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lucas
Student
Alpharetta, Georgia
1
Question
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do i need 4 years of a foreign language in high school to go to a top college?
Hey! so im currently a 7th grader and i want to go to a top college, and im wondering if i need to take 4 years of a foreign language in high school, i am hoping to take 1 year of a foreign language in my freshman year, and self studying the ap in 10/11th. plesse give feedback i will really appreciate it! thank you!!
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1619
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Lucas most colleges require students to have completed at least two years of high school foreign language study for admission. Colleges want to prepare you for the global marketplace. As a result, many schools recommend or require that prospective students take at least two years of a foreign language in high school. Note that these two years must typically be in the same language. So if you take one year of French but switch to Spanish the next year, you may need to take an additional year of Spanish (or French) to qualify for admission. In addition some highly selective institutions expecting three or four years, while a few may have no foreign language requirement at all. Always consult the specific requirements of your desired major and university to confirm their foreign language expectations.
TOP UNIVERSES FOREIGN
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
• HARVARD UNIVERSITY: Strongly recommends 4 years of a foreign language.
• PRINCETON UNIVERSITY: Requires 4 years of one language.
• YALE UNIVERSITY: Recommends 4 years of language study.
• COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY: Recommends 3-4
years of language study.
In general, competitive colleges require at least 3-4 years of foreign language classes in high school. As you’ can see above, Harvard University urges applicants to take 4 years. When a college recommends “two or more” years of a language, they are clearly signaling that language study beyond two years would strengthen your application. Indeed, no matter where you apply for college, a demonstrated proficiency in a second language will improve your chances of being admitted. Life in college and after college is becoming increasingly globalized, so strength in a second language carries a lot of weight with admissions counselors.
TOP UNIVERSES FOREIGN
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
• HARVARD UNIVERSITY: Strongly recommends 4 years of a foreign language.
• PRINCETON UNIVERSITY: Requires 4 years of one language.
• YALE UNIVERSITY: Recommends 4 years of language study.
• COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY: Recommends 3-4
years of language study.
In general, competitive colleges require at least 3-4 years of foreign language classes in high school. As you’ can see above, Harvard University urges applicants to take 4 years. When a college recommends “two or more” years of a language, they are clearly signaling that language study beyond two years would strengthen your application. Indeed, no matter where you apply for college, a demonstrated proficiency in a second language will improve your chances of being admitted. Life in college and after college is becoming increasingly globalized, so strength in a second language carries a lot of weight with admissions counselors.
Thank You Michelle. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
Doc Frick
Hosna Saba
23
Answers
Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Updated
Hosna’s Answer
Hey Lucas!
First of all, I love the ambition! You're thinking ahead, and that’s awesome—planning for top colleges as a 7th grader is definitely ahead of the curve.
Now, as for the 4 years of foreign language: It’s not a strict requirement for every top college, but many competitive schools do look for 2-4 years of a foreign language in high school. Taking one year your freshman year and then self-studying for AP in 10th or 11th could definitely show your initiative and dedication, especially if you rock that AP exam!
That said, it’s important to balance your coursework with other activities and passions. Colleges love to see students who are well-rounded, so if you're focusing on self-study and excelling in other areas, like extracurriculars, sports, or community service, that can balance things out nicely.
Also, remember, college admissions are a whole picture—grades, extracurriculars, essays, letters of recommendation, and more. So, while foreign language is important, don't stress too much about the "perfect" number of years. Do your best, keep a good balance, and if a foreign language is something you enjoy, go for it!
And hey, keep that sense of humor—after all, learning languages is pretty cool (unless it’s conjugating verbs... then, not so much 😅). Best of luck with your studies, you’ve got this! 😊
First of all, I love the ambition! You're thinking ahead, and that’s awesome—planning for top colleges as a 7th grader is definitely ahead of the curve.
Now, as for the 4 years of foreign language: It’s not a strict requirement for every top college, but many competitive schools do look for 2-4 years of a foreign language in high school. Taking one year your freshman year and then self-studying for AP in 10th or 11th could definitely show your initiative and dedication, especially if you rock that AP exam!
That said, it’s important to balance your coursework with other activities and passions. Colleges love to see students who are well-rounded, so if you're focusing on self-study and excelling in other areas, like extracurriculars, sports, or community service, that can balance things out nicely.
Also, remember, college admissions are a whole picture—grades, extracurriculars, essays, letters of recommendation, and more. So, while foreign language is important, don't stress too much about the "perfect" number of years. Do your best, keep a good balance, and if a foreign language is something you enjoy, go for it!
And hey, keep that sense of humor—after all, learning languages is pretty cool (unless it’s conjugating verbs... then, not so much 😅). Best of luck with your studies, you’ve got this! 😊
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6569
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Lucas!
Do I need 4 years of a foreign language in high school to go to a top college?
To determine whether you need four years of a foreign language in high school to gain admission to a top college, it’s essential to consider several factors, including college admissions requirements, the role of foreign language study in your overall academic profile, and the specific policies of the colleges you are interested in.
1. College Admissions Requirements: Most competitive colleges and universities have specific admissions requirements that include coursework recommendations. While these can vary by institution, many top colleges recommend or require students to complete at least two years of a foreign language. Some highly selective schools may prefer or expect applicants to have taken three or four years of a foreign language. This is particularly true for schools that emphasize a well-rounded education and seek students who have demonstrated proficiency in multiple disciplines.
