Confused about 'First Language' on the Common App—need advice!

Hello friends, I need some assistance. The Common App is asking me for my 'First Language,' and I’m not sure what to put down. I grew up bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish at home. Does it matter which one I choose as my first language, and could this affect how colleges view my application?

Hey there, it's great that you're taking the time to thoughtfully complete your Common App. When it comes to the 'First Language' section, this is really about indicating the language you first learned to speak as a child. Given that you grew up bilingual, it can definitely be tricky to choose. I would suggest listing the language you feel most comfortable with or the one you use more frequently, perhaps the one you would default to in your thoughts or at home.

As for how it affects college views, I can assure you it's not a major factor in admissions decisions. It's more about understanding your background and possibly assessing bilingual proficiency if that's relevant to your application or intended area of study. If speaking Spanish at home has contributed to shaping your identity or experiences, this could be a meaningful aspect to touch upon in your application essays or in other parts of the application where you discuss your background and personal growth. Colleges appreciate bilingual or multilingual abilities, as it reflects not just on your communication skills but also on your ability to navigate different cultural contexts. Good luck with your application!