Very specific question: which would be more valuable for admissions, a language course or an internship?Answered
I'm a current junior and thinking about applying to a program for the summer. These would be mutually exclusive, so if I sign up for one, I would be expected to do that one and not the other. One is this language program that gives college credit for an entire other language (either Mandarin, Russian, or Persian) through an intense program, and the other is an unpaid summer internship at a medical center(though this would be much more competitive). Which would be more worth it? (btw I am looking to go into BioMed)
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3 answers
First of all, apply to at least both, if not more programs you're interested in. If you apply to only one and don't get in, you'll be mad because you would've rather gone to a secondary choice program than none. The internship is far more valuable for your intended major, though. I would apply to other internships or biomed/science related programs.
Hi @matt_y
If I were applying as a BioMed student I'd do the internship over the language opportunity. And I would think that a solid understanding in Latin trumps any other language if you are a pre-med student. Latin comes in very handy and helpful when you are taking advanced biology, chemistry, or any medical history texts.
An internship is always a good idea because you get to experience the professional world. It is an excellent learning opportunity.
Having proficiency in multiple languages is also a great thing when applying for jobs, but colleges won't really find it better than an internship. Besides, you can learn a language at any point in your life, but internships won't be easily available (due to competition) later on.
Hope this helps!
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Thanks for the response! One thing about this is that if I am accepted into the language program, I have until Dec. 23 to confirm my participation and put down a $100 deposit, and I would not learn about whether or not I receive the internship until about two months later. Should I do just the internship then?