<p>It's course selection time, and the courses I want to take are different from my parents view of what I should take. I am a high school junior, with good grades; and estimated GPA of 3.9.
Science has always been an interest in mine, as well as the serious art courses offered at my school
However, l can not stand my language classes and would love not to have to deal with taking them next year. I'd love to instead take an extra AP Math or Science course, of which there are many interesting courses at my school.
I am looking into different small engineering or even liberal arts schools. On many of their web pages I've found that they recommend at least two, maybe three years of language. Some specify three years of the same language.
I took Spanish 2 freshmen year, hated it so much and switched to Latin one for Sophomore year, and I am currently in Latin 2.
Is it really that important that I take a third year of Latin?</p>
<p>No. It is more important that you pursue your interests. You will do better in your classes, and you will learn more. You will notice that none of the LACs use the word “required” on their websites. That is because many people have conflicts in their schedules and can’t fit in all of the classes that they might like to take. If you have met your school district’s graduation requirement, then you can quit the language business now. Talk with your guidance counselor about the scheduling conflicts that you are facing for next year. Make sure that he/she knows which classes you want to “win” in those conflicts.</p>
<p>I disagree with the above poster. You should take three consecutive years of a foreign language. When they recommend something, it’s essentially a requirement (unless, of course, you’re an athlete or otherwise desirable).</p>
<p>Agree with glassesarechic. Take the 3 consecutive years. Many colleges require 3 years - why limit your options? My son missed six months of his junior year in the hospital and still graduated from high school a semester early. Unfortunately, we weren’t paying attention to the language requirement of a lot of schools and he ended up short on Spanish. He could have taken another year at his #1 choice uni, but didn’t want to have to pick it up after a year off. He ended up at his second choice school, where he is quite happy, but it is much lower ranked than his first choice. I guess my point is a lot of the more selective schools will require the language.</p>
<p>Less important than 4 years</p>