Is switching a foreign language bad?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi everyone! </p>

<p>I took Spanish one and two my freshmen year in high school (we were on block scheduling) and I realized that I really don't want to continue my studies in that area. I really want to take ASL (American Sign Language) instead. I can duel enroll for ASL which in my high school, means the same thing as taking an AP class. The question I am really asking is; will it hurt my admission chances if I drop Spanish early on and switch for another language? I can only take ASL until ASL 2, so I will have four FL credits. </p>

<p>Side note: I am a straight A student, got A's all throughout Spanish. I want to go to an ivy league school (Dartmouth), but I'm extremely stressed out and nervous about this problem. </p>

<p>Thank you for your comments/ suggestions!</p>

2

<p>Many universities that want to see foreign language want to see at least the third (often preferably fourth) level of high school foreign language, or college courses that are equivalent to at least that level, or alternative ways of showing competency (e.g. AP test, record of education in a non-English speaking country, etc.).</p>

<p>Also, many universities have higher foreign language graduation requirements than admission requirements. E.g. second level in high school may be sufficient for admission, but third level in high school may be one of the ways to fulfill the graduation requirement.</p>

<p>Dartmouth admissions:
[Course</a> Selection](<a href=“Apply to Dartmouth | Dartmouth Admissions”>Apply to Dartmouth | Dartmouth Admissions)</p>

<p>Dartmouth Bachelor of Arts graduation requirements:
[Requirements</a> for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts](<a href=“This page has moved”>This page has moved)</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the quick reply! However, I will be taking another two foreign languages. I’ll be taking ASL one and two, so technically I’ll have four FL credits, right?</p>

4

<p>I forgot to mention that I am of Israeli descent and I can speak Hebrew fluently. Does that count towards anything?</p>

5

<p>^
You should take the SAT II in Hebrew and get a 750+ to show your fluency. Then they will probably waive the foreign language requirement.</p>

6

<p>Sadly, foreign language credits don’t quite work like that. Colleges want to see 3 to 4 credits in one foreign language, rather than 2 credits in one language and 2 in another. At least, that’s my knowledge about the college system. Perhaps I’m crazy (and maybe this is something only I would want to do) but would it be possible to take both foreign languages? Spanish for 3-4 years and ASL for 2. Colleges would love to see that!!! Showing dedication to separate linguistically discipline will truly set you apart. As it is, most high schools students dread taking one year and many dont even attempt to try a foreign language. It think it would help you stand out…</p>

<p>But maybe that’s just me…</p>

7

<p>I’m in a similar, yet abnormal situation. My school required me to take German through sophomore year. I got 3 credits (8th grade counted) in German (ultimately reaching and completing German 4) which is all I needed to graduate with honors. Junior year I took AP Spanish Language and got a 5 on the exam. I am not planning on taking any language classes senior year (No class above AP Spanish). Anyone have any input on my situation?</p>

8

<p>^
AP Spanish is the equivalent of a 4th year class. They’ll see you as having a full 4 years. They don’t care about the actual amount of years so much as the level.</p>

9

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<p>Looks very good – you have completed the fourth level of German and the equivalent of the fourth/higher level of Spanish.</p>

10

<p>Thanks guys.</p>