Fourth year of foreign language (just for admission :/) ?

Applying to College
1

<p>Well, it's that time to decide the schedule for senior year, and it really comes down to either French IV AP or Computer Science 2 Honors (it is the course after AP Computer Science course which I'm taking right now but since that AP CS2 was canceled due to lack of interest it's not recognized as an AP course in our school).</p>

<p>I don't really want to take the fourth year of French, even though I have good grades (last three semesters my averages have ranged from 97-100) because I don't learn that much (even though I love French) and honestly I would just be taking it for admissions purposes rather than for the actual value of learning, which I think is just a shame. However, I do realize that now we do have to 'play the game' a little bit and I do have the feeling that I, as an unhooked, female, asian applicant who's not very special, have to sort of take any advantage I can get.</p>

<p>Actually, I never expected myself to be good at computer science (in fact I know probably less than your average teen about the computer) but I'm really good at programming as well and as someone who has no idea about a direction in life something I like and am good at is worth exploring IMO.</p>

<p>Though making it into one of the top schools is not make or break (especially because I know my chances are low) I would have to like a fair chance at Dartmouth, Rice, etc. OR a chance at some great merit aid (PSAT: 221; AP courses by graduation: 11 (5's on all so far); top 1% (but with a huge class so not top 10)) </p>

<p>Input? Thanks in advance :D.</p>

2

<p>Your question comes up frequently in CC. So you may want to do a search on recent threads for “language requirements”, and similar search strings.</p>

<p>The bottom line is that many selective colleges, probably including some of those to which you’re applying strongly encourage 4-years of one language.</p>

<p>The prudent approach is to take French IV. Other CC members have voiced different points of view, but the advice from Harvard and some other colleges makes it quite clear. You’ll find the appropriate URLs is the previous threads.</p>

3

<p>Generally, it’s preferable that you take 3 to 4 years of an alternative language.</p>

4

<p>Absolutely take the 4th year of french. It may eliminate options for you down the road if you don’t take it. Also, you will be up against many kids who did take the 4th year and you don’t want to be in a weaker position in the admissions process.</p>