<pre><code> I know that there are many threads out there covering this, but a lot of them either have conflicting information, or aren't applicable to my situation. I hope you guys can help me out.
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<p>Ok, so I'd like to apply to several very selective schools. My first choice is Wharton (UPenn), and after that probably Columbia. My grades and SAT scores are in range IMHO, so I'm not very worried about that aspect.</p>
<p>Anyhow, I want to know how important the "foreign language recommendations" are. I realize that many top schools suggest you take 4 years. However, I'm planning to drop Spanish this year (my senior year) in favor of another class. Here's my schedule for next year. </p>
<p>AP Calc BC
AP Stat
AP Lit
AP Econ (Micro/Macro)
AP Gov't
Honors Physics
Honors International Relations</p>
<p>I took Spanish 3 in my junior year, but I truly despise the class. It's just boring to me, and I'd much much rather take International Relations, as its something I actually want to learn. </p>
<p>Having said that, what impact would not taking the 4th year of Spanish have on potential admission to the schools I talked about? I realize it won't be huge, but would taking Spanish help much?</p>
<p>Btw, I'm not sure if it makes a difference, I'm bilingual (not Spanish). </p>
<p>You do realize international relations has a lot to do with languages and culture, right? I say take Spanish. It is a very important language to learn now-a-days, anyways. You want all the odds for you and going to those universities as well, so why not take Spanish and continue with it? You’re taking more useless APs to tell you the truth. Don’t take that many if you can’t score well in them all…</p>
<p>I realize what international relations comprises of, and while it might include a bit about languages, I’m not actually LEARNING a language. I just don’t like Spanish very much, and was hoping to replace it with a class that appeals to me more (I’m heavily involved in Model UN, so IR is a perfect class for me).</p>
<p>As for the other APs being useless, I respectfully disagree, however, I’d like to know what makes you think that. Here’s my reasoning for taking each AP:</p>
<p>AP Calc BC - I took AB last year, so I might as well continue this year. Plus a math credit is required. </p>
<p>AP Lit - English credit required</p>
<p>Honors Physics - Science credit </p>
<p>AP Stat - I’m really into business, so I think this will be a handy class to have.</p>
<p>Even without AP Stat, I have fulfilled enough credits at school to graduate, so all of the others are extras that I just want to take because I like the classes. And I think I can handle 5 APs. You should see what some other kids at my school take. 5 is nothing. <em>shudder</em></p>
<p>Come graduation what is it that you want to practice professionally? I’m located in the DC area and speak 3 languages besides English. What major are you going for? Spanish is good. But again, depends what your ultimate goal is.</p>
<p>I’d like to go to Wharton for business (likely Finance). My passions are business and technology, so a career involving the two would be great. Not sure exactly what yet, but hopefully I’ll figure that out as things move along.</p>
<p>If you want to learn International Relations, take it in college. Stick with Spanish for the fourth year. Those top schools don’t think too much of AP Econ. or AP Stats.</p>
<p>But if your grades are good and your essays are good, you have a shot.</p>
<p>A lot of the people here are telling you to stick with Spanish because colleges like seeing 4 years, and that is true, 4 years of a language is viewed as better than 3 years. However, if you truly are not learning anything in Spanish and despise it and don’t think you have the commitment to actually learn Spanish to become fluent in it, than there is no reason for you to take Spanish for the fourth year.’</p>
<p>As for AP Stat, it is generally quite tedious (it is 95% memorization). In your specific case, it is useful because Wharton does grant credit for it. However, that’s only if you actually get into Wharton, which is a big if.</p>
<p>Pixels: I mean that if you can’t do good in ALL of the many ap classes you’re taking, why stress out and take that many? And international relations, well, you don’t need to be extremely credited and smart to major in it, and that many ap’s will get you into any good university (if you score well on them)… I am taking AP Stats too because I want to major in Intl Business.</p>