<p>How important is it to take more than 2 years of a foreign language? Do colleges really prefer 3-4?</p>
<p>Depends where. Just know that if colleges say that something is recommended, that means you should really do it.</p>
<p>Yeah I agree with vgcoder. Although Stanford says SAT II is optional but recommended for admission, you're not likely gonna get in without SAT IIs unless you're basically perfect in all other areas.</p>
<p>This question gets asked a lot, so I'll just repeat what I wrote elsewhere.</p>
<p>There are two sides to this coin: what you need to get in and what you need to graduate once you matriculate.</p>
<p>Colleges vary widely in admissions. Many RECOMMEND three years of the same language. We were told by the admissions rep one very selective ivy that most of their top applicants have four years and are fluent. Bear in mind, however, that this is a recommendation, not a strict requirement. </p>
<p>If you decide not to do three years of the same language then you must have a good reason for it. A good reason could be scheduling conflict or precedence given to other special interests. If you drop the language it should be because you want to do something else that will have a positive impact on your application, not because you just don’t like language. In other words, don’t drop language in order to have a lighter schedule. For my son, because of circumstances, it made sense to take two years of two languages and this didn’t seem to have much bearing on his eventual acceptance to a selective college.</p>
<p>Once you’re admitted you need to look at the school’s language proficiency requirements. Some schools have none. Some require that you take a test to determine your proficiency. Or they may use your SATII or AP score as the determining factor. If it is determined that you are not proficient enough you may be facing one or even two years of college level language. For the language adverse, this can be very challenging, so depending on what colleges you are interested in, you may be better off gaining proficiency in high school rather than delaying until college.</p>
<p>ok, im already a senior. The UCs recommend 3 years but require 2 only. I have only taken 2 years, but my other stats are fine. Will this affect admission?</p>
<p>I dont think it would affect negatively that much, but it is going to affect positively.</p>