Hi! Next year, I am planning to either attend a one-month long German exchange program in Germany where I will stay with a host family. My other option is doing research and exposing myself to engineering more at (hopefully) UCLA HSSEAS.
I want to make myself a more interesting applicant by doing 4 years of German for my foreign language requirement and by attending the exchange program, allowing me to talk about it in my personal statements, but should I do that over the engineering research programs available? My dream is to attend UCLA under mechanical engineering.
I think that instead of worrying about what would look better on your apps, do what you want to do. Its your passion that will appeal to the admissions officers.
I’ve seen math majors get into ivy league schools with an essay about music. Moral of the story is that as long as you gain something from the experience and you are able to show that, it will “look good” on college applications.
@dana_k Thank you so much for your words! I think I’m just stressing out a little too much about college right now and am forgetting to stop and enjoy what I love doing. I have a very strong lean towards the German exchange program now. Thank you again, and have a nice day! (-:
@pct3 The one I am interested in is called GAPP (German American Partnership Program)! It is usually done through host schools, so I’m not sure if you can participate in it if your S’s school does not offer it.