<p>Normally I would post this kind of thread in the high school forum, but I think the parents would know this answer, especially those that have kids in colleges that do "recommend" 4 years of FL.</p>
<p>I have taken up to Spanish 4 in my school, which entailed me taking Spanish 1 during middle school and 2, 3, and 4 through junior year. Now as a rising senior, scheduling problems have forced me to make a difficult decision - should I continue to AP Spanish (note this would cause many problems with my schedule and my other AP classes)? </p>
<p>I've tried to find this answer through past threads, but most didn't really clarify the issue. Some top schools will "recommend" 4 years of foreign language. Since I have taken Spanish 4 already, does that mean I have fulfilled the requirement? Or rather does that mean I have to take foreign language every year of high school? Personally I feel that level is the key, and not year, but I don't want a rejection to, say, Harvard to be only because I have failed to meet the "recommendation," I want it to be because of other reasons. </p>
<p>I would not prefer to continue the language through a CC course, especially with the hectic nature of senior year.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Not sure about Harvard but finishing Spanish 4 was accepted at all six schools D1 applied to that required four years of foreign language.</p>
<p>In our school district, French and Spanish I are taught in 7th/8th grade; Spanish II, freshman year, etc. Our students are specifically told by GC that the foreign language requirement for college apps is fulfilled by completing the "level", regardless of the year in high school; AP Spanish and French are considered level V.</p>
<p>Finishing Spanish 4 will be adequate anywhere. In many districts that year of middle school language may even appear on your high school transcript, but it is not a problem if it doesn't.</p>
<p>MY Ds did not take FL their senior year due to scheduling issues. One UC required a placement test and one quarter class. another UC let D skip any language, as she had three years of HS language. I would not worry about it, do what is best for your schedule</p>
<p>Both of my kids took Spanish 4 in tenth grade and then no more foreign language. This did not hinder their college acceptances in any way. They had met the standard of completing Spanish 4. Also, if the college has a "recommendation" that is different than a "requirement". I don't recall that any college my kids applied to REQUIRED four years of foreign language, but many recommended it.</p>
<p>Four years of one foreign language will satisfy reqs for college graduation in many places, meaning you won't have to take any in college. UW-Madison, for example, at most (depends on the school/college) requires 4 semesters (one HS year = one semester, can include middle school course work) of one foreign language or 3 of one and 2 of a second language to get a degree. The magic HS number is 4 years to complete the requirement before college. Any further classes are for your interest/benefit. AP exam credit will get you college credits and help with breadth requirements at UW.</p>
<p>Short answer- skip the Spanish and take the other classes.</p>
<p>You don't HAVE to take it, but can I raise the point here that knowledge of foreign languages is a good thing, not something to be avoided?</p>
<p>Sounds like you have filled the 4 year requirement. However, you should explore the language requirement once you get to college at the universities you are considering. If there is a requirement, and you plan to continue Spanish, you may not want to be away from the language for a year. Also, you may be able to use the AP score to meet or partially meet the language requirement at the college.</p>