“With the exception of English, which is almost universally a 4 year HS graduation requirement, in almost all cases, top colleges “suggestions” for HS preparation exceed HS graduation requirements.”
NOT TRUE in my state. Students are only required to have 2 years of Foreign Language. This can be substituted with 2 years of advanced technology education or successful completion of a state-approved career and tech program. In addition to English, they are required to enroll in math all 4 years (they don’t all have to be full-year classes, but they need 3 credits of math overall). State flagship school mimics these HS requirements. Private schools encourage 3 years.
Foreign language requirements are usually for BA degrees and liberal arts colleges. Many BS degrees do not have a foreign language requirement. Many schools have general education requirements that call for a foreign language, but allow other classes to be substituted. In fact it’s a question we ask on college tours, as my son feels very strongly about it.