Hi! I'm currently a junior in high school. Already, I've determined a few dream schools--namely Pomona, Scripps, and Colorado College. While I consider myself to be an accomplished and invigorated student, I know that my numbers and main ECs alone aren't enough to distinguish me as an applicant. By next year, I'll have four B+ grades on my transcript (in science and math classes). As a humanities-oriented learner, these grades resulted not from a lack of effort but genuine struggle with the content. (In humanities classes, I am a top student and teacher favorite, which is helpful.) In addition to this, I expect to end up with a 31 on the ACT, which is good but not highly distinguishing. When it comes to extracurriculars, I am debate captain and will be the editor my my school's award-winning literary magazine. Yet I also know that these accomplishments, while impressive, are not original.
What I think most distinguishes me as an applicant is my study of German. I began learning the language as a freshman and have become a highly proficient speaker. In addition, I have:
- received a prestigious scholarship to study in Germany over the summer
- won two gold medals on the National German Exam
- skipped a level of German due to my proficiency
- established and maintained close contact with a German pen pal
- ignited a passion for and independent study of German literature
Considering these accomplishments, if I apply as an intended German major to my top schools, will my chances of acceptance likely increase? I know that German departments at most schools are fairly minuscule and unpopular, so will my strengths as a German student appeal to colleges looking to bolster their German program?
What is also important to mention is that I've experienced much growth when it comes to my acceptance aspirations. Prestige is truly not a monumental factor in my consideration of dream schools. Rather, after having visited Pomona and Scripps and learned about Colorado College's unique and intriguing block plan, I think that I will be happiest at these schools, that I will fulfill my potential as a learner.
Please advise me: Should I gain confidence from the idea that applying as a German major will increase my chances of acceptance? I know that admissions are complex and involve several complicated factors, so will declaring a German major truly be helpful? Thanks!
Yes and no. If you are applying to a school where the German department is an afterthought, they will wonder if you did your research!
It’s not proficiency, that you skipped a level or have a penpal. And not claiming some “passion,” but how you went and activated, took on greater challenges, more than classes or a program. “Show, not just tell.”
Fine to pick German. But may be wise to tie it to other academic interests, as well. With purpose. And with relevant activities, outside the usual hs box. How do you use this skill, besides personal enrichment?
Do you want to major in German? At least as a start?
I bet it might help a bit
Have you read this? https://www.pomona.edu/academics/departments/german/why-i-majored-german-studies
I think it could help if the subject were a bit more unusual.
LACs like the schools you mentioned do not admit directly into majors, unlike some major flagships and other research universities. German may be a little less common than Econ and Poli Sci, but it is a normal major that is not likely to be of unusual interest to admissions. Plus, LACs know that many kids change their major once they arrive on campus and discover all the other fields that were not part of their high school curriculum.
If your interest in German is connected to other ECs and interests, then it could be part of a “why x” school essay, if they have a particularly strong department or interdepartmental program that you are interested in. But alone, as a prospective major, not going to be a factor in admissions.