<p>So, my top college at the moment (Princeton University) requires four years of the same foreign language. Even though I'm only a sophomore, I'm in my 3rd year of Spanish due to taking Spanish at a community college. After Spanish 3, there's only the AP Spanish 4 class and I don't think I could handle that and I'm getting tired of Spansh and would rather do other things. Can schools still accept someone even if they don't meet all requirements? Or should I just take another year at the community college so I don't have to take AP 4?</p>
<p>If Princeton required 4 years, then you should make sure to complete it. However, if you can pass the SATII Spanish exam with a good score, it will supersede the requirement. I have several friends who just took the Spanish SATII/French SATII to complete their language requirement.</p>
<p>Ivy and top-tier schools don’t “require” 4 years of a language as far as I know however it’s usually preferred and most applicants have done 4 or more years. If it’s alright with your schedule, I would suggest you take another year of Spanish but if you really think you can’t handle the AP, then don’t.</p>
<p>I’m sure that you’re aware that Princeton is an extremely selective college. You’ll be competing with candidates who have met and in some cases surpassed the language requirement – and some who have successfully taken the AP Language Exam.</p>
<p>So, in not an easily measurable way, you’ll lessen your chances of admissions to Princeton (and other top “20” colleges) by choosing not to continue with your language studies through AP Spanish. If you’re likely to receive a “low” grade (less than B) in AP Spanish then you’re probably right in being concerned in whether taking it is prudent. But if a B or higher is likely then I encourage to rethink the decision of “not” taking it, or in taking the SAT II Spanish as a way of compensating.</p>
<p>Once you’re at AP level you’ll read more of the language’s literature, become more familiar with the culture surrounding the language etc., and that is where the “4” year recommendation comes from.</p>
<p>Princeton states it as an “expectation” not a requirement, meaning it is possible to get in with only three. Nevertheless, you should assume that most who get admitted will have four in language and that someone who applies with three but could have easily taken the fourth level at his high school will have a point that they will consider as being against his admission. Note, as to taking a fourth level at CC rather than AP in high school, that probably would not make a big difference.</p>
<p>I am aware that Princeton is a selective school, it’s sort of why I’m stressing about whether or not to take another year. The main thing I’m worried about is keeping up with the literature. Sometimes I struggle translating what books are saying, while others taking the same course seem to be able to translate it. I’ve managed to keep an A in all of my Spanish classes up to this point, but seeing next year I’d be taking AP, I’m not sure how different the pace would be and whether or not I could keep up and on top of that, I’d be taking 3 AP’s, plus extracurriculars that take up a lot of time. If I end up not taking the fourth year, I will compensate by taking the SAT II Spanish Test. But from what I’ve heard, I might take the fourth year AND the SAT II Spanish.</p>