Upcoming changes to the way we log in on College Confidential. Read more here.
Choosing another language?

Hi everyone,
I am currently considering my course choices for the fall semester (as an incoming first year, I can't register yet, but I want to have a plan!). I'm definitely sure that I want to take a French course, as I am fairly advanced in French and considering a major.
I also would like to pick up another language, and I am attempting to decide which one. Spanish seems logical; it is widely used and should be easier to pick up than a non-Romance language. The problem is, I have taken 3 semesters of high school Spanish, and though I'm a bit rusty, I'm sure it will come back quickly. I don't think that this is enough for me to place out of anything, but I am afraid that I will grow bored. I know from experience that I tend to pick up languages very quickly.
Alternately, I have thought of taking either another Western European language (German, Italian) or Arabic. Though the last might be a stretch to learn, it is a critical language, especially in this day and age... The others would be useful for travel in Europe and to my interest in literature.
I would appreciate any advice, both on the Spanish issue and general commentary on the departments that I have mentioned.
Thanks!
Cygne
32 repliesI am currently considering my course choices for the fall semester (as an incoming first year, I can't register yet, but I want to have a plan!). I'm definitely sure that I want to take a French course, as I am fairly advanced in French and considering a major.
I also would like to pick up another language, and I am attempting to decide which one. Spanish seems logical; it is widely used and should be easier to pick up than a non-Romance language. The problem is, I have taken 3 semesters of high school Spanish, and though I'm a bit rusty, I'm sure it will come back quickly. I don't think that this is enough for me to place out of anything, but I am afraid that I will grow bored. I know from experience that I tend to pick up languages very quickly.
Alternately, I have thought of taking either another Western European language (German, Italian) or Arabic. Though the last might be a stretch to learn, it is a critical language, especially in this day and age... The others would be useful for travel in Europe and to my interest in literature.
I would appreciate any advice, both on the Spanish issue and general commentary on the departments that I have mentioned.
Thanks!
Cygne
Post edited by Cygne on
This discussion has been closed.
Replies to: Choosing another language?
Unfortunately, there's no way to predict where you'll place until you take Smith's test. My daughter had AP French as well as Japanese through intermediate at a college. Her high school French tested her out to over 260 level French, but she had to take intermediate Japanese again because she did not have the knowledge of the same kanji characters that Smith taught. Speaking-wise, she was much more adept at Japanese. She fully expected to be placed in advanced Japanese and lower in French. You will know, however, before you officially register for classes.
A lot depends on your high school language preparation.
Thanks for the insight, mythmom; I will take that under advisement. I am considering German, Latin, AND Italian, so...I guess we will see. I think I need to do some more research on requirements for grad schools.
And I think you can't underestimate the real world usefulness of Spanish.
I'm also thinking of switching languages (from Italian to German), but am interested in some of the upper level italian classes (such as film).