Should I put English or Spanish as my first language?

Applying to College
1

My parents are Spanish (born and raised), but I was born and raised in America. I’m pretty sure my first language was Spanish (but I’ve lost a lot of my Spanish ability over adolescence.) Would it be reasonable to put the following on the Common App, under the language section?:

Spanish: First Language, Speak, Read, Write, Spoken at Home
English: Speak, Read, Write, Spoken at Home

Would this sound reasonable to adcom? Is this a common scenario in America (where someone is born learning their parents’ langauge first (and then English second), despite living in America, and then loses some ability in that first language)?

Or does it seem made up, especially since I don’t have a Spanish Subject Test to report?

2

It really does not matter, but the CA allows you to list multiple languages as “First Language.” I listed 3 on mine.

I would, though, list English as a First Language. You likely started to speak it before school, and, while unlikely, you don’t want AOs to think you need to submit TOEFL.

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