4th year of foreign language-help please!

Applying to College
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<p>I have three years of foreign language so far and I have been independent studying AP Spanish for the past few weeks (since school started) because the class would not fit into my schedule. I go to the library three days a week and talk to the teacher about the assignments and such so that I would be getting a grade on my transcript for the class. It has become a huge burden though and I am really stressing out over this class. I really want to drop the class and possibly take spanish over the summer at our community college because right now it is taking away from my other classes and ruining what used to be an enjoyable subject for me. I am really behind as well. </p>

<p>Do you think this would be okay? I am looking at Swarthmore, Williams, Bowdoin, Vassar, etc. which all recommend four years of a foreign language. Will I be really hurting myself if I drop this class? I will still have 5 APs.</p>

<p>Thanks so much for your help!!!</p>

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<p>I hate to say it, but bump, I really need some advice...</p>

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<p>Maybe I should have shortened my first post. Basically, I just want to know if 3 vs. 4 years of language will make a difference. Thanks again!!!</p>

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<p>Are you a junior?</p>

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<p>No, I am a senior.</p>

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<p>It might hurt at one or more of those schools. However, looking cross-eyed at the application might hurt at those schools. It is important to remember that the pile of applications you have waiting for you - plus any additional visits - is like adding on another course to your load. Your first priority has to be keeping your health and sanity so you can can gain some enjoyment out of your senior year, and attack your applications and essays with energy and enthusiasm. </p>

<p>Talk to your GC - you want to have her/him note in the rec that you could not fit the 4th year of spanish into your schedule. Other than that, do your best on your essays, and for heaven sakes apply to a couple of likely admits.</p>

<p>Best of luck to you!</p>

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<p>Thanks so much ohio_mom! Anyone else have any advice?</p>

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<p>Any warnings against dropping it before I go in tomorrow? Anyone?</p>

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<p>Just thank your teacher at least. That's a good teacher to offer independent study like that, but he/she will understand.</p>

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<p>Thanks, jusgimmethegun, I went ahead and did it and she was very understanding. I feel a lot better now!</p>

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<p>jaimie, I was worried about the four year recommendations too -- for language, for science, for math. My son didn't have four years of any of them and in the end it didn't matter: He's attending one of the colleges on your list. You don't say what you're taking instead of that Spanish class, but as long as it's challenging and important to you, you'll be all right.</p>

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<p>momrath, OP said she was taking the courses independently, so she wouldn't need a space to be filled.</p>

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<p>You did the right thing in your situation, IMO. My son dropped his language senior year and got into his first choice, competitive schools.</p>