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[bewilderedta]

tchan: Maybe if you were to list your minor weakness and then discuss how you would remedy it if necessary? for example with your language, "My Scandahoovian is not as strong as my Indoeuropean, but I hope to improve in this area by researching XYZ in Scandahoovia". So you recognize your weakness but show that you have a plan to fix it.

[tchan]

tchan: Maybe if you were to list your minor weakness and then discuss how you would remedy it if necessary? for example with your language, "My Scandahoovian is not as strong as my Indoeuropean, but I hope to improve in this area by researching XYZ in Scandahoovia". So you recognize your weakness but show that you have a plan to fix it.

Thanks, that's a good point.  I've been thinking sort of the same thing-- recognize the deficiency but have a clear plan of action to overcome it.  I already have many possibilities for a manner in which to do so.  The language I kinda' suck at is Pali, and I already have two invitations to study with scholars over the summer prior to my matriculation, and am about to embark on private lessons in it.  Maybe I should point that out.  It's funny that you used Indo-European in your intentionally absurd example, as Pali, Sanskrit and the Prakrits are the foundations thereof! Thanks.

[commcycle]

I certainly wouldn't go out of your way to say "I blow at xxx language."

I've been overdosing on the presidential race. So, one thing that comes to mind is that could address how you would fix the weakness in a way that you aren't admitting that it exists. That way, if reviewers notice the flaw, it is addressed, but if they don't, they are none the wiser. Reviewers may not read deeply enough or care about that C you got as an undergraduate (or whatever you're trying to cover).

[mended_drum]

I have a very old, much copied cartoon of a job interview.  The interviewer asks, "What are your weaknesses?"  The applicant replies, "I steal to maintain my 24-hour crack high--I mean, I tend to push myself too hard."

Funny, but accurate.  Only admit weaknesses that are actually strengths.  (That's the second answer, by the way, not the first)