I know this question has been asked in several variations over the years, but I would appreciate some specialized advice. I’m currently a senior in 5 AP’s and Spanish IV H (I’ve taken I through III already) debating whether or not to drop Spanish for this year. Two weeks into the year, I’ve found I have no free time at all to even work on applications. I’m a varsity and club athlete and travel most weekend for my sport. I hold leadership positions in a few clubs. I currently have a 4.0 UW and 2360 SAT.
I feel like I need to drop something, and Spanish makes the most sense. However, I’m applying to a few Ivies and several top 25 schools and am worried that this will make a large negative impact on admissions. Would it be better to take Spanish (I’m not a fluent speaker and the course is very demanding) and possibly have my GPA and app’s suffer slightly, or just drop it? I don’t know what to do and my guidance counselor needs an answer tomorrow (she’s strongly recommended I don’t drop the class…).
Has anyone gotten into top schools with only 3 years of foreign language when a 4th was available? Will it tip me into the reject pile? I honestly don’t care that much about getting into an Ivy, but really, really like Georgetown, WUSTL, Vanderbilt…
Please help. I’m feeling very, very stressed right now. Thank you.
So, with a 4.0 and 2360, I’m guessing you’d be looking at some tippy-tops. If you’re serious about that, and really think doing it all would be a disaster, then drop the club sport.
Unless you’re a recruited athlete, I’d say your sport is less important than your classes – especially if you’re aiming that high. But that’s only my 30,000 feet opinion.
If you mean schools that recommend 4 years, of course. Rare, but it does happen.
No, but the vast majority will have had 4 years of a foreign language. Additionally, all of these colleges will have a foreign language requirement to graduate. Better to get it out of the way now. Good luck.
[quote]
she’s strongly recommended I don’t drop the class
Smart woman
@JustOneDad thank you for the reply, but unfortunately, that’s not an option. My question is really just how much you think Spanish will make a difference.
@T26E4@JustOneDad it’s just difficult because my sports and clubs are things I really enjoy. Spanish, not so much. Thanks for the quick replies. I guess I’ll grind through it…
Georgetown: “While the Committee on Admissions is most interested in the quality of a student’s work, general promise, and seriousness of purpose, it is recommended that secondary school preparation include: a full program in English, a minimum of two years of social studies, language study, and mathematics and one year of natural science.”
WUSTL: “Most candidates’ transcripts include:
four years of English
four years of mathematics (Architecture, Business and Engineering strongly recommend calculus.)
three to four years of history or social science
three to four years of laboratory science (Engineering strongly recommends chemistry and physics.)
at least two years of a foreign language
both chemistry and physics, as well as the most challenging math programs available, for students who plan to do course work in sciences and/or pre-medicine”
Vanderbilt: Their website is vague, but websites about college admissions (including CC prior posts) all say Vanderbilt just requires two years in the same foreign language.
Good luck.