<p>So I'm interested in applying to colleges and pursuing International Relations/Psychology as my major. However, I have not taken a 4th-level language class. I did Spanish 3 my sophomore year, and due to scheduling conflicts was unable to take AP Spanish junior year, and again senior year. I kind of might be able to get into AP Spanish, but that would mean dropping AP Comp Sci, which is the 4th year of our school's special and selective computer science academy program.</p>
<p>My counselor says that staying in the special comp sci program is the most important thing in my schedule because it shows the completion and dedication to a program. One of my main extracurriculars is science-related but the rest are all humanitarian (top-level leadership positions in school, regionally, and state-level).</p>
<p>Is it bad to be applying with International Relations as my #1 intended major? The main purpose for this is because of my experience in leading organizations, although I haven't been in say MUN or JSA. What do you think?</p>
<p>Have you considered taking an AP Spanish class online? You would have to pay for it, but it would show your commitment to the language despite scheduling conflicts at your school.</p>
<p>I don’t know if my school allows that, but thanks for the advice! (:</p>
<p>My main question is does it draw attention to the fact that I haven’t been able to take AP language since my major is international? I’m fairly fluent in English, my ethnic language, and Spanish (my dad works with Spanish-speakers), but it’s not something significant enough to mention in an essay. My 3 main academic interests are International Relations, Public Affairs and Services, and Psychology, so I think maybe I can just switch the first two in order of preference?</p>
<p>It depends on the requirements for the college program. Some schools require 3 to 4 years of language just to get into the school for general entrance requirements. My kid needed several years of language just to get into an engineering program – go figure. What you need to do is get straight what the entrance requirements are for your major at the specific schools you plan to apply to. Your counselor could be completely wrong and you can take computer courses anywhere. Best to do your homework and double check. DO NOT rely on adult counselors 100%. They don’t call these people “guidance” counselors for nothing. They are there to “guide” you only – important final decisions that impact your life are your responsibility.</p>
<p>Also, you may not have thought of this before, but you may want to look into international business as a major or even a minor. I can’t tell you how interesting this field is. Everything that you are planning to study comes into play in business. Language, psychology, understanding public affairs – all of it. By the way, what is your native language. Being fluent in at least two languages will help in international majors.</p>
<p>Don’t drop the Comp Sci. I agree with your counselor that completing the program makes a statement about you. I doubt your lack of AP Spanish is going to keep you from enrolling anywhere. You are already bi-lingual since English is not your primary language and that by itself is important. A third language at AP level is nice but not essential. Just make sure you make your bilingualism clear - it didn’t appear in your first paragraph and got a bit lost in the second one so people providing advice could easily have missed it. Likewise someone in Admissions.</p>
<p>I disagree with your counselor about CompSci. </p>
<p>AP CS is not a difficult class, and requires no prereqs beyond Algebra I. Thus, if AP CS is the culmination of a ‘special’ four year program, I would call into question how ‘special’ it truly is. But regardless of the ‘specialness’ or lack thereof, the program is designed for those high schoolers who want to enter the CS or Eng fields, which clearly you do not. So what is the point of continuing? If you are applying for International Rel, lit/hume or psych, Comp Sci is of no value to you (unless you want to go into Cognitive Neuro with a Comp Sci emphasis.)</p>
<p>While I’m not suggesting that AP Lang would necessarily be better, I would suggest seeking other alternative classes, any of which would be more beneficial for you – AP Euro? AP Calc? AP Econ? AP Stats? Heck, even AP Art History would be better, IMO.</p>
<p>@OsakaDad: Thanks for your advice! I found that quite insightful However, after future consideration I’m not sure if I’m going to want to seek out an online computer class, as I’d rather be able to spend some time away from the computer working and more with my family. Eh, give and take I guess.</p>
<p>@M’s Mom: Thanks for the advice! The language section on the common app should suffice, yes?</p>
<p>@bluebayou: Yeah, I do agree with you somewhat in that AP CompSci should not be the culmination of a 4-year course. The special thing about our school’s comp sci academy is that we don’t go super in-depth with programming actually, but it’s more of a project-based programming class mixed with professional aspects like presentations, summits, internships, initiatives, and stuff like that. Our programming stuff isn’t that legit (Start with Microsoft VB, go to HTML, then Flash, then Java), but the academy in itself is quite helpful, and it is the more “prestigious” program on our campus. Also, I have taken 6 AP’s, half of which you listed are included, and self-studied for AP Psychology and AP World, so I hope that’s sufficient.</p>
<p>The language section on the common app is just a blank you fill in - so it could be overlooked especially since you aren’t an international applicant. You might want to highlight your multiculturalism, especially in light of your interest in IR. It makes you stand out - a more interesting candidate. And depending on what your country of origin is, it could be an additional selling point. If it doesn’t fit in your essays, then the ‘additional information’ section at the end of the application is your friend - use it.</p>
However, after future consideration I’m not sure if I’m going to want to seek out an online computer class, as I’d rather be able to spend some time away from the computer working and more with my family. Eh, give and take I guess.</p>