how much will no second language hurt?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>im taking french now and quite frankly its my lowest mark and im considering not taking it in grades 11 and 12. I can speak the language, but in terms of coursework and written exams I have much trouble.</p>

<p>My overall average will continually be lower, I know, if i keep going with the course. So should I drop in my last two years?</p>

<p>If not, how can i show proficiency in the language without taking the course through my school?</p>

<p>And to all those who say "keep with it," no thanks.</p>

<p>Essentially, Im trying to understand how much not taking a second language will count against me.</p>

<p>The rest of my courseload is heavy and filled with APs.</p>

2

<p>Interesting thread. I personally only know English, so I’m considering taking a second language…</p>

3

<p>If I am a college admission officer, I wouldn’t cross out the student’s name because he cannot speak another language.
But I don’t know the case for Harvard admission officer.</p>

4

<p>maybe another option is to take 2 years of french(which you have done already) and 2 years of another language. It’s not as favorable as 4 years of one language, but some people do it. </p>

<p>otherwise, drop the entire thing. I don’t think it’ll make or break your admissions.</p>

5

<p>I don’t know Harvard’s thoughts. But proficiency might be able to be shown through a fabulous French SAT II or AP Exam.</p>

<p>PS I am just wondering about your thread since your post history shows you as Valedictorian of your class last October (ie senior) and now you are wondering about your next two years of school (ie sophomore). CCers are more than willing to give advice but you need to make up your mind on who you are.</p>

6

<p>It is not the “proficiency” they want, it is the “discipline” to learn a variety of subjects. They want to see 4 years of a foreign language. Anything less, and your application has to be that much stronger in other areas.</p>

7

<p>Here is what you claimed in October on 4 different threads:

</p>

<p>Then in September on another thread about class schedule that your were a junior and had no AP’s year. Hmm 12 or 0, that is a big difference.</p>

8

<p>I’m pretty sure it’s not a huge deal, but having been through the whole thing I’m starting to get the impression that in the admissions process it’s really the little things that add up. Sort of like when you’re looking for a bf/gf, actually. Separately, no second language (or less-than-stellar looks/wealth/temper, according to the analogy) may notmake or break you, but if it affects the big picture it would probably work against you.</p>

<p>Having said that, I think you can probably start another language (though powerbomb said, it probably wouldn’t be best), OR participate in something French-related. You said your oral skills were alright…you could probably…I dunno, do you have French drama club at your school (We did)? Or go to France and go to summer camp or something, and then write about it for your essay. I don’t know, just a few ideas!</p>