Hello! I am currently planning to only take 2 years of Foreign language (French). I am a sophomore in High School. I plan to apply to selective schools like JHU, MIT, Stanford, Princeton, etc. I read that it is recommended that an applicant takes at least 3 years of a foreign language. However, I am very fluent in speaking 2 other languages that aren’t American English.
I plan to major and minor in STEM. I am using the open slots from my foreign language to catch up in math and science. I really need those schedule slots.
Math: Algebra I CP → Geometry H + Algebra II H → Math Analysis H (Summer) → AP Calculus AB → AP Calculus BC + AP Statistics.
Science: Env Science CP → Biology H + Chemistry H → AP Biology + AP Physics I → AP Chemistry.
English and History + Social Studies are all covered in normal progression. My foreign language is cut short to only 2 years…
How will taking only 2 years as opposed to 3 or 4 years affect my college application? Is there some kind of test I can take to prove that I am fluent in 2 other languages?
When schools look for foreign languages, they don’t care as much about fluency as they do about you taking the classes. They see it like they see other academic classes. It doesn’t matter if you’re a math genius, they still want you to take the classes.
Here’s the “recommendations” for your schools listed:
JHU- 4 years
MIT- 2 years
Stanford- 3+ years
Princeton- 4 years
Of course, anyone else will tell you that these are actually required. You can always take the SAT II tests for languages you know, but again, they’d rather you take the actual classes.
Makes sense @izrk02. Does this make it “impossible” for me to get in, or, does it put me at a heavy disadvantage compared to other applicants? Thanks!
You will be unnecessarily disadvantaging yourself by not having the recommended amount of courses.
You don’t need AP stats.
Not only would you be putting your application at a disadvantage, you could be inadvertently signaling that you only do things when they’re convenient, personally enjoyable, or of benefit to yourself. If you really only want two years of a language, your admissions outcomes will be improved if you stick to applying to schools that only require/reccomend two years.
I should have mentioned this before… What other language should I take in the first place? I took French IV as a freshman and AP French as a sophomore (taking it right now).
I would try to get the 3rd year of a foreign language (even of online if you need to).
With that said my D20 only had 3 years of a foreign language (last year online) and everyone we talked to said she needs to do 4 years for highly selective colleges. She ended up getting into a top 10 college anyways.
Harvard recommends 4 years but a kid we know got into H, Brown, Duke, UPenn etc regular decision with only 3 years.
But 3 years is not 2 years which is a little light unless you are exceptional in many other areas?
You don’t need AP stats. Take another year of foreign language instead.
Wait, I have taken the highest level of language already, AP French in my second year of foreign language at HS (sophomore year). What should I even take for the third year?
I am not good at French (at all) to be honest, even though I pulled off low A’s, it is not a subject I really want to study. The teacher just makes it worse. However, I do see the fact that highly selective colleges like to see 3 - 4 years.
I really wanted to get ahead in math and science. Yes, I have gotten excellent grades in all my math and science classes, nothing below a 95% (A) until now. I’ve been doing well in English and History too, nothing below a 90% (A-) until now.
Looks like AP Statistics isn’t a top choice here. I guess I’ll drop it for a year of language. But, which language? Spanish I? German I? American Sign Language I? Chinese I? Latin I? Italian I? Any thoughts? Thanks!
I thought years of language is based on the level. This student will have AP French…so basically French 5…that will satisfy most(?) colleges’ FL requirements.
IMO it would not make sense for OP to start another language at level 1. That won’t add to their rigor. At all.
@myos1634 thoughts?
Wait, I hadn’t seen you’d taken French 4+AP already! That’s equivalent to level 5, so you’re good. 
Congratulations! You czn go ahead with your plan.
It would have been helpful if you mentioned initially that your “two years” were level 4 and 5(AP), rather than level 1 and 2 that most were probably assuming.
@Scientist101
This is the pre-Med high school question area. If you aren’t pre-Med, maybe this belongs in College Search and Selection or some other place.
Oops, I think I posted in the wrong forum. My apologies! I will keep in mind that I have to post in the correct forum next time. Sorry! 