Native language

[Hiper]

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Hi, I'm applying for pharmcas and I'm lost as to what to fill for "native language".

Do they mean the first language you learned or the language you're best at? There seems to be various definitions if you read the wiki article here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_language

I emigrated to canada and was enrolled in the Canadian curriculum fifteen years ago. Needless to say, I'm fluent in english, more so than cantonese and have gotten B+ in a full year english university course along with 80+ in all english section of the PCAT.

BUT

The first language I learned is cantonese.

So what should I enter as my native language? English or cantonese.

Thanks.

Edit: Just to avoid confusion, I typed "native language" in the search box of wikipedia and it lead to the first language page.

 

[cinnamoroll12]

I actually put Vietnamese for mine. I'd say that I'm more fluent in English than Vietnamese, but my first language is Vietnamese. I guess it's up to you to decide, but that's what I put on all of my applications so far.

 

[pcproduct]

Make sure you won't be required to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) if you list a foreign language as your native tongue.

 

[cinnamoroll12]

Yea, I think you don't have to take the TOEFL if you've obtained your Bachelor's degree in the U.S. or in an English-speaking country. Or, if you live in an English-speaking country for long time. At least those were the two questions that were asked on the UOP supplemental application. I was born here in the U.S., but I grew up in a Vietnamese-speaking family. So I guess I was first exposed to the Vietnamese language, plus some English words here and there that I learned.

 

[^=^]

I'd just put down English, but it doesn't really matter. I think they just ask that so they can identify ESL students.

 

[RxChick]

Be careful with this one. I was in the same situation as you when I applied last year. Started learning English when I was 4 and it is my primary language although its not my native language. So I put "no" for the question "Is English your native language". One school contacted me and said I need to take the TOEFL. I went to middle school, high school and college here. It was kinda ridiculous that I had to take it. I don't even have an accent when speaking English. At least not an easily detectable one. Maybe if u listen very closely you may pick up something. But anyways I explained my situation to the school and still they told me I have to take it. Finally I sent a very detailed email and they said they'll consider it. A week later I got an interview and the following week my acceptance. So I didn't have to take the TOEFL but the whole situation was a bit stressful. So i would call pharmcas and explain the situation and ask them what they mean by native language. I think they mean primary language when they say native language.

 

[cinnamoroll12]

Be careful with this one. I was in the same situation as you when I applied last year. Started learning English when I was 4 and it is my primary language although its not my native language. So I put "no" for the question "Is English your native language". One school contacted me and said I need to take the TOEFL. I went to middle school, high school and college here. It was kinda ridiculous that I had to take it. I don't even have an accent when speaking English. At least not an easily detectable one. Maybe if u listen very closely you may pick up something. But anyways I explained my situation to the school and still they told me I have to take it. Finally I sent a very detailed email and they said they'll consider it. A week later I got an interview and the following week my acceptance. So I didn't have to take the TOEFL but the whole situation was a bit stressful. So i would call pharmcas and explain the situation and ask them what they mean by native language. I think they mean primary language when they say native language.

Oh shoot....and this is for which school that you applied to?

 

[Farmercyst]

This may be my own personal interpretation, but I'd say it's the language you speak at home.

 

[links]

I was in the same situation and I just put down chinese and I didn't have any problems. Me too... more fluent in english than chinese >.<

 

[Hiper]

Thanks for the replies.

I emailed UB and told them about my situation, their response was that I didn't need the TOFEL.

 

[Sparda29]

Just put down English.

 

[RNtoPharmD]

Most schools will waive TOFEL if you earned "Bachelor" in the US.