(This is a long post. For the main question, scroll to the bottom)
I'll be applying next cycle and am confused about how languages are evaluated for admissions.
As of right now, I have reading ability in two European languages and three South Asian languages. However, I only have college coursework in 2 (both SA languages) of these 5. For the others, it's a mixed bag: One is a language I took 4 years of in high school and used in jobs throughout college. For the other two, I have been self-studying over the past 18 months with the help of some language instructors from my undergrad.
Getting more to the point, it's been suggested to me by a mentor of mine that for my particular research interests it will be essential to learn one Middle Eastern language before entering a PhD program. To learn it, I have three options:
1) Self study with a tutor and focus solely on reading proficiency (cheapest)
2) Take classes (5 days/week) at a top 30 university that will allow me to complete a year of elementary level by application time and a year of intermediate/advanced level by the time I enter a PhD program. (most expensive)
3) Take classes at a local nonprofit language institute (affordable) or possibly a community college
(If it matters, both the university and language institute use the same texts)
Main Question
Will admissions committees look down on self-studying or taking classes at a language institute/cc? I'm pretty good at learning languages, and some of the ones I know already are supposed to make it easier to learn this new one. I guess I'm just worried that since I don't have much coursework behind certain languages that my language abilities as a whole will be discounted. I want to do whatever is best for admissions, even if there's only a slight edge to be had.
Anyway, I'd greatly appreciate any advice. Thanks.