College of Arts and Sciences Foreign Language Requirement

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>The College of Arts and Sciences requires at least 3 years in one foreign language for incoming Freshmen. I took two years of Spanish, then stopped because I didn't particularly enjoy it and it allowed me to take other classes that interest me. Not taking Spanish let me dual enroll and take an International Relations class. I would much rather take a language like Arabic or Russian. Would admissions look past this if I sent a letter detailing why I didn't take a third year, with the reasons I stated above?</p>

2

<p>From the Cornell website:</p>

<p>

Will admissions “look past this”? Maybe, maybe not. At the end of the day, admissions is all about what they want, not what you want. That said, I do know people who have been accepted to Cornell with less than 3 years of a foreign language. Good luck.</p>

3

<p>no. not if they require 3 years. the only exception is if the foreign language only is offered for 2 years.</p>

4

<p>I got in with two years of Spanish. </p>

5

<p>Did you send a letter asking for exception?</p>

6

<p>Hey!
I got accepted ED to Cornell last year. Just like you I had only two years of spanish. On the requirements page they also wrote that any deficiencies should be accompanied by a letter. When I applied, I neglected to send a letter explaining my situation (I just thought they’d overlook it). Well, a few weeks before decision day, the adcom called my guidance counselor to tell me to write the letter explaining my situation. They really weren’t kidding! So I explained in my letter why I didn’t pursue another year of Spanish. </p>

<p>For me, I had a really tight schedule in HS, so if I took Spanish, I wouldn’t have been able to take some upper level AP/Dual Enrollment classes, so I wrote that in the letter they wanted. Also, I wrote how I was somewhat fluent in another language and planned on continuing the foreign language in college. It would be advised against to say that you didn’t take another year of Spanish because it was boring.</p>

<p>Hope that helps! If you have any other questions, feel free to message me!</p>