Foreign Language Requirement

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Virginia
1

<p>Hi Dean J -- I hope you're out there. My son has three years of a FL taken in 7th, 8th and 9th grades. This year, his junior year, he's taking AP Chem and Honors Physics in addition to AP Eng, US/VA Hist and Honors Precalc. Next year he's considering taking two AP Sciences in addition to the rest of his core classes. Will only having one year of a FL in high school hurt his academic record in your opinion? I could have him take a FL in summer school and continue his senior year. Thoughts from you or anyone else out there? Thank you!</p>

2

<p>Hi ArlVAMom,</p>

<p>Just yesterday Dean J addressed a question regarding ‘minimum course requirements’.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-virginia/1402572-minimum-course-requirements.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-virginia/1402572-minimum-course-requirements.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Previously in this forum I asked if a student completes 4 years by the Jr year how is the Sr. year treated if a fifth year is offered. She indicated that they like to see core subjects all four years of high school. My understanding was it was not a matter simply of years completed, but an expectation to continue in all areas of study all four years as long as the next level class is offered.</p>

<p>On another note, we are very lucky that an admissions representative as dedicated as Dean J drops by once in a while to respond to posts and questions. She pointed out recently when people have requested information from her directly that she doesn’t check cc on a regular basis and the most direct way to reach her is on her blog, twitter, or facebook page.</p>

3

<p>Dropping FL to double up on another core is okay now and then. The trade off is that a student who does it is probably setting themselves up to do some FL work if they wind up in the College of Arts & Sciences.</p>

<p>Students in the College have to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language either through testing or taking a 202 level course. A student who hasn’t taken a language in a while probably won’t test well in it and will have to do a bit of work to get to the 202 level.</p>

<p>You can read more about competency requirements here:
[Competency</a> Requirements | The Undergraduate College of Arts & Sciences, U.Va.](<a href=“http://college.artsandsciences.virginia.edu/requirements/competency]Competency”>http://college.artsandsciences.virginia.edu/requirements/competency)</p>

4

<p>My son will be applying to the School of Engineering and AS. I checked the E&AS website and I don’t see a similar ‘Competency Requirements’ link. Do engineering students need to prove proficiency in a FL?</p>

5

<p>SEAS students do not have a foreign language requirement.</p>

6

<p>Thank you, Sabaray!</p>