Second Language Ability? Tests necessary?

[Janieve]

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I study and speak two languages outside of English, and I'm presently studying abroad. I want to know if knowing a second language or two will help my application. If so, do I need to take a proficiency exam? Or will they look at my transcripts/personal statement and just take my word for it?

Does anyone have any experience with this? (I'm sure someone does - everyone on this site seems pretty motivated and there's a variety of majors and fields, but still.)

Any and all advice is welcome and appreciated!

 

[ksmi117]

It could help your application. Everything on the application is self reported, so no, there won't be a test to prove that you speak the language. But be careful, I've heard stories of these people getting interviewers would will do the entire interview in the other language if they are fluent as well. So don't lie.

 

[Janieve]

It could help your application. Everything on the application is self reported, so no, there won't be a test to prove that you speak the language. But be careful, I've heard stories of these people getting interviewers would will do the entire interview in the other language if they are fluent as well. So don't lie.

Thanks for the advice! I've been studying Spanish for 14 years and Japanese for five, so I'm pretty confident that I'd be able to pass at least the spoken proficiency tests (though I have to admit - Japanese writing is a beast). I just wondered if it would help or hurt my application to include proficiency test results.

Nah, I wouldn't lie about this. It's the internet! Hahaha.

 

[sgtbrushes]

I just wondered if it would help or hurt my application to include proficiency test results.

I wouldn't include what you earned on the proficiency tests in your app, but stating that you are tri-lingual will help you. It's one of those non-pidgeonholed (i.e., not volunteering in an ER and not shadowing) extra-curriculars that gives you that wonderful trait - diversity - that is such the rage today. Then, during interviews, when they say, "Ah, I see you habla Nihongo and Spanish," you can reply with your test scores, or if you're really lucky (and actually competent in the language), strike up a conversation with the interviewer.

 

[ksmi117]

I wouldn't include what you earned on the proficiency tests in your app, but stating that you are tri-lingual will help you. It's one of those non-pidgeonholed (i.e., not volunteering in an ER and not shadowing) extra-curriculars that gives you that wonderful trait - diversity - that is such the rage today. Then, during interviews, when they say, "Ah, I see you habla Nihongo and Spanish," you can reply with your test scores, or if you're really lucky (and actually competent in the language), strike up a conversation with the interviewer.

I agree with this. Being trilingual is something that will definitely help you stand out. But there's no need to include scores. That's a pretty bold lie to tell, so I think they'd believe you if you said it, regardless of scores.

Also, sgt, I love your avatar. 🙂

 

[rockymhs]

You don't need any test to know of your proficiency in a language.

You just know.

If you can dream in a language, then you are fluent in that language.

 

[chman]

Tri-lingual is pretty cool and different.

I feel however, that knowing two languages is almost standard now. At the very least, knowing the basics of another language.

 

[Janieve]

I feel however, that knowing two languages is almost standard now. At the very least, knowing the basics of another language.

SO TRUE. I actually speak the fewest languages out of anyone I hang out with on my exchange. I guess it comes with the territory on an exchange, huh?

Well, I'm definitely confident in my abilities, so I wouldn't have a problem conversing with an interviewer in either language. So, I don't need to fork over the money for a proficiency test? 👍

 

[ThaliaNox]

I know that often interviewers are assigned to fit with the interviewee. If you say that you are fluent in a particular language, it is probable that at least one of the schools, you will be assigned an interviewer who speaks one of those languages. The last thing you want is to be embarrassed by an interviewer who is less than impressed with your command of another language. If you aren't totally confident of your skill in a language, put it under the experiences section with an explanation that you are gaining skill and have some proficiency in it, but don't click that language in the section which asks which languages you speak.

 

[Janieve]

I know that often interviewers are assigned to fit with the interviewee. If you say that you are fluent in a particular language, it is probable that at least one of the schools, you will be assigned an interviewer who speaks one of those languages. The last thing you want is to be embarrassed by an interviewer who is less than impressed with your command of another language. If you aren't totally confident of your skill in a language, put it under the experiences section with an explanation that you are gaining skill and have some proficiency in it, but don't click that language in the section which asks which languages you speak.

Good advice! I shall take it under advisement. Guess that means I need to keep practicing until I put in my applications. Wouldn't want to lose anything, you know? Hahaha!

Man, this is helpful. Thanks, everyone!

 

[Evergrey]

I know several other languages, but I'm nowhere close to being fluent in any of them. I can hold a conversation in two, and I've already forgotten everything about the third (Chinese).

I'm planning on putting "intermediate" or "basic" proficiency on AMCAS, so that they don't mistake me for someone who can actually speak a foreign language. 🙄 But yeah, being fluent in another language is awesome and will definitely help you stand out.

日本語はすごい、ね？

P.S. Definitely try to keep your language skills up, not for the interview but for yourself. I stopped taking Japanese two years ago and if I had to estimate, I'd say I've only retained 5% of the 漢字 I used to know..