<p>I am considering not taking a fourth year of French during my senior year. Suffice it to say that my school lumps French 4 and French 5 students together in a non-AP course, in which some of the learned material will be the same from year to year, and I am more interested in taking other non-honors courses. I am mostly looking at top-tier liberal arts colleges (Pomona, Oberlin, Grinnell, Vassar, etc.), most of which only require three years of language, or "recommend" a fourth year. How much would this affect my chances of admission?</p>
<p>I dont think this will largely affect your chances. then its really hard to say. are you asking to major in french or are you planning on writing about a passion for french literature in your essay? if not you should be fine but i would consider you take another Honors class to replace your french class. that would surely benefit your chances as schools look for students who challenge themselves by taking the strongest classes throughout high school.</p>
<p>I think the follow through in your foreign language is important at the schools you list. If you don't like your school's offering take a summer course or program in the language or a community college class during your senior year. Then take the AP exam. Also remember that a high AP score will get you out of the language requirement at many colleges.</p>
<p>I'm definitely not going to major in French, and I doubt it will come up in my application. Also, my school offers very few honors courses senior year.
I'm also considering taking French through my community college.</p>