[Classic Example]

Does the language you take in high school affect anything at all? Do certain colleges look for a certain language? Is there a language that looks good on your record or does it not matter as long as you take one?

I'm going into high school and I just want to stick to one language but I'm not sure which one to take yet because I'm not sure if some languages give you certain academic benefits or not. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[YoochunsGirl]

Does the language you take in high school affect anything at all? Do certain colleges look for a certain language? Is there a language that looks good on your record or does it not matter as long as you take one?

I'm going into high school and I just want to stick to one language but I'm not sure which one to take yet because I'm not sure if some languages give you certain academic benefits or not. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Well i am not sure about where you live, but the where i live, colleges require you to take at least 3 years of a language. and our counselors have told us the have to be consecutive and the same. it cant be 1 year french, 1 year chinese, 1 year spanish, they have to be one language. most colleges here look for someone that has taken 3 of the same and all in highschool, though if you did a langauge like me, i took 2 years junior high and im currently in honors french and chinese (thats not honors sadly) they will take the 8th grade year as one of your years.

as for the the language of choice, im not too sure of that. we hear daily that most jobs are looking for spanish speakers, so im guessing that is one choice, but i wouldnt take it (thats just me) because so many people are learning it. i am planning to be a translator/interpreteur so i am taking as many language classes as possible, ive dropped my classes that i was assigned because they were fun to take 2 languages this year. next if possible i will study 3, languages are my life.

i would tell you to take what you know your gonna stick with. take something exciting! i am not sure what languages are offered where you attend, if you could tell me i could give you my opinion.

as for academic benefits...eeh ill get back to you on that one.

[miridia]

Yes, be consistent and stick with one language unless you're willing to do at least a year in other languages too (then you'll look really global and colleges like that...but it's hard).

We have to have at least two years of language. >o<;; But in my school, one year of language equals two years.
My school is weird like that.

But yes, if you change minds, make sure you change your mind early and get at least the requirements of languages--for ONE language. YCG already told the basis of it. ;D

Hm...as in academic benefits, I'm not sure. It really depends on what you want to do as a career. If you want business, take a language in which the US (or whichever country you live in) has great export and import relationships with. If technology, a place that's filled with tech-savvy creators. If you'd like to be in the hospitality...learn all types of languages but be pretty strong in one. ;DDDD

I'm going to take two languages in college plus attempt a double major. I'd like to learn a third language...but we'll see as time progresses.

Confused?

[YoochunsGirl]

Yes, be consistent and stick with one language unless you're willing to do at least a year in other languages too (then you'll look really global and colleges like that...but it's hard).

We have to have at least two years of language. >o<;; But in my school, one year of language equals two years.
My school is weird like that.

But yes, if you change minds, make sure you change your mind early and get at least the requirements of languages--for ONE language. YCG already told the basis of it. ;D

Hm...as in academic benefits, I'm not sure. It really depends on what you want to do as a career. If you want business, take a language in which the US (or whichever country you live in) has great export and import relationships with. If technology, a place that's filled with tech-savvy creators. If you'd like to be in the hospitality...learn all types of languages but be pretty strong in one. ;DDDD

I'm going to take two languages in college plus attempt a double major. I'd like to learn a third language...but we'll see as time progresses.

Confused?

WOW... you got me listening to your reply!!! lol im taking 2 and hope to take 3 also next year, im am trying frantically to learn a language so i can study abroad!! your reply is very helpful.

1=2??? haha wish my school was like that!!!

[joogrlpekaun]

Well, I know that I've found Spanish the easiest and most natural to learn and speak of the languages I've attempted. It's actually been really useful since I live in a highly Hispanic area. It's gotten me jobs, helped me communicate with my neighbors, and I can read all the signs in the grocery store. Taking Spanish may seem very traditional, but it's also very pragmatic: this country is getting more heavily Spanish-speaking every day, and Hispanics are now the largest minority in the U.S. One other, less important, advantage of taking Spanish has been understanding more cultural references. French has some of that advantage, too.

My friends who took French generally regretted it because they just didn't have any opportunities to use it in real life and it didn't give them any advantages in the teen work world at all, but was also more difficult. Latin is even worse because it's just not useful by itself; it mostly helps your English skills. Japanese is okay, but again, not as many opportunities to use it in the U.S. Mandarin and Japanese might come in handy in the business world if you're interested in that. The problem is, though, that you have to remember most colleges still don't even offer Mandarin Chinese, and many don't have Japanese, either.

Whichever language(s) you take, it's absolutely true that you should stick with it. Longetivity is more important than the specific language for getting into college unless you specify a language as your intended major or something, maybe.