@skieurope “I don’t mean to dissuade you from independently selecting a language which interests or has cultural/ancestral significance to you, I’m simply being honest.” - My original post
I completely understand this. But the OP has to also take into consideration the gravity of his choice of Alternative Language. Depending on their major, a specific language could look better; or a plentitude of languages would have greater weight over being multilingual in application for another major. Certainly, Arabic is more eye catching and seen as more practical than Italian.
That said, OP should stick to what appeals to him. Depending on his major, a foreign language could have little to no effect on his acceptance over someone else, depending on his GPA, test scores, or extracurriculars. But you cannot argue that in the modern day market, Mandarin is in far higher demand as a second language than Vietnamese, no? Thus seen as more practical and to improve ones’ appearance on an application?
Most colleges would not look highly on an app without a second language, independently taken or through a school elective. OP may choose whatever he likes, I’m simply looking at it from a far more practical point of view.