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Should language assessment results be taken into consideration for college admissions?

Volney Snaddon

In recent years, the use of language assessment tests as criteria for college admissions has been a topic of much debate. Many argue that language proficiency should be taken into consideration when evaluating potential candidates for academic programs, while others believe that it should not have any bearing on admission decisions. In my opinion, language assessment results should definitely be taken into consideration when considering admission to a college or university.

First of all, language proficiency is an important factor in college admission because it can greatly impact a student's academic success. Students who are proficient in multiple languages often have an advantage in understanding complex concepts and materials provided in other languages. This can be especially important in colleges where texts are commonly provided in languages other than English. If a student struggles with such a language barrier, they may find it more difficult to succeed in an academic environment.

Additionally, language proficiency is increasingly important in today's globalized economy. As the world becomes more interconnected, the ability to communicate effectively with people from different countries and cultures is essential. Colleges should work to prepare students for this global business environment by emphasizing the importance of language proficiency and promoting language fluency in programs throughout their curriculum.

Moreover, taking language assessment results into consideration for college admission can help colleges ensure that they are selecting students with diverse backgrounds. In today's increasingly diverse society, it is important for colleges to have a student body that reflects this diversity. Focusing on language proficiency can help colleges achieve this goal by encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to apply and by showing that the college values a wide range of skills and experiences.

To be clear, I do not believe that language proficiency should be the only criterion used in college admissions decisions. Academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and other factors should also be taken into consideration. Language proficiency should simply be one of many factors considered in evaluating potential candidates for a college or university.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that language assessment results should be taken into consideration when evaluating candidates for college admission. As globalization continues to grow, it is imperative that college graduates be equipped with the skills and competencies needed to thrive in a globalized business environment. Colleges should work to identify and admit students that are proficient in multiple languages, have a diverse background, and have a range of experiences that will help them succeed not only academically but also in their future professional careers.