Do I Really Have to Study a Foreign Language? Yes! And Here’s Why (2024)

When preparing to apply for college, most students are aware that they must remain rigorous in core courses, like English and mathematics. However, many students do not think of foreign language as central to their applications. Many top colleges say otherwise.

While two years of a foreign language is a common length of time for schools to require of applicants, many schools recommend three or four years and some highly selective schools prefer five. Students who take their first year of a foreign language in middle school can take four years of the same language in high school. It is important for students to note that these years should be in the same language. Consistency is key. If languages are your ‘thing’ you can add a second language but be sure to keep the first.

Since foreign language courses are a key component to any college application, future college applicants should be sure to research both the required and recommended number of foreign language courses at the colleges they hope to apply to and plan their high school courses accordingly. There is a rumor that the Ivy League colleges do not require foreign language. Each college website should be pretty clear about what they require. But even if a top college does not require a course, it does not mean they don’t expect students to study it. In fact, you will be competing with students who have taken the most rigorous classes available at their high school in the five core academic areas, including the humanities, social sciences, laboratory sciences, mathematics, and foreign language. And if your high school does not offer a course, many students will go out of the way to take a course in another setting—this shows initiative to learn, which colleges love to see in their applicants!

So, what should you do if language is not your favorite subject? I recommend you consider the following advantages:

– You can more deeply experience new cultures in ways that develop and encourage respect for diversity.

– You can acquire a greater opportunity to get to know new people as well as lessen fear of those who are unfamiliar to you, sometimes just because they are speaking a different language.

– You can learn to communicate better both orally and in writing. Often it is in the foreign language classroom that students gain the greatest understanding of grammar and expand their vocabulary.

– Through language and culture studies, you are exposed to new ideas, thus broadening your perspective of the world.

– The study of foreign language is a distinct advantage in the professional world. Job candidates who are proficient in more than one language have a competitive edge in the U.S. economy, where a large proportion of jobs involve work with immigrants and/or travel to and trade with foreign countries.

So why do colleges care so much about the study of foreign languages? Because the study of diverse languages and cultures is a gateway to greater understanding and appreciation for a wide range of other subjects, including art, music, cuisine, film, science, and philosophy. It educates and broadens the mind in limitless ways and is at the true core of a liberal education and global citizenry.

Elizabeth LaScala PhD guides college, transfer and graduate school applicants through the complex world of admissions. She helps students choose majors and programs of interest, develops best match college lists, offers personalized essay coaching, and tools and strategies to help students tackle each step of the admissions process with confidence and success. Elizabeth helps students from all backgrounds to maximize scholarship opportunities and financial aid awards. Call (925) 385-0562 or visit Elizabeth at her website to learn more.

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