<p>I intended to mean that IB HL exams are for students with native and and native-like command of the language. Perhaps I am wrong on that one. However, it is my understanding that as the HL exams are offered world-wide to students who are have native command of those languages, they are designed for that level of literacy.</p>
<p>Certainly it was never my intent to imply that AP exams are intended for native-speakers! However, native-speakers who are still enrolled in high school in the USA have precious few means of demonstrating literacy skills in their languages other than English. Personally, I would be delighted if I could pack Happykid off to a tester who could screen her Spanish skills with a tool similar to the US Foreign Service language exams, but I don’t know how to arrange that. When I can make her hold still long enough, I’ll have her take the Spanish CLEP instead. At least she will have something to show someone in the future that indicates that she can read and write Spanish, not just chat on the phone with Happygrandma in Miami.</p>
<p>After my initial post on this issue, I did look up what CollegeBoard has to say about the Chinese exam, and they state that they are intending to measure a command of a specific standard form of Mandarin at the level of 4th semester college instruction. This would be a level that most colleges/universities consider sufficient to fulfill a second language requirement. If the desire of a HS student is to eliminate a college requirement, then it makes perfect sense for that individual to take the AP exam in a home language. If the desire of the student is to demonstrate that they have the gumption and study habits necessary to master a new language, then obviously their purpose would be better served by studying a language other than their home language and that of classroom instruction.</p>
<p>I go to a school where by far a majority of the students are Chinese (but in the USA), so here is what I think: </p>
<p>A native Chinese speaker taking the AP Chinese test is NOTHING like a native English speaker taking the AP English test. They are both designed for native English speakers; therefore, the AP English test is made to be difficult for English speakers. On the other hand, somebody living in the country where a certain language is the national language may find the test to be very basic, while an English speaker learning the language might find the test to be challenging. </p>
<p>At my school, there is a Chinese program. The only non-Chinese student in it is a Middle Eastern girl. Pretty much all the Chinese students who take the Chinese SAT II/AP get an 800/5, but it would probably be a lot more impressive if she took the tests and got a 720/4. </p>
<p>If I were you, I would go with Spanish or French (go French!) and just take the Chinese AP/SAT II tests. That way, you could show fluency in not two, but three languages. And, like somebody else said, being in the top 10 at your school or so is pretty dang impressive in itself.</p>
<p>Happymom, I do understand what you are saying. </p>
<p>However, please realize that the OP started his (or her) post with “In terms of admissions …”</p>
<p>Regarding the descriptions of the College Board, I believe that this yet another case of that august instititions confusing the reality and what they THINK the reality should be. In general terms, the AP are rarely at the college level, let alone at the level of a 4th semester. Of course, with several thousands colleges in the nation, it is always possible that the College Board aligns its program to the lowest denominator. But this is not really the place and time to discuss the AP validity.</p>
<p>Regarding showing proficiency in Spanish, I believe that the tests are giving you better tools than the corresponding tests for Asian languages. I would strongly advise you to check the schools that interest you and ask about the CLEP. On the other hand, the SAT Subject Tests are universally accepted for placement and language requirements.</p>