transcript so there is no real point in putting the language again.</p>