Importance of Foreign Language

So, I’ve seen that many colleges recommend at least 3 years of foreign language. If I’m going to a school for chemical engineering, or a technical school, is that really important? I really want to take more math classes (specifically Differential Equations) next year, but with these classes I just won’t have space. Which would be considered more important, or would have a greater impact on my chances? Thanks in advance to anyone who replies!

It is smart to meet the recommendations the colleges set forth even if it is not in the area you plan on going into. Talk to your guidance counselor. There are many threads on this topic if you search CC.

I believe that in our state (the UCs), they require 2 years of language to get in – but 3 to graduate. Or 3 is “recommended” and with how competitive everything is these days, it’s best to meet the recommended amount, not just the minimums. Therefore, it’s easiest to just take the 3 years now.

Also, I’ve read in books written by former admissions counselors that HYPMS, Ivy, Ivy wannabe elites actually like to see FOUR years of a foreign language!

So I’m requiring all of my kids to do a minimum of 3, but pressuring them to do 4. However my current senior adamantly refused to do a 4th year – and so far he’s having a lot of success with college acceptances – and he’s a STEM guy.

Just re-read your post, OP. I’ll add that he did do linear last semester and is doing differential now. So who knows what’s more important – the foreign language or the differential? But he already had 3 years + the linear/differential – he just didn’t have a 4th year of language.

Thanks everyone! I’m going to try and swing both. It’ll be tough, but I’ll find a way haha. Thank god for summer classes!