Foreign Language

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Michigan
1

<p>Hi guys. I'm going to be a senior next year and I'm starting to plan my schedule and go over my credits in preparation for college. Obviously I want to go to UM, and I was invited to 'Meet Michigan' on the 11th. It was a great experience and further solidified UM as my top choice. I do have a weird scenario though involving foreign language, which I know from the Meet Michigan event is really stressed at UM especially if you are trying to get into LSA (I plan on studying either Poli Sci, History, or Econ). My problem is that I have ZERO foreign language credits. I was born in Bolivia (in South America) and have lived there for 9 years out of 17, so I am completely fluent in speech, reading, and writing. For this reason my parents never urged me to take a Spanish or foreign language class in high school. I briefly asked a counselor/advisor about this at the desks at the Meet Michigan event a couple weeks ago. They told me I could take an SAT Spanish subject test to meet their requirements. However, if I don't have any foreign language credits, will I even be able to graduate high school??! Is there a way to test out and earn credit, or do I have to take online courses or something? I'm kind of worried. </p>

<p>On a totally different note, could anyone give me my chances of getting into UM?
* in-state
* GPA: 3.7, top 10%
* 3 AP classes, 4 semesters of community college courses
* ACT: 30 (plan on retaking in September)
* Hispanic, dual-citizen
* attend an advanced mathematics and science school half of the day
* I have to admit, my extracurriculars are lame. I have significant volunteer hours, but that isn't necesarily unique. I've lived half of my life in a 3rd world country and been involved in social and cultural groups down there, but I'm not sure how much that amounts to. No athletics other than freshman year; and was invited to join NHS but didn't fill out the application :/ I am however trying to intern at our local newspaper over the summer and that would be a boost if I can get that. </p>

<p>I'm thinking that since I was invited to the Meet Michigan event, have a pretty good ACT score (that can be improved), and a decent GPA I am in good shape, but I'm definitely not taking anything for granted.</p>

2

<p>You really should be asking your high school counselor to see if you meet the requirements for graduation. </p>

<p>My HS required a few years of foreign language but that may not be the case with yours so check with your counselor soon.</p>

3

<p>It may depend on which college you want to attend. Assuming you get in, you will take a foreign language test at orientation. It sounds like you should place out of foreign language for LSA and even get credits for the CoE. As for getting in, the essays are important! Write them from the heart and have your HS english teacher read them. Also, you will need good recommendations from your HS. Choose wisely (you probably won’t get to read them) and make sure you give the person ample time to write a recommendation. Good luck and GO BLUE! </p>

<p>Good luck and GO BLUE!!</p>

4

<p>

Isn’t the summer before senior year a little late to be asking this question? I highly recommend you go see your high school counselor TODAY and make sure your high school graduation requirements are covered. Then you can start worrying about requirements for getting into UMich.</p>