ExtracurricularAnswered
Is learning English for 14 years (started at the age of 2.5) counts as good extracurricular? I've got some great certificates for my knowledge. Or it's something unimportant? Should I include it in my CommonApp ec's?
Earn karma by helping others:
3 answers
If I were applying to a Top US University, I would prefer having a very high IELTS score of 7.5+ or a TOEFL score of 105+ or a DUOLINGO score of 125. That is more impressive that putting English down as a extracurricular. It a trickly question because if you studied 14 years and have very high test scores to support your accomplishments, then that is good. (I might include that as an EC) But if you can't get top scores in English after 14 years, then these English teachers didn't do their job correctly.
Good Luck
If you are an international student, I would think so. If you learned English because you moved to a primarily English-speaking country, I wouldn't count it. I think it would also depend on how you learned English. I learned Spanish through my school, so I wouldn't count it as an extracurricular. I hope that helps!
I personally wouldn't if I were you but I guess it depends a lot on which country you're from.
In India, almost every 2-3 year old kid starts learning English. It's not that uncommon.
I mean, if it was any foreign language i.e. not your native language and neither English then it would've definitely impressed AOs. But providing certificate of knowledge and saying that you learnt English since 2.5 yo is kind of a stretch.
Also, if you really wanted to include it in your application, do it in the additional section. Not on the activities section.
Your chance of acceptance
Your chancing factors
Community Guidelines
To keep this community safe and supportive:
- Be kind and respectful!
- Keep posts relevant to college admissions and high school.
- Don’t ask “chance-me” questions. Use CollegeVine’s chancing instead!
I'm an international student and learn English as an extra lesson. I spend 3 hours a week and 47 weeks per year on it.