Hello, I am currently a sophomore. I started taking French in 7th grade, so now I am in French 4 and I will continue to take French 5 and AP. In 9th grade I started Latin and I will take this for all four years of high school (senior year would be AP).
I was just wondering how much this would help on college applications because most people at my school only take one language for three or four years total. Does this give me a boost at all compared to other students? I don’t know how students are at other schools around the country and if it’s normal for people to take four years of two languages.
I would love some insight if this would help at all or be an advantage. Thank you!
P.S. I’m not taking these languages to make my application seem better. I don’t care if it doesn’t make it better or not. Regardless, I love learning languages and this is why I have taken two. Just want you guys to know that I’m not trying to impress colleges.
No.
It’s definitely rare.
Well, Latin will certainly help with etymology of English vocabulary, which could be beneficial for the SAT/ACT. French, if tied in with some EC’s on culture and/or visits to Francophone nations could make for fascinating essays, which could be beneficial.
@“aunt bea” I was just wondering if it would be helpful because I don’t have hooks or anything. I am not taking two languages to impress colleges, just wondering if it does.
@skieurope Thank you, that is a good point!
@skieurope is absolutely correct in his response^, it doesn’t give you a boost and is not a hook. If anything it would be considered as an EC. Many international students speak multiple languages (fluently).
The top boosts still are high GPA and test scores.
Keep taking your courses and doing your sports. Having a job helps as an EC.
A lot of students double up in one subject or another; yours happens to be languages. The grades that you earn in those language courses are probably more important than that you take more than one. However, if you intend to focus on foreign languages in college, this background will make your long term goals appear more credible and coherent.