How important is Foreign Language?

<p>I'm currently a high school junior in the process of registering for my classes next year.
I took two years of French already and I want to know how important it is to have 3 or more years of a single foreign language for college admissions? Is it really a bonus to have this on your transcript? I am applying to Brown E.D. and on their website, they recommend having three of more years of a foreign language. However, I really do not want to take another year of French, especially since it is not required in my state. Has any one else been accepted to any school with minimal years of foreign language? & do you think 3 years or more hurt or help your application package?
-Thank you!</p>

<p>Someone who selects their courses based on state minimums doesn’t belong at Brown anyway.</p>

<p>Take French- 2 years is not enough.
-my £0.02</p>

<p>While I agree with posts #2 and 3, lack of a 3rd or 4th year of a foreign language isn’t going to keep an otherwise compelling applicant out of Brown, especially if they had a strong reason for stopping at two years. I don’t consider “not required in my state” to be a strong reason.</p>

<p>I think almost all applicants to Brown will have 3, if not 4, years of a foreign language. A significant percentage of applicants might know one or more languages at fairly good levels of proficiency. Besides, there is no guarantee you would be admitted to Brown anyway, and many other schools do require 3-4 years of a language. </p>

<p>Many other schools will have a degree requirement for 2 years of a foreign language (at the college level). Fours years of a language in high school might allow you to test out of all or part of that requirement. Otherwise, you’ll be required to take those language courses once you enter college, and you’ll probably like those courses even less than you do now. Also, if you major in a humanities field, a reading knowledge of a language of scholarship usually is required for admission to graduate programs. Applicants who have better preparation in languages often have an edge in admission. If you major in certain social science fields, e.g., international relations, a language will be required, too, and, in that case, the equivalent of at least three years might be required. </p>

<p>If you don’t like French, switch to a different language.</p>

<p>^ Bad advice. OP is a junior. Colleges don’t want to see two years of one language and one of another. Much better to step up and take the third year, for admission purposes, at least.</p>

<p>If they recommend it, then take it. I’m guessing there are plenty of other classes you would rather not take that they require too. I wouldn’t say not taking another year will necessarily destroy you, but it could see it hurting your chances especially against all those other people who took 3-4 years of a foreign language.</p>

<p>it is recommended but not necessary. obviously it’s better if you take it, but you might still have a chance if you don’t. and don’t switch to another language. there’s no point. it won’t help your chances.</p>

<p>Thank you so much! I was just wondering because I’m already a native French Speaker and Reader. I just can not write very well.
Thank you so much for all of the advice. (:
Yeah, I’m deff. taking it next year.</p>

<p>To be competitive for ivies, 4 years of foreign language is recommended.</p>

<p>Well, if you don’t want to take another year, have you considered taking a Subject Test to demonstrate your proficiency? You might do well at the French Listening… Though I do think it’s probably best to take another year. JMO, and best of luck whatever you decide</p>

<p>And then I notice you already made a decision. Well nice :)</p>