In need of some advice!

Pre-College Issues High School Life
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<p>Hello everyone! This is my first post so go easy on me...</p>

<p>I'm in a bit of a dilemma with my second language requirement. I have taken Japanese at a community college and have expectantly passed with a grade that will definitely hurt my GPA. But I need my credit for a second language (since I currently have none).
My school offers Spanish and German and I will be taking Spanish next year (Junior) and should finish the requirements needed to graduate by senior year. However, I'm aiming to get into UPenn, Stanford, JHU, etc. in the medical field. I understand that these colleges favor more than 2 years of foreign language.
Will the second language deeply affect my chances if I don't take more than the required? Should I still submit my Japanese grade if that will also lower my class rank (#1)? Or should I take Spanish?
Spanish is also a class where I have friends who can help me while I have no such resources when taking Japanese. However, I am able to take 3 years of Japanese. I am asian... </p>

<p>Please advise me on the best course of action. Thank you so much!</p>

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<p>From what I understand, colleges like those prefer 3+ years of the same language, though 2 of 1 language and 1 of another may be acceptable (and if you’re considering the medical field, chances are your science will be more important to them and it’d be clear that your passions lie there). 2 years may not be enough unless you have other “hooks.” I wouldn’t think so much about dropping from number 1, since class rank tends to be imprecise either way. If you’re capable of being number 1, the colleges should see that. They don’t accept number 1 students for kicks - those students are generally the sort who would do well in college, and they would do well whether they’re number 1 or lower.</p>

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<p>Okay…that helps. Thank you!</p>