2. Importance of Foreign Language Study: Studying a foreign language can enhance your application by showcasing your ability to engage with different cultures and communicate across linguistic barriers. It also indicates strong cognitive skills, as learning a new language can improve problem-solving abilities and critical thinking. Furthermore, many colleges value diversity in their student body; having experience with foreign languages can contribute positively to this aspect.
3. Self-Studying AP Courses: If you plan on taking one year of a foreign language during your freshman year and then self-studying for an Advanced Placement (AP) exam in 10th or 11th grade, it’s important to note that while AP courses can demonstrate rigor in your academic curriculum, they may not fully substitute for the traditional coursework expected by some colleges. Colleges often look for consistent engagement over multiple years rather than just advanced placement exams.
4. Individual College Policies: It’s crucial to research the specific requirements of each college you are considering applying to. For example:
The Ivy League schools typically expect at least three years of a foreign language.
Public universities may have varying requirements based on state guidelines.
Some liberal arts colleges might place less emphasis on the number of years studied but still appreciate evidence of proficiency.
5. Recommendations: While taking four years may not be strictly necessary for all top colleges, it is advisable if you aim for highly selective institutions. If you cannot take four full years due to scheduling conflicts or other reasons, consider supplementing your studies with summer programs or online courses that offer additional exposure and practice.
In summary, while not every top college explicitly requires four years of foreign language study, having this background will strengthen your application significantly and align with the expectations of many competitive institutions.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
This organization provides comprehensive guidelines on college admissions practices and trends, including recommended high school coursework for prospective students.
2. College Board - AP Central
The College Board offers detailed information about Advanced Placement courses and exams, including how they fit into high school curricula and their impact on college admissions.
3. Common Application - First-Year Requirements
The Common Application website outlines various first-year admission requirements from numerous colleges across the United States, providing insights into what different institutions expect from applicants regarding coursework like foreign languages.
God Bless You, Richly!
James Constantine,
The Little Old Aussie Battler.
Do I need 4 years of a foreign language in high school to go to a top college?
To determine whether you need four years of a foreign language in high school to gain admission to a top college, it’s essential to consider several factors, including college admissions requirements, the role of foreign language study in your overall academic profile, and the specific policies of the colleges you are interested in.
1. College Admissions Requirements: Most competitive colleges and universities have specific admissions requirements that include coursework recommendations. While these can vary by institution, many top colleges recommend or require students to complete at least two years of a foreign language. Some highly selective schools may prefer or expect applicants to have taken three or four years of a foreign language. This is particularly true for schools that emphasize a well-rounded education and seek students who have demonstrated proficiency in multiple disciplines.
2. Importance of Foreign Language Study: Studying a foreign language can enhance your application by showcasing your ability to engage with different cultures and communicate across linguistic barriers. It also indicates strong cognitive skills, as learning a new language can improve problem-solving abilities and critical thinking. Furthermore, many colleges value diversity in their student body; having experience with foreign languages can contribute positively to this aspect.
3. Self-Studying AP Courses: If you plan on taking one year of a foreign language during your freshman year and then self-studying for an Advanced Placement (AP) exam in 10th or 11th grade, it’s important to note that while AP courses can demonstrate rigor in your academic curriculum, they may not fully substitute for the traditional coursework expected by some colleges. Colleges often look for consistent engagement over multiple years rather than just advanced placement exams.
4. Individual College Policies: It’s crucial to research the specific requirements of each college you are considering applying to. For example:
The Ivy League schools typically expect at least three years of a foreign language.
Public universities may have varying requirements based on state guidelines.
Some liberal arts colleges might place less emphasis on the number of years studied but still appreciate evidence of proficiency.
5. Recommendations: While taking four years may not be strictly necessary for all top colleges, it is advisable if you aim for highly selective institutions. If you cannot take four full years due to scheduling conflicts or other reasons, consider supplementing your studies with summer programs or online courses that offer additional exposure and practice.
In summary, while not every top college explicitly requires four years of foreign language study, having this background will strengthen your application significantly and align with the expectations of many competitive institutions.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
This organization provides comprehensive guidelines on college admissions practices and trends, including recommended high school coursework for prospective students.
2. College Board - AP Central
The College Board offers detailed information about Advanced Placement courses and exams, including how they fit into high school curricula and their impact on college admissions.
3. Common Application - First-Year Requirements
The Common Application website outlines various first-year admission requirements from numerous colleges across the United States, providing insights into what different institutions expect from applicants regarding coursework like foreign languages.
God Bless You, Richly!
James Constantine,
The Little Old Aussie Battler.
Michael Searles
3
Answers
Updated
Michael’s Answer
While foreign language experience is very beneficial to getting into a top college, you do not necessarily need 4 years of a language. I would definitely recommend at least 1 year of foreign language, and 2 years of high school classes looks fantastic on college applications. I myself got into a great college with only one year of a foreign language, so it absolutely can be done.
I would also recommend finding a language that interests you beyond just school classes, as many colleges require foreign language classes too and it can be helpful to continue those studies from high school. I took American sign language in high school, and ended up enjoying it enough that I continued it in my first 2 years of college!
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