Admission officials in many colleges give preference to students who have taken up a second language study. Here are some of the reasons why-
• It displays a dedication to learning – Learning a second language fluently requires persistence and hard work. Admission officials are on the lookout for students who constantly challenge and strengthen their skills. Taking a four-year language course in high school proves to them your dedication towards acquiring a new language.
• It exhibits your interest in foreign cultures – You are required to acquaint yourself with the customs and traditions of the country whose language you are learning – this is part of the language learning process. Interest in other cultures can shape your interest towards the degree or career you go on to pursue. It also diversifies a classroom.
• It indicates your knack for working hard – You have to add to your vocabulary while working on your pronunciation and being able to construct meaningful sentences as part of language-learning. All of this necessitates a level of persistence which you may also apply in other classes, if need be. Colleges seek this very hardworking spirit in their students.
Apart from the above, it can also help a student score higher on standardized tests which is a further asset to their college application.