Foreign language requirement for Skidmore?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Skidmore College
1

Hi!
I’m a senior in high school and I’m really interested in Skidmore College. I meet all the other requirements (4 years of english, 3+ years of math, 3+ years of social science, 3+ years of science) but I don’t have 3 years of foreign language on my transcript. I have 2 years of French instead. However, I did take two years of computer science courses as well (some schools might consider these language credits ? ) Does this automatically disqualify me from consideration?

2

I don’t think so. I believe you have to take a foreign language there no matter what. Your placement is based on what you have taken in high school. For example you cant take a beginning foreign language since you already have at French. I believe they explain it on their website.

3

Few, if any, colleges will view these as foreign language credits. Don’t conflate HS graduation requirements with a college’s recommended HS preparation. The latter will usually surpass the former for selective colleges.

No, but know that most applicants will have the suggested preparation.

4

Apparently there was a U.S. legislative initiative to encourage high schools to consider computer programming classes as a substitute for foreign language course work. I assume it hasn’t passed.

https://languagepolicy.org/the-codes-act-incentivizes-replacing-math-science-and-foreign-languages-courses/

5

I don’t think any action has been taken yet. Regardless, curriculum “suggestions” from selective colleges almost always exceed HS graduation requirements, so passage of the legislation would have no impact.

6

In my area, computer science is treated as equivalent to foreign language for graduation requirements, and no foreign language is required by public in state schools, including the flagships. My kid was actually discouraged from taking foreign language as a 9th grader, because “you’ve got plenty of time to take it later.”

7

^ that’s sad because you learn so much from the challenge of learning a new language, especially if the teacher teaches about the culture and history.
Nevertheless, selective colleges consider foreign language one of the core classes and reaching level 3 or 4/AP is important.
CS may count for some high schools but not for college entrance.