Admission Factors: Languages

[911TurboS]

Hello everyone, I am curious as to whether knowing a couple different languages other than English would make much of a difference come admissions time. I already know French and am considering learning German or Mandarin. I don't want to learn a third language just to help my admissions prospects, but would like to know if it would help.

For someone who knows English and French, what other language would you pick to learn?

Thanks! 

[CTL]

Spanish.

[Jamie Stringer]

Probably won't help too much in the admissions process, but it can help when it comes time to get a job, particularly if the practice areas in which you're interested have a strong international presence. I would disagree with CTL and say that the most valuable language skill these days seems to be Mandarin. It's quite difficult for non-native speakers to pick up and I think it would put you into rare company.

[Matthies]

I agree about it being something that won’t affect your admission chances. Spanish vs. other languages I think this depends on where you live/ plan to live. Out west knowing Spanish will really help you get a job, mandrdin, not so much.

[CTL]

Yea, for someone with a background in French though, Spanish is the next most practical (and attainable) language to learn.  Mandarin is nearly impossible to learn unless you have lots of time, patience, and practice (read: live in China for a few years).  If you really want another language (one that you can learn in less than a year with lots of practice - which you would be able to get with native speakers in pretty much any American town), go with Spanish.

[violaboy]

I already know Spanish, but I would want to to learn Japanese.  Too bad I don't already know the mother tongue.

[Julie Fern]

languages help if law school admission type you trying talk with not speak english.