Written by Sally Rubenstone | May 25, 2015
Question: How important is language? My high school only requires 2 years of a language, but how many years do most colleges want? Do they usually look for a passing score of an AP Language test? Next year (sophom*ore year of HS), I am not sure if I should take an extra science class or continue with Spanish.Many colleges are fine with just two years of foreign language (and some don't demand any foreign language at all). But the more selective colleges and universities typically expect three years of the same foreign language (and may even prefer four). So by stopping Spanish at the end of 10th grade, you will definitely limit your college options down the road. Although admission officials might look the other way if you apply with fewer than the expected years of foreign language, you will be “competing" with other applicants who have fulfilled this requirement so—unless you have clear-cut strengths that make up for this deficiency—the lack of language classes will be a liability.
Individual college Web sites will tell you what the language requirements are for admission, so if you already have specific schools in mind, you can look them up now. College Confidential's SuperMatch can also help you compare language requirements at the places you are considering.
First go to: http://www.collegeconfidential.com/college_search/
Next, type in the name of the college that interests you on the upper left hand side of the page where it says, “"Enter name of school."
Then, go to that college's page and click on the “School Facts" tab.
Finally, click on the “Admissions" icon to see a list of “High School Prerequisites."
For Foreign Language, it's common to see a difference between the “Years Required" figure and the “Years Recommended" figure. Obviously, if your curriculum meshes with the Recommendations rather than the Requirements, you will be in a stronger position. AP Language classes (and exams) are never imperative. However, admission folks do like to see that students have challenged themselves in as many academic areas as possible. So if you like Spanish and do well in it, it certainly makes sense to continue it through the AP level. But if you're not so keen on it or simply want to make room for other classes, it's certainly not imperative that you pursue Spanish through AP.
If you're eager to take extra science classes that won't fit into your schedule due to Spanish, consider finding courses at a local community college or through a summer program. While some of the latter can be pricey, if you do a Google search for “Summer Science Programs for High School Students," you may find a lot of options. And if you add the name of your city or town to your search, you could turn up some local options that are affordable for most families or even free. The fact that you went out of your way to study science in the summer should be at least a small plus at admission decision time as well, and it won't get in the way of your continuing with Spanish.
FAQs
Many colleges are fine with just two years of foreign language (and some don't demand any foreign language at all). But the more selective colleges and universities typically expect three years of the same foreign language (and may even prefer four).
Will only taking 2 years of foreign language affect my college application? ›
For many colleges, you have to take a certain number of foreign language classes in high school just to be able to apply. Usually, colleges expect you to take at least two years of a single foreign language.
Is two years of foreign language enough? ›
However, most colleges require a minimum of two years of a foreign language to be considered for admission. Many colleges recommend at least three years of the same world language in high school for a student to be competitive in the admissions pool.
Do colleges check your language proficiency? ›
Many universities require that your native language be English or you will have to submit proof of language proficiency.
How many years of language looks good for college? ›
How Much Language Do You Need? Most selective colleges and universities want to see at least two years of high school foreign language study. Highly selective schools such as the Ivies often want to see three or four years of a language.
Do colleges care about 2 years of language? ›
Many colleges recommend a minimum of two years of foreign language study, but competitive schools often like to see three or four years, as it demonstrates sustained interest and true proficiency in the language.
Do you really need 2 years foreign language college? ›
The answer really depends on your goal. To meet basic high school graduation in most states, students are required to take two years of the same foreign language. More selective universities and distinguished graduation plans, like that in my home state of Texas, require three years.
How rare is it to be fluent in 2 languages? ›
However, current estimates predict that around 43% of people are bilingual, with a further 17% being multilingual. This means that more than half of the world's population can speak more than one language fluently.
Can I get into Harvard with 3 years of foreign language? ›
Four years of a single foreign language. The study of history for at least two years, and preferably three years: American history, European history, and one additional advanced history course.
Can I get into an Ivy League with 2 years of foreign language? ›
Science: at least 3 years, including 2 years of lab science. History & Social Studies: at least 2 years of history, including American history. Foreign Language: at least 3 years, preferably 4 years of a single language.
College admissions is a competitive process - anyone will tell you that. While most universities do not require students to be proficient in a second language, having those skills can prove to be an advantage for your applications.
Can I say I'm proficient in Spanish on the Common App? ›
Feel free to list languages you're learning in school — but only if you're truly proficient in reading, writing, and/or speaking that language. Be completely honest about your actual skill level. If you're not conversational or fluent in a given language, it's probably best not to list it.
Do colleges care if you take a foreign language? ›
Do Colleges Require Foreign Language Study in High School? Most colleges want to see students pursuing at least two years of foreign language study in high school, although this may vary by program or major.
What foreign language looks best on college applications? ›
Do Colleges Care Which Foreign Language You Take? Nope! College admissions officers do not view certain languages as harder or more impressive than others because all foreign languages require time and dedication to learn and all provide benefits.
Do colleges prefer 3 years of language? ›
Highly selective schools such as the Ivies often want to see three or four years of a language. If your high school doesn't offer enough language courses, online classes and self-study for the AP are other options.
What is the easiest language to learn? ›
15 of the easiest languages to learn for English speakers -...
- Frisian. Frisian is thought to be one of the languages most closely related to English, and therefore also the easiest for English-speakers to pick up. ...
- Dutch. ...
- Norwegian. ...
- Spanish. ...
- Portuguese. ...
- Italian. ...
- French. ...
- Swedish.
Did you know that in general, competitive colleges require your kids to have studied at least two years of foreign language classes. Colleges like Stanford University would like to see three or more years, and Ivy League schools like Harvard University urges students to take a minimum of four years!
Can I get into brown with 2 years of foreign language? ›
Science: 3-4 years (with 2 years of lab), focusing on biology, physics, and chemistry when possible. History: 3-4 years, with both history courses and courses that focus on government, economics, and politics. Foreign language: 3, but preferably 4, years of consecutive language learning.
What colleges require more than 2 years of a foreign language? ›
Recommendations. In general, competitive colleges require at least two years of foreign language classes in high school. As you'll see below, Stanford University would like to see three or more years, and Harvard University urges applicants to take four years.
