<p>I was planning on applying to Vanderbilt RD, but a closer read over the admissions website made me nervous. It read that they require 2 years of a foreign language, and I will have 0 upon graduation. The reason for this is I've always been passionate about music. I play violin and trumpet in my high school's Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Brass Quintet, Violin Choir, String Quartet, Jazz Band, and Jazz Combo. Between all these music commitments I've never had time for a foreign language. I believe the rest of my application is competitive: I've taken all AP classes in high school, am in the top 3% of my class, have a 34 on the ACT, have put my musical ability to good use throughout HS, performing 700+ hours throughout the community, and will have excellent recommendations, and an excellent essay. Do you think Vanderbilt and their holistic evaluation process will overlook my lack of foreign language classes? Or should I not bother applying? Thank you in advance for your replies!</p>
<p>Um...wow. No foreign language is kind of a big deal where I live (Nashville) because it is required in order for us to graduate. Are you sure they 'required' the foreign lang. credit? I always thought it was 'recommended.'</p>
<p>I think you should try but do explain the reason why you don't have the foreign language credits. The rest of the app looks really good (better than mine...)</p>
<p>Yeah, just explain your circumstances, or have your guidance counselor explain it to lend credence to your excuse (it is still an excuse although it's not a bad one). No university ever requires you to take a foreign language in high school; it's just recommended just as one year of fine arts is recommended. Think of it this way: there could be this one person out there who has taken five foreign languages in high school but has taken no fine arts courses while you, on the other hand, have taken no foreign language courses but have probably taken a number of music courses. Universities are always looking for diversity, and if all of those classes paid off, you would be an asset to Vandy's school of music (are you applying as a music major?). </p>
<p>Besides, with your academic stats and your involvement in your school and community, I say that you have an excellent shot. Just apply. The worst that could happen is that you'd be rejected, and that's not the end of the world. If you don't apply, you'll never know if you got in or not, and it could bother you for the rest of your life.</p>