Hi, everyone. I’m a sophomore in high school, and I’m making decisions about the courses I want to take for the next two years. I’m currently in my second year of French, and although I will be taking another year of French during my junior year, I have no desire to continue studying it afterwards.
I know that for most majors, colleges have a two-year language requirement. Basically, I am wondering if I will be allowed to take a different foreign language while in college? I’d love to study Spanish, but I am worried it would be too difficult without high school courses. If anyone could answer my question, I’d be highly appreciative. Thanks!
At almost all colleges you can choose a new language (and it’s not that uncommon if you aren’t trying to test out of the requirement).
If you chose to continue with French you could potentially test out of a quarter/semester or two. But generally it’s no problem to start a new language. It would be better to stick out French in high school for more impressive apps instead of 2 years French 2 Spanish which would be more intro level.
@cjjc256 Virtually all major colleges/universities will have introductory foreign language classes (e.g. Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, etc.) that don’t expect you to have previous exposure to the language. The reasons behind that are fairly simple - e.g. if someone wants to learn a completely new language, or if that person’s HS didn’t have very good (or have any) foreign language classes.
Yes, you can start a new foreign language in college in the beginner level courses. If you wish to continue in a language you already studied in high school, you may be placed in a higher level course based on the department’s placement procedures.
Thank you so much to everyone for your thorough answers. You were all a big help!
Also, from what I’ve heard, Spanish is similar to French, so it might not be too hard for you to switch over if you have a decent understanding of French.
Good luck! Bonne continuation!