Taking a native language subject test = Good or Bad

<p>What do colleges think of this? Should I take advantage of it?</p>

<p>and if you have done this how are the tests (specifically for spanish)
spanish is my native tongue + its what I speak at home so I expect nothing less than a perfect score</p>

<p>nahhh, i wouldn’t do it. it won’t count as much. the point of foreign languages is to get exposed to other cultures. you’re not really supposed to pick your own native language if you already speak it cuz then, what’s the point?</p>

<p>Gee, how many first language English students take the English tests?</p>

<p>@ MD Mom</p>

<p>Keep in mind that all the tests are made for English native speakers. Comparatively, the tests for foreign languages are much simpler than the English tests in difficulty of questions. An English question may ask higher level analysis of a passage while a foreign language test might show you an advertisement that says:</p>

<p>“Come to our furniture store and get 50% off!”</p>

<ol>
<li>How much discount is offered?
a) 30% off
b) 1/5 off
c) 1/2 off
d) $5 off
etc.</li>
</ol>

<p>or</p>

<ol>
<li>It is imperative that you __ there.
a) are
b) be
c) had been
d) would have been</li>
</ol>

<p>Again, comparatively elementary questions are on the foreign language tests - if they made a similar English test, most applicants would have the 800.</p>

<p>Quite a few English speakers take the English tests, actually, but the tests are much harder.</p>

<p>OP, the point of the subject tests is to measure your ability in the subject regardless of how you acquired this ability. If you think you can score an 800, by all means you should take it and submit it. I know several native speakers who attend Ivies, and they all submitted the Spanish subject test as one of the two or three scores they were required to submit. Obviously, a good score by itself won’t get you into anywhere, but it will not be looked down on by admissions.</p>

<p>thanks for all the responses</p>

<p>I had read some other threads and had seen mixed responses
I guess I just feel its something extra I have and something I should take advantage of</p>