I am finalizing my Gtown application and still wrestling with whether to apply to SFS or College. I would be happy at either…just want to get in. I will graduate from a competitive, private Catholic high school in NY with 4 years of Arabic language (intermediate proficiency), 6 APs (high school AP enrollment limited to junior/senior year and Arabic is not an AP), 3.85 GPA, 35 ACT, Notre Dame Leadership Seminar, solid recommendations, unique ECs (work with refugees). Does anyone know if Arabic is a common language for SFS applicants or whether it might be an advantage? Or am I better off applying to College as International Econ/Arabic double major? The curriculum seems to overlap. Thanks.
Arabic is uncommon enough among applicants that you’ll stand out. If you’re planning on doing international economics or developmental economics, I would strongly recommend applying to the SFS, since the curriculum is designed around people who are interested in IR and won’t have as many non-IR core classes. Just based on what you have, it seems like you have a pretty competitive application. Do you intend on continuing with Arabic at Georgetown, or do you think your language skills are good enough that you can take the proficiency test and place out? If you can place out, you’ll have room to start another language or take more interesting classes, which will be a big benefit.
@masquerade98 Thanks, that is really helpful. I want to continue with Arabic. It is a challenging language (particularly spoken Arabic) with many variants. I don’t know if I will ever be totally proficient. I am not one of those kids who is naturally great with languages, but my interest in the culture has kept me going. I hope to work in diplomacy or consulting with an expertise in the Middle East. Thanks again.