<p>I'm a upcoming senior looking to do Cornell ED. </p>
<p>When you are applying to the Art and Science College, it says under course requirement and recommendation that it requires 3 years of a foreign language. "Deficiencies should be explained in a letter accompanying the application." How will taking only one year of French will hurt me? I immigrated from China to Canada during the sixth grade, so i didn't take French past grade 9 as i concentrated in English. I get high marks in English and have a good curve, and high SAT CR +W. </p>
<p>What should i write in my letter? and how long does it have to be?
Should i also take SAT 2 Chinese just to show i'm bilingual?</p>
<p>If you are bilingual, I think that’ll suffice. In Arts and Sciences at Cornell, you have to take a language or show that you are fluent in one. If you can fulfill the graduation requirement with your level of fluency, I’m pretty sure they can overlook not having taken 3 years in high school. </p>
<p>As for the letter, I would explain that you wanted to concentrate on learning English and that you are (hopefully) fluent in Chinese.</p>
<p>Yeah, I would explain in a separate letter about your focus on English as a second language…I’m sure it will count as a foreign language. CAS students have a foreign language requirement (intermediate level or 11 credits before graduation), but bilingual students are able to bypass that because they already speak more than one language. I’m sure the same would apply to applicants, but you could also call the admissions office to check.</p>
<p>when i call the admissions office, who’s picking up my call? No one on the admission committee i hope.
Can i be causal and just, you know, inquiry about my situation or should i write down what i’m going to say and stuff?</p>
<p>It’s not that formal. If you’re worried about that, just send an email. I prefer emails anyway because if you have a continuing question you can just reply and they’ll see everything else.</p>
<p>That’s so true. I knew two international students who had problems paying for the test.
You probably don’t even have to take the SAT II.
They make exceptions especially for applicants in your position.
Since you’re native born, knowing both English and Chinese would be considered knowing a foreign language outside of English. They will honor that if you wrote and attached that explanation.
Just don’t overwhelm yourself with the language requirement and continue finishing your application.</p>
<p>how long does it take Cornell to respond to an email? I emailed them a couple of days ago and still haven’t heard back. i guess i’m be making a international call then =)</p>