How important is it for an applicant to have an AP foreign language? I know UVA recommends it, but my STEM oriented daughter dislikes the teacher, but can suffer thru it if she has to do so.
UVA likes a student to challenge themselves (i.e., taking the most rigorous classes possible) in all core areas (math, english, science, social science and foreign language). Having said that, if your daughter is not enjoying the class, I would not have her suffer through something she does not like, just because she thinks it will help her get into UVA. But in life, we may come across professors, co-workers, etc that we don’t like. Such is life. If she has strong academics and is taking rigorous classes in the other areas…it may not be a deal breaker.
Maybe she can drop down to the next level (such as honors). Taking many language classes in high school will help to avoid having to take multiple language classes at UVa. The language requirement applies for most, but not all, programs.
I see one only needs a 660 on the subject test to place out of foreign language at UVA. Anyone have experience using a good subject test score rather than the 5th year of language for admission?
I believe the language subject test can be hard even if one goes through the AP courses for language.
from what I was told at meeting with a UVA admissions officer, is that UVa is looking for four years of a foreign language as part of your core courses (four years of math, science, etc.), not necessarily to include AP. However, UVa emphasizes challenging course selection (did you maximize the honors/AP your school offers?). I started H.S. Spanish in seventh grade and by my senior year I was burned out so did not take it this year. I’m taking another AP that I’m much more interested in. So I don’t have the ideal 4 years in H.S., but did one year of Spanish AP (Spanish 5). Guess we’ll see if this matters!
My daughter (interested in UVA, cuz it’s in-state) started Latin in 7th grade, so by the end of 10th grade, she’ll have her four years of language. However, as of right now, her HS doesn’t offer AP Latin so she’s kind of bummed. There is a Latin V for 11th grade but she’s not sure what she’ll do for 12th grade. Maybe they’ll have AP Latin by then. The Latin classes are getting a lot smaller as she progresses, though.
@aj1203 it sounds like you took Spanish 5 (AP in 11th grade)? So, IMO you took all you could take. I don’t think it goes higher? so I don’t understand why you said you did not take this year???
because my school offers Spanish 6 senior year, so I fell short of UVAs ideal “4 years of foreign language” as part of HS courses.
@aj1203. I don’t think you fell short. Some kids are able to get through a language in middle school (eg. Spanish) - let’s say Spanish 1. So they start at Spanish 2 in freshman year. So by junior year they have Spanish 4. I think this accounts for “4 years of foreign language”…although I see many taking the Spanish 5 AP in senior year. I think if you went up to Spanish 5 AP you are in great shape.
I always tell students to take their core classes all four years of high school, regardless of level. We are always willing to take scheduling conflicts or other issues into account (if we are told about them).
It’s a rare student that doesn’t start their FL in 6th or 7th. I started in 6th grade, back in the dark ages. 
Thank you for your response
In our distruct, our middle school is not able to grant all requests for foreign language electives, due to a growing population and shortage of foreign language teachers. Then in high school foreign language class placement gives preference to juniors and seniors who must meet the FL requirement before graduation. It’s a frustrating situation for kids who want to take 4* years of a FL.
Counselors submit a Secondary School Report, High School Profile, and written recommendation. Between the three items, admission officers usually learn about the opportunities presented to students and any obstacles they may encounter.